Major Gifts Officer

Central Role

The Gifts Officer (GO) will join a talented fundraising team and will be primarily responsible for managing a portfolio of mid-level ($2,500-9,999) and major ($10,000+) individual and corporate donors and prospects. Reporting to the Chief Development Officer, the Gifts Officer is responsible for cultivating, stewarding, and securing mid-level, major, and planned gifts while expanding the donor pipeline.

Primary Responsibilities

Portfolio Management

Maintain and grow a portfolio of approximately 150 current and prospective individual and corporate donors. Manage the full life cycle of giving including identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of these donors and prospects

Help to set forecasts and meet ambitious monthly and annual benchmarks for donors in the GO portfolio

Solicit upgrades, multi-year commitments, and planned gifts when appropriate

Maintain donor recognition and underwriting listings and ensure electronic and printed recognition materials are accurate

Coordinate meetings between donors and artists during production runs

Ensure that Tessitura records for all portfolio files are meticulously maintained, including plan steps and contact reports

Communicate ticket requests to the Guest Services team as necessary

Proven ability to pivot quickly, adapt to evolving priorities, and work effectively in a dynamic, fast-paced environment

Willingness to share prospects and collaborate with senior leadership and fellow fundraisers to develop the most strategic path to a gift

Demonstrated ability to work closely with multiple internal stakeholders across departments, especially in high-touch donor strategies.

Prospect Discovery and Development

Attend select donor calls with the General Director, the Chief Development Officer, and/or others

Support the Chief Development Officer and the General Director & President’s major and leadership giving portfolio work, sending relevant reminders on next steps and renewal timelines, and drafting correspondence and/or written proposals, as necessary

Work closely with Development Team on the identification and growth of the Mid-Level and Major Gift Pipeline to expand size and scope of high-net-worth (HNW) prospects within the Opera’s donor pipeline

Coordinate with Director of Events on the execution of special events for major donors and prospects throughout the season and oversee pre-performance entertaining planning for major donors and prospects

Program Management

Work with the Development Operations team to consistently ensure up-to-date cash and revenue projections and reporting for all major and leadership giving files

Support the management of the Board of Directors as requested

Assist in the cultivation and stewardship of patrons at all levels as needed through email communications, writing newsletter articles, entertaining, and other public-facing opportunities

Related Duties as Assigned

Skills Desired and Qualifications

Education and Experience

3-5 years of front-line fundraising experience preferred

Demonstrated success in converting prospects into major donors, and experience in closing five-figure (or higher) gifts

Experience closing multi-year and planned gifts is preferred

Nuanced understanding of the importance of discretion and confidentiality when dealing with HNW individuals and families

Experience working with donor databases and wealth research software, especially Tessitura and iWave, is preferred

High level of proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

Ability to quickly and accurately create compelling proposals and written requests for support

Enthusiasm to embrace and exceed fundraising goals and KPIs as assigned

Specialized Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of opera and familiarity with Philadelphia’s philanthropic network a plus, or a willingness and appetite to learn more about the art form

Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative, creative, and team-oriented organizational culture

Familiarity with corporate, foundation, and planned giving vehicles

Outstanding interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills, including the ability to listen carefully and target communications to the specific interests of varied audiences

Familiarity with and adherence ethical fundraising best practices

Entrepreneurial and proactive work ethic; thrives on accountability, ownership, and exceeding goals. Able to self-manage

Tenacious and energetic approach to fundraising, including active prospecting and follow-through

Comfort managing ambiguity, with a mindset of “getting things done” through resourcefulness and initiative

Results-oriented and disciplined approach to work, with impeccable attention to detail

Demonstrated creativity and strategic thinking, with the ability to take initiative and the willingness to learn

Excellent organizational skills and ability to prioritize workload in a timely manner to complete assignments when faced with competing deadlines

Professional manner and appearance in representing Opera Philadelphia at all times

Evening and weekend availability required, especially around performances