DESCRIPTION
The Development Director (DD) serves as the Chief Development Officer at Gulfshore Opera, working to identify individuals and organizations at all giving levels, focusing on those with the potential to make transformative gifts to the organization. This position allows the company to transition from an outside Development Consulting Firm to a new in-house executive staff member. Since September, a thorough analysis of current operations has been conducted. We have designed and implemented strategic changes to enhance efficiency and overall organizational health, executed through our Etapestry software. The DD will ensure that patrons are systematically engaged through all phases of the fundraising cycle, from donor qualification to effective solicitation and stewardship. This position will work closely with the staff and leadership of the company to develop unique funding opportunities for donors and take a leadership role in developing grant proposals for arts funding organizations. The DD will manage special gift initiatives, such as the annual fundraising gala, the GO Maestro Club, and the President’s Council, and develop and manage corporate and individual underwriting opportunities for mainstage performers, artists, and productions. The ideal candidate will have an arts administration background, excellent communication skills, a love for performing arts, and a proven track record of successfully managing a development office/program.
Join Us!
We are looking for a talented, passionate, and dedicated individual eager to contribute to the growing cultural landscape of Southwest Florida through our mission.
At GO, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace.
Key Responsibilities
- Donor Cultivation and Stewardship: Develop and maintain strong relationships with donors, patrons, and prospective supporters through personalized engagement strategies, including one-on-one meetings, events, and communication outreach. A particular focus will be new and younger patrons, with many new people moving to the area.
- Major Gift Solicitation: Identify, qualify, and solicit major gift prospects with the capacity to make significant financial contributions to Gulfshore Opera. Create tailored solicitation strategies and proposals to secure major gifts in support of GO's fundraising priorities.
- Proposal Development: Collaborate with staff and senior leadership to create compelling funding proposals, impact reports, and case statements that articulate the GO mission, vision, and funding needs to major donors, government grant offices, foundations, and philanthropic partners.
- Donor Recognition and Benefits: Working with the Development Manager (who oversees donor appreciation), ensure donors receive appropriate recognition, stewardship, and benefits per GO's donor acknowledgment policies. Coordinate exclusive experiences for major donors to deepen their engagement with the organization.
- Collaboration and Teamwork: The DD is assisted by the Development Manager and office administrative assistant, who collaborates with the General Director, Board of Directors, Ambassadors, and other internal stakeholders to achieve fundraising goals and advance the GO mission and strategic objectives. Duties include participation in regular team meetings and strategy sessions, attendance at all events, concerts, and productions, and oversight of fundraising aspects of the annual gala and fundraising activities at all special events.
- Reporting: Provides detailed fundraising progress reports to the General Director and Board of Directors.
- Prospect Research and Pipeline Management: Oversee and work with the Development Manager and office assistant to maintain accurate donor records and gift documentation in ETapestry (a Blackbaud product), the organization's donor database, to track donor interactions, solicitations, and gift commitments.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, arts administration, fundraising, and/or related field (Master's degree preferred).
- Minimum of 4 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising (performing arts preferred), focusing on major gifts and individual giving.
- Proven track record of soliciting and closing gifts from individual donors, foundations, grant providers, and corporate partners.
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to cultivate meaningful relationships with donors, stakeholders, and community leaders.
- Evidence of effective team participation and collaboration beyond the boundaries of the role.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate the GO mission, programs, and impact to diverse audiences.
- Knowledge of fundraising best practices, donor cultivation strategies, and moves management techniques.
- Proficiency in donor management software and CRM systems (ETapestry, Blackbaud) for donor tracking, reporting, and analysis.
- Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, to attend donor events, performances, and meetings as needed.
- Knowledge of opera is a plus, but a passion for the performing arts is essential.
- Due to GO’s geographic reach, the ability to drive up to one hour each way to events is essential.
Compensation and Benefits
The starting salary for a candidate who meets the position's minimum requirements is $90,000 (fiscal year July 1 - June 30), with a yearly salary review based on predetermined key performance indicators. We offer the following benefits to full-time employees, including:
- Relocation allowance is negotiable if moving from outside a 100-mile radius.
- Generous paid time off, including vacation, wellness, parental leave, scheduled and flexible holidays
- Flexible work schedule
- Free tickets to our mainstage and community productions and events
- Gas stipend for work travel outside a 60-mile radius from GO Headquarters.
Equal Opportunity
Gulfshore Opera is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees, providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at GO are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, regardless of race, color, religion or belief, national, social, or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws or regulations. GO will not tolerate discrimination or harassment of any kind. GO encourages applicants of all ages.
About Gulfshore Opera
Gulfshore Opera was founded in 2014 by General Director Steffanie Pearce, who brings over 30 years of experience in the field of opera. She is a producer, director, performer, and teacher of the great art form and has performed worldwide. The mission of GO is to enrich the community of Southwest Florida by presenting accessible, high-quality, diverse vocal music performances with classically trained artists and to create a positive social impact through a youth development choral program and a regional emerging artist program.
Gulfshore Opera is a growing Level Three opera company (according to Opera America guidelines) and the only touring opera company in Florida. It serves communities across Charlotte, Lee, and Collier counties, offering accessible and affordable high-quality productions, supportive community events, and friendly social activities for the general public. GO Community Engagement Programs enrich the lives of a diverse Southwest Florida community through various creative activities, including the free after-school “Harmony Choir,” a youth development program that serves marginalized young people in partnership with established after-school programs.
GO actively engages in public and private vocal music-based events and performances during the High Season, the winter months from November through May, with opportunities for some community initiatives during the summer. For the upcoming season, the company plans two touring Chamber opera productions at smaller venues and one fully staged performance of Grand Opera at the two premier performance venues in Southwest Florida. GO is the only company presenting full-scale grand operas at the two leading professional venues in SWFL. This season’s Grand Opera was Turandot, with a cast of over 130 performers and musicians. It was the largest regionally produced show ever in SWFL, and the Naples performance exceeded all previous box office records for a single opera performance regionally.
In addition, GO is known for its fun and friendly social events, including community concerts and “The Taste of Opera” dinners in public and private venues across three counties, providing affordable and accessible opportunities for patrons to enjoy high-quality vocal music close to their homes.
Gulfshore Opera is headquartered in Estero, the midpoint of its region, and operates with a small staff, an external marketing consultant, and a board of directors to support the general director and founder. It is registered with Opera America and has a platinum GuideStar/Candid rating. GO has completed all goals outlined in a five-year strategic plan for growth and direction, and a new five-year plan was recently approved. The company is debt-free and has an established endowment fund.
GO is passionate about building and sustaining an inclusive and equitable working environment for all company members.
