Chief Development Officer

Chief Development Officer Overview

Ushering in a new era at Opera Philadelphia (OP), the organization seeks an innovative, dynamic, and seasoned Chief Development Officer (CDO) to spearhead growth in contributed revenue and institutionalize best practices in fundraising. A key member of the senior leadership team, the CDO will work in close partnership with the General Director & President (GD) to implement bold strategies aligned with the organization’s vision for artistic expansion and long-term financial health.

With a proven track record of planning, execution, and relationship-building, the CDO will lead efforts to enhance donor engagement and align philanthropic resources with OP’s strategic priorities. The ideal candidate will bring leadership, creativity, high-level fundraising and risk-taking to the country’s most innovative and forward-thinking opera company.

Position Summary

The CDO reports directly to the new GD and serves as a visionary partner-actively shaping and carrying out strategic development initiatives. As a key collaborator, the CDO will work closely with the Finance and Marketing teams to build cross-functional strategies and develop comprehensive plans that align operations with fundraising goals.

The CDO will excel at financial modeling, setting annual and long-term projections, and creating strategies for sustainable fundraising growth. A mature and sophisticated communicator, the CDO will engage with board members, donors, and external partners, building relationships that inspire transformative giving. The position requires a combination of high-level strategy and hands-on leadership in frontline fundraising, with the ability to maintain a personal portfolio of major donors and prospects.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising Strategy & Execution

• Develop annual and multi-year fundraising plans across individual, institutional, major gifts, planned giving, events, and campaigns.
• Craft compelling cases for support that align donor interests with OP’s artistic and strategic goals.
• Work closely with the GD to ensure that his fundraising efforts are guided and tracked strategically;
• In collaboration with the GD and outside counsel, oversee private and public phases of a comprehensive campaign to coincide with the organization’s 50th anniversary.
• Create sophisticated materials for major gift solicitations, sponsorships, corporate partnerships, and leadership campaign gifts.
• Personally manage a significant portfolio, soliciting and closing major gifts to meet fundraising goals.
• Attend performances, events and social gatherings to grow relationships with donors and prospects.

Systems, Infrastructure, & Data Management

• Improve donor management systems, including Moves Management, to ensure continuous, accurate tracking of donor engagement and activity.
• Oversee and expand the prospect research program, broadening the base of individual and institutional support.
• Reinvigorate and grow the Planned Giving program, designing attractive benefits and engagement opportunities.

Collaboration & Communication

• Work closely with the Marketing department to integrate subscriber and ticket buyer data into donor strategies, enhancing engagement and fundraising opportunities.
• Work with the Marketing department to develop content and messaging that can be used broadly;
• Coordinate with the Finance team to align contributed revenue targets with strategic plans and develop long-term financial models.
• Partner with the GD on strategic planning initiatives, ensuring alignment between fundraising and broader organizational goals.

Board Engagement & Committee Leadership

• Collaborate with Board leadership to support standing committees, including Development, Governance & Nominating, Strategic Planning, and Campaign committees.
• Identify and cultivate new board prospects, expanding the pool of potential members.
• Leverage the talents of board members to support frontline fundraising efforts, engaging them in high-level donor cultivation and stewardship activities.
• Attend all board and relevant committee meetings, presenting fundraising updates and innovations.

Team Leadership & Performance Management

• Lead, mentor, and manage a Development team of eight, setting work plans, performance goals, and financial targets.
• Provide guidance and training to staff, fostering a high-performance culture centered on continuous improvement and professional growth.
• Establish clear departmental objectives to grow Annual Fund revenue by $1M over the next two years and increase overall annual support by 25%.
• Develop and oversee a robust strategy to re-engage the lapsed donors and secure renewed and increased support.

Event Strategy & Execution

• Provide strategic oversight of all donor events, including the annual Gala, to enhance engagement and maximize giving opportunities.
• Develop templates for donor cultivation and prospect events, ensuring smooth execution and alignment with development goals.

Experience & Attributes

• Leadership & Fundraising Expertise: At least 7 years of experience in a senior development role within a high-performing arts organization.
• Major Gifts & Sponsorship Expertise: Proven success in soliciting and securing 6 and 7-figure individual and corporate gifts.
• Board & Staff Collaboration: Demonstrated ability to work effectively with board committees, volunteers, and cross-functional staff.
• Event Planning: Significant experience planning and executing cultivation events, stewardship programs, and high-profile galas.
• Strategic Planning & Budgeting: Expertise in short- and long-term planning and developing budgets that align with strategic priorities.
• Data-Driven Fundraising: Deep knowledge of fundraising systems and the ability to use data to shape strategy and decision-making at all levels of individual giving.
• Communication Skills: Exceptional written and oral communication abilities, including experience presenting to boards and stakeholders.
• Relationship Management: Strong interpersonal skills with a talent for inspiring staff, volunteers, and donors to build lasting relationships.
• Team Leadership: Experience hiring, managing, mentoring, and evaluating staff to achieve ambitious goals.
• Financial Acumen: Strong experience with budget creation, tracking, and financial reporting, ensuring transparency and accountability.
• Technology Proficiency: Proficiency with fundraising software and digital tools to enhance operational efficiency. Experience with Tessitura a plus.
• Passion for Performing Arts & Innovation: A deep appreciation for music and the performing arts, with a commitment to artistic risk-taking and creative fundraising solutions.

A bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience and at least seven years of successful fundraising experience within an institution on a growth trajectory is preferred for this role. Opera Philadelphia will consider candidates with a broad range of backgrounds. If you are excited about this role and feel that you can contribute to Opera Philadelphia, but your experience does not exactly align with every qualification listed above, we encourage you to apply.

Salary, Benefits & Culture

The annual salary range for this position is $170,000 -190,000 and all employees enjoy a hybrid work environment, with in-office work two days a week. Opera Philadelphia offers a comprehensive package of benefits including Health Insurance (Medical, Dental, Vision), Retirement Savings Plan (403b), Paid Time off (Vacation, PTO, Holidays), and Paid Parental Leave. As one of the premier performing arts institutions in Philadelphia, the organization strives to reflect the wonderful communities and people who reflect the region. The team is comprised of passionate believers in the power of opera to change lives and communities, and the importance of opera in our cultural landscape. We celebrate diversity, and continually strive to foster a positive, flexible, engaging work environment.

Opera Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. We are committed to the principle of anti-racism and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All hiring decisions are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications. We do not discriminate in our process based on race, color, religion or belief, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or family status. Opera Philadelphia strongly encourages individuals from historically marginalized communities to apply.