Director of Development

Director of Development

Opera San José seeks a passionate and focused fundraising professional to join its expanding patron-facing team and lead the efforts of the Development department. We are looking for an experienced, resourceful, and dynamic individual with a strong track record of soliciting and securing major gifts exceeding $5,000. You will be responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive fundraising strategies to support Opera San José's artistic and educational programs.

Your skill set includes:

• Strong ability to plan and execute long-term fundraising and development strategies
• Skilled in building and maintaining meaningful relationships with donors and stakeholders
• Experience leading and motivating teams to achieve shared goals
• Great listener with strong interpersonal skills that foster trust and connection
• Goal-oriented mindset with the ability to track progress and drive results
• Self-starter who takes initiative and follows projects through to completion
• Clear and persuasive communicator who can inspire engagement and support through compelling messaging

In its 43^rd season, Opera San José is one of the leading cultural institutions in Silicon Valley and is distinctive in maintaining a Resident Company of artists. With a $7M budget and an annual fundraising goal of $5M, the company's mission is to incubate talent and innovation across the field.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy to meet annual fundraising goals, with a strong focus on major gifts.
• Lead, mentor, and supervise a development team of three, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and professional growth.
• Identify, cultivate, and solicit individual donors capable of making major gifts of $5,000 and above.
• Build and maintain relationships with major donors, ensuring their ongoing engagement and investment in Opera San José's mission.
• Work cross-functionally with the General Director, Board of Directors, and artistic, marketing, patron experience, and finance teams to align fundraising efforts with the organization’s strategic goals.
• Plan and execute donor cultivation and stewardship events, including OSJ travel program.
• Attend all mainstage performances and other key events to support donor cultivation
• Prepare and present regular reports on fundraising progress and major gift solicitation outcomes to the Board of Directors.
• Collaborate with marketing and patron experience teams to develop materials and strategies that support fundraising efforts.
• Collaborate with the Patron Operations Manager to ensure the ongoing maintenance of the fundraising database.

Requirements for Consideration

• 5 years of development experience, including gift cultivation and solicitation.
• Experience making asks and closing major and planned gifts.
• Demonstrated success leading, mentoring, and developing high-performing teams in a cross-functional environment.
• Understanding of and commitment to professional fundraising ethical standards.
• Exceptional customer service and relationship-building skills.
• Strategic thinking, planning, and timely execution skills.
• Strong written and verbal skills with the ability to communicate clearly, calmly, and efficiently with company members, donors and patrons, guest artists, musicians, and trustees.
• Excellent project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects independently and simultaneously in a busy environment. Maintain strong judgment, discretion, and integrity under stressful circumstances.
• Ability to work some evenings and weekend hours and to travel around the Bay Area as needed.
• Passion for and knowledge of the performing arts.
• Ability to analyze and synthesize complex data.
• Working knowledge of Word and Excel, Google Suite, CRMs/Donor Databases.
• The ability to assert influence in ensuring deadlines are met and leadership stays on track to meet critical deliverables or communication timelines.
• Demonstrated track record of handling a variety of constituencies and multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Contribute to the overall success of the organization by working together to achieve the mission. Develop and maintain a sensitivity to employee diversity and demonstrate cultural competence in the workplace.

Compensation

Salary Range- $110,000-$130,000.

This position is classified as salaried exempt, which will be paid an annual salary and is not eligible for overtime pay. This position is eligible for company benefits, which currently include 15 days vacation, generous sick and holiday time, 403b savings with a 3% match, employer-sponsored health plans with a shared premium, and pre-tax flexible spending accounts. Professional development opportunities are available and encouraged for all employees. Benefits may change from time to time as Management determines

Work Location

This position has the flexibility to work a hybrid schedule with work being done both remotely and on-site at Opera San José's offices at 2149 Paragon Drive, San Jose, CA, and on performance days, at the California Theatre Box Office at 345 S 1st Street, San Jose CA. There are 20 performances annually, which are evenings or weekend matinees. Travel around the Bay Area for additional donor events will also be expected.

Company Culture

Opera San José, in desiring a more equitable world, is committed to fostering equity in our art form. Opera in the twenty-first century can and should demonstrate today's values of equity and inclusion. We believe in building, fostering and sustaining a company that reflects, celebrates and serves the diverse communities of the Bay Area. Opera San José cultivates a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork and respect among all employees. We are firmly committed to maintaining a work atmosphere in which people of diverse backgrounds may grow personally and professionally.

Opera San José is an equal opportunity employer. It is our strong belief that equal opportunity for all employees is central to the continuing success of our organization. We will not discriminate against an employee or applicant for employment because of race, religion, gender, national origin, ethnicity, age, physical disabilities, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, or veteran status in hiring, promoting, training, benefits, recommendations, rate of pay or other forms of compensation. Opportunity is provided to all employees based on qualifications and job requirements.