DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

Position Overview

The Development Director is responsible for facilitating donor engagement and generating revenue for Tacoma Opera. This is a hands-on position where the Development Director is directly accountable for building relationships with donors and earning money to support the organization's mission and growth.

This is a part-time, two-year hybrid position with the possibility of extension by mutual agreement. The role combines in-person work—including donor meetings, cultivation events, and community engagement—with remote work for administrative tasks and planning. The Development Director reports directly to General Director Limuel Forgey and works closely with the Director of Finance and the Board of Trustees.

Primary Focus: Building donor excitement and securing gifts for our 60th anniversary celebration in 2028. We are scaling up donor relationships now to establish a stronger financial foundation, with a goal of raising $2 million by 2028.

Note: In a growing organization like ours, the General Director handles many functions. The Development Director must be self-directed, resourceful, and ready to take ownership of the development function from day one.

Three-Tiered Development Goals

1. Ensure a One-Year Operating Reserve: Build financial sustainability by establishing reserves sufficient to cover one full year of operating expenses.

2. Raise $2 Million by 2028: Lead comprehensive fundraising initiatives culminating in our 60th anniversary celebration.

3. Build a Sustaining Financial Model: Develop strategies to deepen engagement with current donors while cultivating new supporters, creating a diversified and sustainable funding base.

Revenue Streams

The Development Director will initiate and manage multiple giving streams:

● Major Gifts: Cultivate, solicit, and steward individual donors capable of significant contributions

● Recurring Gifts: Build a base of monthly and annual sustaining donors who provide predictable revenue

● Micro Giving: Develop accessible giving opportunities that engage a broad base of supporters at all levels

● One-Time Gifts: Maximize campaign and appeal response through effective messaging and stewardship

● Corporate Sponsorships: Develop sponsorship packages and cultivate business partnerships

● Legacy Giving (Planned Gifts): Establish and grow a legacy giving program that invites supporters to include Tacoma Opera in their wills, trusts, and estate plans

Note on Grant Writing: While grant writing is not exclusively a part of this role, the Development Director will work closely with our grant writer and development team to help facilitate and strategize grant opportunities, ensuring a collaborative approach to securing foundation and government funding.

Core Responsibilities

Donor Engagement & Revenue Generation

● Personally identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors at all giving levels

● Conduct donor meetings, cultivation events, and solicitation visits

● Develop and execute strategies that directly generate contributed revenue

● Create and manage donor engagement activities including backstage experiences, special events, and personalized stewardship

Legacy Giving Program

● Establish Tacoma Opera's legacy giving program to secure planned gifts and bequests

● Identify and cultivate prospects for legacy giving

● Create marketing materials and host informational sessions about planned giving options

● Track and steward legacy giving intentions and commitments

Campaign & Event Management

● Work closely with the Capriccio gala team to create the biggest impact and opportunity for our annual fundraising gala

● Oversee donor events and special campaigns throughout the year

● Leverage the Wagner Ring Cycle project to engage new donors nationally

● Ensure all events and campaigns generate measurable revenue

Corporate Partnerships

● Develop corporate sponsorship packages and cultivate business partnerships

● Identify and pursue corporate giving opportunities

Board & Leadership Partnership

● Partner with the General Director in cultivation and solicitation of major donors

● Work closely with the Director of Finance on revenue tracking and financial planning

● Collaborate with the Board Development Committee to strengthen fundraising participation

● Provide regular reporting on development activities, revenue progress, and pipeline status

Communications & Outreach

● Create donor-facing materials and campaign messaging

● Serve as an ambassador for Tacoma Opera in the broader arts and philanthropic communities