Chief Philanthropy Officer

Theatre Under The Stars; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Theatre Under The Stars in Houston, TX seeks a Development Director to lead our fundraising strategy, design a comprehensive development plan, and oversee the contributed revenue budget for operations and events. You will guide a team of development officers and staff to achieve ambitious fundraising goals.

You will work with the Executive Director and Board to expand major gifts, steward donors, manage campaigns, and build strong community partnerships.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field with substantial fundraising experience.
• Master’s degree is a plus.
• 5+ years of not-for-profit fundraising and grant writing experience.
• Strong relationship-building and exemplary oral and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive annual development plan with deadlines and guidelines.
• Develop and monitor the annual contributed revenue and expense budget.
• Recruit and lead the Development team and assign fund development goals.
• Integrate the Capital Campaign Plan into short and long-term fund needs.
• Research prospects across corporate, foundation, individual, and public sectors.
• Grow mid-level and major gifts programs, including donor cultivation and planned giving.
• Collaborate with the Board and committees; provide fundraising coaching to Board members.
• Provide staff development and cultivate partnerships with management, Board, and community.
• Attend professional development and participate in special events as needed.
• Monitor metrics versus budget and adapt to economic conditions.

Skills

Team leadership

Donor relations

Fundraising

Communication

Prospect research

Budget management

Board relations

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Master's degree (plus)

Tools

Tessitura

Word

Excel

Job description

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• In conjunction with the Executive Director and in alignment with our initiatives, create, develop, and implement a comprehensive annual development plan that includes a calendar of deadlines, strategies, and guidelines for annual operating support.
• Develop and monitor the annual contributed revenue and expense budget, including general department operations and special events.
• Effectively recruit and lead the daily activities of the Development team (made up of Development Officers with portfolios including individuals, corporate giving, foundations, government support/relations, and administrative support team members) concerning specific areas of focus, including, but not limited to, the assignment and monitoring of fund development goals for each team member, ensuring that staff remain focused on departmental and organizational plans and strategies.
• Working with the Executive Director and Board to integrate the Capital Campaign Plan into the short and long-term annual fund needs of the organization.
• Research corporate, foundation, individual donor, and public sector prospects.
• Grow mid-level and major gifts programs, including identification, cultivation, and solicitation of donors, including but not limited to planned giving strategies.
• Collaborate with the Board of Directors and standing sub-committees as needed.
• Develop the fundraising competency through ongoing training and development of staff.
• Provides fundraising coaching and direction to Board members as appropriate.
• Facilitate the growth and personal development of direct reports, focusing on building a collaborative, proactive mentality.
• Cultivate strong partnerships with the management team, Board, and community members.
• Attend professional development courses/seminars/workshops as they relate to Institutional Advancement and communications (provide opportunities for staff enrichment).
• Through support and management of the Development team:
• Identify, cultivate, and steward donors by responding to all gifts promptly with the appropriate communication and documentation.
• Provide appropriate support to the Development Committee Chair, Board members, and other community partners as needed to carry out the functions of the committee and cultivate board engagement.
• Perform any duties and support functions as directed by the Executive Director.
• Monitor actual versus budgeted metrics and report accordingly.
• Monitor economic conditions that impact major gifts and other philanthropic efforts.
• Participate in community events as appropriate.
• Always be a professional representative of the company.
• Participate in all TUTS special events.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Undergraduate degree in a related field with considerable experience in fundraising, public relations, communications, or related area, with an understanding of non-profit organizations.
• A master’s or other graduate degree is a plus.
• Knowledge of basic non-profit development principles and practices with a minimum of 5 years not for profit fundraising and grant writing experience. Experience in Tessitura is a plus.
• Strong commitment to exemplary relationship building, customer service, and exceptional oral and written communication skills is mandatory.
• Professional, articulate, and exceptional networking skills.
• Ability to engage in prospect research and identify new donors.
• Ability to listen effectively to assist staff and volunteers in identifying and resolving challenges with creativity and efficiency.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and maintain a sound perspective, essential for maintaining healthy relationships with co-workers.
• Knowledge of Windows products, including Word and Excel.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability and commitment to working with diverse groups in terms of gender expression, race, sexual orientation, religion, ability, age, class, and immigrant status.