Director of Philanthropy

Tuts; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Theatre Under The Stars (TUTS) seeks a Director of Philanthropy to advance individual giving from mid-level to major gifts, partnering with the Chief Philanthropy Officer. You will manage donor portfolios, guide strategy, and oversee the Gift Officer to expand philanthropic support.

Ideal candidates bring 5+ years in nonprofit fundraising, a track record of five- and six-figure gifts, and strong communication skills for stakeholder engagement. Evening/weekend events may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.
• Minimum five years of nonprofit fundraising, with a focus on individual and major gifts.
• Proven success soliciting five- and six-figure gifts.
• Track record of meeting or exceeding annual individual giving goals.
• Supervisory experience coaching frontline fundraisers.
• Strong communication skills, including public speaking and writing.
• Experience working with volunteers, Boards, non-profits, and community organizations.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proficiency with Word, Excel, Outlook, and a donor database; Tessitura experience preferred.
• Excellent organizational skills; ability to handle multiple demands.
• Experience working with diverse backgrounds and cultures.
• Knowledge of performing arts; musical theatre a plus.
• Availability for evening and weekend events and performances.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the Chief Philanthropy Officer on departmental strategy, annual goals, budgets, and operations.
• Lead the individual giving program for mid-level through major gifts.
• Manage a personal portfolio of mid-level and major gift donors and prospects.
• Supervise the Individual Giving Officer.
• Build the major gifts pipeline.
• Create donor experiences that deepen engagement and increase giving.
• Engage Board members and volunteers in fundraising efforts.
• Maintain awareness of fundraising priorities and foster a culture of philanthropy.
• Ensure accurate donor activity documentation and uphold confidentiality.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Fundraising strategy

Public speaking

Writing

Team leadership

Donor relationship management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

Tessitura (CRM)

Job description

Description

JOB PURPOSE:

The Director of Philanthropy works closely with the Chief Philanthropy Officer to grow individual philanthropic support for Theatre Under The Stars. The Director is responsible for raising over $1 million annually from individual donors at mid-level ($1,000+) through major gift levels, through a personal donor portfolio and management of the Gift Officer.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Partnering with the Chief Philanthropy Officer on departmental strategy, annual goals, budgets, and operational management
• Leading the individual giving program for donors at the mid-level ($1,000+) through major gift levels
• Managing a personal portfolio of mid-level and major gift donors and prospects
• Supervising the Individual Giving Officer
• Building the major gifts pipeline
• Creating meaningful donor experiences that deepen engagement and increase future giving
• Engaging Board members and volunteers in individual giving, including prospect identification, cultivation, and solicitation
• Maintaining awareness of organizational fundraising priorities and encouraging a culture of philanthropy across the organization
• Ensuring accurate, timely documentation of donor activity in the donor database and upholding donor confidentiality and ethical fundraising standards
• Performing other duties as assigned

Requirements

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience
• Minimum of five years' experience in nonprofit fundraising, with a focus on individual and major gifts
• Demonstrated success personally soliciting and garnering five- and six-figure gifts
• Track record of meeting or exceeding annual individual giving goals
• Supervisory experience, including coaching and holding frontline fundraisers accountable to goals
• Strong communication skills, including public speaking and writing
• Experience working with volunteers, Board members, non-profits, and community-based organizations
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to use computers, including proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook, and a donor database or CRM (Tessitura experience preferred)
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to handle multiple demands
• Experience working with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures
• Knowledge of and passion for the performing arts, ideally musical theatre, considered a plus
• Availability for evening and weekend events and performances as needed
• CFRE certification considered a plus