Dr Phillips Center for the Performing Arts Major Gift Officer

ThinkingAhead; Orlando (FL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The Major Gift Officer at the Dr. Phillips Center is responsible for identifying, prospecting, cultivating and soliciting gifts of $25,000+ with an annual goal of $1.5 million.

The role will manage a portfolio and develop an annual work plan aligned to the department’s strategy. Key duties include securing and stewarding gifts, expanding the donor pipeline, creating moves management plans, and collaborating with stewardship to acknowledge donors, while maintaining accurate donor records in

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience plus a minimum of 5 years of experience managing high-level donor relationships, with demonstrated success securing major gifts.
• Prior experience in a not-for-profit, development or philanthropy department preferred.
• Genuine interest in the arts and the Dr. Phillips Center’s mission.

Responsibilities

• Secure and steward major gifts at $25,000+ with a goal of at least $1.5M annually.
• Proactively build and strengthen the donor pipeline beyond the existing portfolio.
• Create moves management plans and tailored proposals for donors and prospects.
• Use Tessitura to track donor interactions and keep accurate records.

Skills

Donor relationships

Fundraising strategy

Communication

Portfolio management

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

About the Dr. Phillips Center

The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, located in the heart of downtown Orlando, is a world-class destination for creativity, culture, and community. Since opening in 2014, the center has presented a diverse array of performances and events, from Broadway productions and acclaimed concerts to dance, theater, and community arts programs.

As a cultural anchor in Central Florida, the Dr. Phillips Center welcomes artists and audiences from around the world while serving as a catalyst for local artistic growth, community connection, and cultural vitality. Featuring state-of-the-art performance spaces, exceptional acoustics, and versatile design, the center creates transformative experiences that inspire, entertain, and bring the vision of Arts For Every Life® to audiences of all ages and backgrounds.

Mission: Arts For Every Life®

Arts For Every Life® is the guiding vision of the Dr. Phillips Center, representing its commitment to making the performing arts accessible, inspiring, and relevant to all. This mission is brought to life through diverse programming, robust arts education initiatives, and community partnerships that reach audiences of all ages, cultures, and backgrounds. Whether through professional performances, youth education programs, or inclusive community events, the Dr. Phillips Center ensures that the power of the arts is experienced by everyone.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Major Gift Officer is responsible for identifying, prospecting, cultivating and soliciting capital and annual gifts of $25,000 and above. This role will be responsible for an annual fundraising goal of $1.5 million. The Gift Officer will manage their own portfolio and develop an annual work plan based on the department’s strategic plan.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Secure and steward major gifts at the $25,000+ level with the goal of raising at least $1.5 million annually across the annual, endowment, planned giving and capital campaigns. Manage and maintain a portfolio of 150+ major gift prospects and donors.

• Proactively build and strengthen the donor pipeline through strategic prospect identification and relationship development beyond the existing assigned portfolio.

• Create and implement moves management plans for each major donor and prospect. Prepare individually tailored presentations and/or proposals for solicitations and create packages specific to projects and the interests of prospects.

• Report and Database Management: Prepare written proposals, and other materials needed to define, secure and document major gifts. Effectively utilize Tessitura to maintain timely records of contacts with donors and prospects; analyze potential donor research materials to target prospective donors; and track, evaluate and present relevant giving information.

• Collaborate with Stewardship Manager to acknowledge major donors through public and private recognition, ensuring appropriate acknowledgement of pledges, major gifts and planned gifts.

• Make direct, face-to-face solicitations, and assist the board and other staff with their solicitation (e.g. provide portfolio development support, strategic counsel, and help with donor communications).

• Track and report progress using identified metrics while fostering and preserving strong donor relationship practices. Identify, build and maintain relationships with new and prospective donors via face-to-face cultivation, solicitation and stewardship meetings, telephone calls, emails, and onsite tours.

• Develop and Execute Annual Plans: Work with the Development department to align efforts and set goals on strategic plans with short- and long-range metrics to meet funding objectives.

• Attend and participate in weekly Development Team strategy sessions. Provide status reports on progress towards goals.

• Work collaboratively with board members, leadership and other departments to assist with donor cultivation and solicitation.

• Follow and support all operational policies and procedures. Assimilate into the arts center culture through understanding, supporting and demonstrating the core values.

• Maintain a professional and friendly relationship with other departments, colleagues, and partners.

• Remain calm under pressure and work effectively with donors, colleagues, volunteers, and partners, demonstrating patience, tact, and diplomacy. Maintain Dr. Phillips Center standards of professionalism and customer service at all times.

• Able to effectively communicate in English in both written and oral forms.

• Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience plus a minimum of 5 years of experience managing high-level donor relationships, with demonstrated success securing major gifts. Extensive experience cultivating and soliciting high-net-worth individuals for outright and planned gifts, with a proven track record of managing a major gift portfolio and achieving fundraising goals.

• Prior experience in a not-for-profit, development or philanthropy department preferred.

• Possess strong initiative, creativity, flexibility, adaptability and an entrepreneurial spirit. Enjoys working as a team player but also has the ability to work independently and as a self-starter.

• Results-oriented with a focus on donor and goal achievement.

• Superior interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate professionally with a culturally diverse group of donors, colleagues and volunteers. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with strong business acumen.

• High level proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Teams, etc.) and a working knowledge of search functions for donor research purposes.

• Excellent organizational, project and budget management skills, with the ability to prioritize workload and complete assignments effectively amid multiple deadlines and competing requirements.

• Genuine interest in the arts, with an understanding of and commitment to the Dr. Phillips Center’s mission and an appreciation for the important role cultural institutions play in vibrant communities.

COMPENSATION

Compensation for the Major Gift Officer is $90,000-$100,000 annually based on experience and includes an excellent package of employee benefits.

Compensation

$100,000 per year

The Dr. Phillips Center provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals without regard to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected under the law.

ThinkingAhead Executive Search is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a work environment that supports, inspires and respects all individuals. Personnel processes are merit‑based and applied without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age, disability, national or ethnic ancestry, military service status, citizenship, or other protected characteristic. The firm is committed to creating a just culture of diversity, equity and inclusion by practicing, within the company and the marketplace we serve, intentional strategies that serve marginalized individuals and groups.