Major Gifts Officer

Stagetime Inc.; Los Angeles (CA); Hybrid; USD 73,000 - 93,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Life and long-term disability

403(b) retirement savings plan with a

Cell phone stipend

Employee Assistance Program

Subsidized parking or public transit

Complimentary and discounted tickets

Job summary

LA Opera is seeking a Major Gifts Officer to join the Development team. The MGO identifies, cultivates, solicits, and stewards donors, focusing on annual gifts of $3,500 to $24,999.

This full-time, hybrid role is based at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in downtown Los Angeles with remote work up to two days per week in many weeks; some evenings and weekend work is required. The anticipated annual salary range is $72,500 to $92,500.

Qualifications

• Frontline fundraising experience in non-profit arts or similar setting.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to cultivate and solicit major gifts with donors.

Responsibilities

• Develop personalized cultivation plans for donors giving 3,500–24,999 annually.
• Cultivate, solicit, and secure four- to six-figure gifts for restricted/unrestricted purposes.
• Coordinate regular face-to-face donor meetings and attend performances/events.
• Maintain knowledge of LA Opera programming and funding priorities.
• Provide updates on major gift activities and progress.

Skills

Relationship-building

Communication

Organizational skills

Event coordination

Tools

Tessitura CRM

Microsoft Office

Job description

LA Opera is looking for a Major Gifts Officer (MGO) to join our Development department. The MGO is a key member of the frontline fundraising team who identifies, cultivates, solicits, and stewards donors to support the mission and programs of LA Opera. This role is particularly focused on annual gifts of $3,500 to $24,999. The MGO builds and cultivates relationships with LA Opera donors to deepen engagement and increase philanthropy and serves as an ambassador for the organization and our programs when interacting with donors and prospects. The MGO collaborates with development staff and leadership to ensure the success of the department, including providing support for events such as the annual gala and quarterly board meetings.

This is a full-time administrative staff position based out of the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in downtown Los Angeles. Presently there is hybrid work flexibility, with the possibility of working remotely up to two days a week in many weeks. Some evening and weekend work is required, in addition to regular office hours, related to performances and events.

The anticipated annual salary range for this role is $72,500 to $92,500.

This position is eligible to participate in LA Opera benefit programs, including

• medical, dental, and vision insurance
• life and long-term disability insurance
• 403(b) retirement savings plan with a company match
• cell phone stipend
• Employee Assistance Program
• subsidized parking or public transit reimbursement
• and complimentary and discounted tickets

Primary responsibilities:

• Develop and execute personalized cultivation plans for donors and prospects, primarily focused on those giving $3,500-$24,999 annually
• Cultivate, solicit, and secure four- to six-figure gifts for restricted and unrestricted purposes
• Coordinate and lead regular face-to-face meetings with donors
• Attend all LA Opera performances and events
• Maintain in-depth knowledge of LAO’s programming and funding priorities
• Work closely with the Director of Major Gifts and development leadership to align major gift strategies with overall fundraising goals
• Provide regular updates and reports on major gift activities and progress
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of donor interactions and contributions in Tessitura (CRM)
• Stay informed regarding trends and best practices in major gift fundraising

Below are the requirements and preferred qualifications for this role:

• At least several years of frontline fundraising experience at a non-profit arts organization, university, hospital, or comparable setting with a track record of securing major gifts and meeting fundraising goals
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and donor databases/CRMs and ability to quickly learn new applications
• Ability and willingness to acquire knowledge about opera and have meaningful engagements with donors about the art form
• Strong relationship-building and interpersonal skills, with an ability to tailor engagement strategies effectively
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills
• A proactive approach to problem-solving and a willingness to ask questions
• Patience, flexibility, and facility with both abstract and concrete assignments
• Strong organizational and project management skills
• Availability for approximately 50 evening/weekend events each season
• Personal transportation for donor meetings and events across LA County (eligible for mileage reimbursement)

We are committed to a workplace in which everyone is treated respectfully and has equitable opportunities, and we are seeking a Major Gifts Officer who champions and demonstrates this commitment.

Individuals of identities that are underrepresented in arts administration are especially encouraged to apply.