Senior Director, Major Gifts & Donor Strategy

Houston Grand Opera

Houston (TX)

On-site

USD 150,000 - 170,000

Full time

14 days+
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Job summary

Houston Grand Opera in Houston, TX seeks a Senior Director of Philanthropy to lead a growing major gifts program, shaping strategy, building a high-performing team, and deepening donor relationships.

Reporting to the Chief Philanthropy Officer, the role oversees portfolio growth, data-informed decisions, and impactful fundraising initiatives, with travel for donor meetings and events.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree or certification preferred.
  • 10+ years of frontline fundraising experience, including major gifts.
  • Minimum 3 years in managing fundraising professionals with coaching/mentoring.
  • Proven track record of six- and seven-figure gifts.
  • Experience with data-driven decision-making and CRM systems (Tessitura, Raiser's Edge, Salesforce).

Responsibilities

  • Lead frontline fundraisers focused on major and mid-level donors.
  • Develop and execute a long-term major gifts strategy and pipeline.
  • Coach staff and manage performance to build a high-performing team.
  • Collaborate with philanthropy operations to use data tools and track goals.
  • Travel locally and nationally for donor meetings and events.
  • Maintain donor records in Tessitura and ensure data integrity.

Skills

Frontline fundraising
Major gifts fundraising
Leadership/people management
Data-driven decision making
Donor relations

Education

Bachelor's degree
Advanced degree or certification

Tools

Tessitura
Raiser's Edge
Salesforce

Job description

Houston Grand Opera in Houston, TX seeks a Senior Director of Philanthropy to lead a growing major gifts program, shaping strategy, building a high-performing team, and deepening donor relationships.

Reporting to the Chief Philanthropy Officer, the role oversees portfolio growth, data-informed decisions, and impactful fundraising initiatives, with travel for donor meetings and events.

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Health insurance
Complimentary theater tickets
Paid time off