In partnership with the Managing Director, Artistic Director and Development Committee, the Director of Development (DOD) will create and execute a development plan to achieve Opera Lafayette’s cultivation, stewardship and contributed revenue goals. A consummate relationship builder, adept at establish trust and building rapport quickly, the DOD will establish and grow relationships at all levels with individual donors, and institutional and government funders. The DOD will manage a contract grant writer and co-manage one FTE with responsibilities split between patron management and development, and will be expected to strategically grow the department to keep pace with increasing revenue goals. The successful candidate will be a strong operational manager, data-driven decision-maker, and have a demonstrable track record of successful direct solicitation. This role may work remotely however, the DOD will have regular in-person engagement with donors, donor prospects, funders and colleagues. Opera Lafayette performs its annual season in Washington, DC and in New York, NY in a festival format, offering a unique working environment. The chosen candidate must be located within reasonable proximity to New York City and be available for regular travel to the greater Washington, DC area and other locations. Opera Lafayette welcomes experienced candidates from all professional disciplines. While experience in the world of opera is desired, Opera Lafayette values both lived and professional experiences and recognizes that not all candidates may meet 100% of the listed criteria. Candidates with broad experience in philanthropy and a willingness to explore Opera Lafayette are encouraged to consider this role. Opera Lafayette cherishes diversity and strives to create an environment where everyone is invested in the success of their colleagues, allowing creativity and communication to flourish. Major Priorities • Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising plan in alignment with current strategic plan goals incorporating stewardship, cultivation and solicitation strategies to achieve Opera Lafayette’s FY23 contributed revenue goal of approximately $1.5 million. Opera Lafayette Director of Development • Increase contributed income from New York City individual and institutional prospects to match support from Washington, DC-area donors. • Lead Opera Lafayette’s development department, oversee data and prospect management practices, and grow the department by engaging, mentoring and celebrating a passionate, professional development team. • Serve as a polished and well-informed organizational ambassador, attending social functions, professional networking events and other opportunities as a representative of Opera Lafayette. • Support the creation of a culture of philanthropy, engaging all members of the Opera Lafayette staff and board, as well as volunteers, as ambassadors with the goal of inspiring philanthropic investment in Opera Lafayette. Individual Giving • Grow the Annual Fund using direct mail, personal solicitation, social media, and other strategies to build donor engagement and inspire increased giving. • Research and identify new donor prospects at all levels and establish and incorporate innovative donor cultivation and stewardship strategies to ensure donor investment in Opera Lafayette. • Expand Opera Lafayette’s major gift program by successfully managing donor relationships, clearly articulating the case for support, and offering an enticing array of giving, sponsorship, and recognition opportunities that support Opera Lafayette’s artistic, programmatic, and educational needs. • Establish major gift portfolios to build engagement and investment from the board of directors and leadership team in cultivating, stewarding and soliciting donors. • Direct the benefit fulfilment process, including meaningful donor acknowledgment and fulfillment of donor benefits, privileges, and other benefits offered at their giving level. Institutional Giving • Sustain support from the company’s current foundations and government agencies, while researching and identifying new grant opportunities that align with Opera Lafayette’s values and artistic and programming needs. • • Manage a comprehensive, deadline-driven grants calendar, writing and reviewing compelling and strategic grant language, tracking and forecasting projected revenue, and ensuring fulfillment of all grant obligations, including reporting. • Create and implement compelling development initiatives in support of Opera Lafayette’s youth and adult educational and community engagement activities. Operational • Establish an annual expense and income budget, monitor and report on campaign results, and forecast significant changes. • Maintain Patron Manager, the company’s Customer Relationship Management tool, including processing donations, establishing and monitoring data entry protocols, Opera Lafayette Director of Development creating and produce reporting that clearly illustrate key development metrics, and reconciling monthly revenue reports with finance. • Lead the design and production of all fund-raising collateral, such as fundraising brochures, special event invitations, newsletters, and annual campaign materials. • Recruit, train, and manage skilled and passionate volunteers for projects and events.
