Director of Development

Pay

Range $110,000.00 - $130,000.00 per year

About the role

Opera San José seeks a fundraising professional to lead its patron-facing Development department. The ideal candidate will have 5+ years of development experience, including gift cultivation and solicitation, and a proven track record of securing major gifts.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy to meet annual goals.
• Lead, mentor, and supervise a development team of three.
• Identify, cultivate, and solicit individual donors capable of making major gifts.
• Build and maintain relationships with major donors.
• Work cross-functionally with the General Director, Board of Directors, and other teams.
• Plan and execute donor cultivation and stewardship events.
• Attend all mainstage performances and other key events.
• Prepare and present regular reports to the Board of Directors.
• Collaborate with marketing and patron experience teams.
• Collaborate with the Patron Operations Manager to maintain the fundraising database.

Requirements

• 5+ years of development experience, including gift cultivation and solicitation.
• Experience making asks and closing major and planned gifts.
• Demonstrated success leading, mentoring, and developing high-performing teams.
• Understanding of and commitment to professional fundraising ethical standards.
• Exceptional customer service and relationship-building skills.
• Strategic thinking, planning, and timely execution skills.
• Strong written and verbal skills with the ability to communicate clearly and efficiently.
• Excellent project management skills.
• Passion for and knowledge of the performing arts.
• The ability to analyze and synthesize complex data.
• The ability to assert influence in ensuring deadlines are met and leadership stays on track.
• The ability to work some evenings and weekends.
• The ability to travel around the Bay Area.

Qualifications

• Maintain strong judgment, discretion, and integrity under stressful circumstances.
• Have a working knowledge of Word and Excel, Google Suite, and CRMs/Donor Databases.
• Be able to handle a variety of constituencies and multiple priorities simultaneously.

Skills

• Strong ability to plan and execute long-term fundraising and development strategies.
• Skilled in building and maintaining meaningful relationships with donors and stakeholders.
• Great listener with strong interpersonal skills that foster trust and connection.
• Goal-oriented mindset with the ability to track progress and drive results.
• Self-starter who takes initiative and follows projects through to completion.
• Clear and persuasive communicator who can inspire engagement and support through compelling messaging.

Benefits

• 15 days vacation
• Generous sick and holiday time
• 403(b) savings with a 3% match
• Employer-sponsored health plans with a shared premium
• Pre-tax flexible spending accounts

Pay

Range $110,000.00 - $130,000.00 per year

Schedule

This position has the flexibility to work a hybrid schedule with work being done both remotely and on-site at Opera San José's offices at 2149 Paragon Drive, San Jose, CA, and on performance days, at the California Theatre Box Office at 345 S 1st Street, San Jose CA. There are 20 performances annually, which are evenings or weekend matinees. Travel around the Bay Area for additional donor events will also be expected.

Company Culture

Opera San José is committed to fostering equity in our art form and building a company that reflects, celebrates, and serves the diverse communities of the Bay Area. We encourage fairness, teamwork, and respect among all employees.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate against an employee or applicant for employment because of race, religion, gender, national origin, ethnicity, age, physical disabilities, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, or veteran status.