Position: Development Director.

The company seeks a qualified Director of Development to establish a new, strategic annual fundraising plan and lead a collaborative effort with the staff and the board to achieve the determined goals. The position reports directly to the General and Artistic Director

Status: Full Time – Exempt
Reports To: General and Artistic Director
Supervises: Development Associate
Normal Hours: Monday – Friday (40 hours per week) on-site/hybrid. Often requires evening or weekend hours outside of regular business operations for performances and special events.

ABOUT NEW ORLEANS OPERA

OUR MISSION
The mission of the New Orleans Opera Association (NOOA) is to provide the finest possible operatic performances within its means to the New Orleans Metropolitan Area, the State of Louisiana, and the River and Gulf Regions.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop each year’s annual fundraising plan and lead its implementation in collaboration with the General & Artistic Director, staff and Board; develop long-range strategies to grow income and incorporate special fundraising initiatives and campaigns.
• Establish fundraising goals in concert with the General & Artistic Director and Board.
• Create annual budget detailing projections for all sources of contributed income; create annual budget for fundraising expenses.
• Oversee the maintenance of the annual Development calendar.
• Oversee (and draft when appropriate) the preparation and submission of grant and sponsorship proposals.
• Lead the creative conceptualization of all campaigns (annual fund as well as special initiatives) and oversee their implementation.
• Oversee the research and identification of individual prospects and prospective funding sources, and incorporate results into the annual action plan.
• Oversee the establishment of portfolios of donors and their assignment to appropriate staff; ensure call reports and moves are managed and maintained within these portfolios and supporting CRM software.
• Regularly review updates and changes to CRM software, and guide the determination of upgrades or system changes; oversee software transitions as needed.
• In collaboration with staff and Board, regularly review donor benefits and oversee their fulfilment.
• Oversee staff responsible for data entry, gift processing, acknowledgements, recognition and timely collection of gifts.
• Provide administrative and technical support for the Board.

Direct Donor Engagement

• Develop and build relationships with donors and prospects; maintain, steward, manage and solicit a portfolio of major donors.
• Manage and support the General & Artistic Director’s engagement with and solicitation of prioritized donors; support and involve the participation of Board members, artists and company specialists in the cultivation of donors and prospects.
• In collaboration with the General & Artistic Director and a volunteer committee, develop the creative concept and committee assignments for the annual gala and serve as the primary staff liaison and manager for its implementation.
• Develop, oversee and participate in stewardship, cultivation, prospecting and fundraising events throughout the year and the season, inclusive of pre-performance and intermission greeting and engagement with donors and prospects. Ensure timely post-event follow-through with attending donors and prospects.
• Develop and oversee the implementation of a timely, effective and impressive gift acknowledgement process.

OTHER DUTIES
Please note, this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

SKILLS/EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree or relevant experience
• Demonstrated success in fundraising including soliciting major gifts, planning and implementing a development strategy and leading a development team to meet budgetary goals.
• Minimum three to five years of hands-on development experience
• Knowledge of and experience with planned giving and prospect research.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to provide exceptional customer service.
• Strong written communication skills; ability to write clear, structured, articulate, and persuasive proposals.
• Familiarity with grant-making processes. 
• Familiarity with database management tools; ability to accurately analyze, interpret and take action on patron data.
• Strong computer skills with proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Word, Outlook).

BENEFITS

Salary Range: $75,000 – $80,000 Annual
In addition, we provide an Employer paid benefits package that includes:
• Health insurance
• Dental/Vision insurance
• Group Life insurance
• Short and Long Term Disability
• 3% retirement match after one year of service.

The policy of NOOA is to provide equal opportunity in employment to all employees and applicants for employment. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace where all voices are valued and respected. No person will be unlawfully discriminated against in employment because of such individual’s race, color, religion, gender/sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, or other protected status. This policy applies to all terms, conditions and privileges of employment.

Applicants may submit online at Newhires@neworleansopera.org.