Chief Development Officer

Chief Development Officer | Center Theatre Group Location: Los Angeles, California Overview Center Theatre Group (CTG) is a leading nonprofit theatre company that programs the Mark Taper Forum, the Ahmanson Theatre, and the Kirk Douglas Theatre. CTG produces and presents a broad range of bold theatre, nurtures new artists, and engages diverse audiences through education programs and community partnerships. Role Summary The Chief Development Officer (CDO) is responsible for conceptualizing, organizing, and implementing a comprehensive and strategic fundraising program in support of CTG’s mission and strategic priorities. The CDO serves as a thought partner to the Managing Director/CEO, works closely with the Artistic Director, and collaborates with artistic leadership, senior administrators, the Board of Directors, and other volunteer leaders to build a sustainable culture of philanthropy, cultivate transformative gifts, and elevate CTG’s mission. The CDO leads a team of approximately 20 professionals across: individual major and principal gifts; foundation, government, and corporate relations; campaign management; special events; development communications; and development operations. The role oversees total contributed revenue of approximately $14–$16 million annually, with ongoing growth of the annual fund (approximately $11 million in FY26) and leadership to launch the public phase of a multi-year campaign for facilities, organizational capacity building, strategic artistic investments, and financial sustainability. The CDO will evolve all dimensions of the development function in consultation with the Managing Director/CEO, establishing clear lines of responsibility and communication, robust metrics and accountability, and sustainable systems and protocols. This role provides motivational leadership, mentors staff, and maintains commitment to professional development. The CDO fosters strategic, best-practices participation of CTG stakeholders in fundraising initiatives. The CDO will spearhead an organization-wide strategic plan for CTG fundraising and drive major capital initiatives. This work is supported by CTG’s community engagement and a model that emphasizes empowerment through storytelling. There is significant opportunity for growth within the Los Angeles community that expands beyond traditional approaches to theatrical fundraising. Candidate Profile Center Theatre Group will consider a broad range of backgrounds. The ideal candidate will align with the following: Passion for theatre and live performance, deep appreciation for CTG’s mission, and the ability to authentically engage and inspire as a senior representative of the organization. 15+ years of development experience with progressive leadership responsibilities, including individual giving, institutional giving, major gifts, annual fund/membership, planned giving, stewardship, development operations, special events fundraising, board management/relations, and leadership in a major fundraising campaign. Demonstrated success in change management and program growth. Preference for theatre or performing arts fundraising experience. Knowledge of ethics and best practices in modern fundraising. Commitment to building access, belonging, and engagement within diverse environments. Ability to lead, recruit, evaluate, mentor, and develop a diverse team; strong accountability and goal-setting. Track record in developing a compelling case for support, strategic fundraising initiatives, and collaborative work with executives, senior staff, and volunteer leaders to increase fundraising success. Experience identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gifts from individuals and institutions at six- to seven-figure levels and higher. Forward-thinking with adoption of new methods for donor engagement and connectivity. Ability to analyze data to inform donor strategy; knowledge of data management practices and process improvements. Knowledge of the Los Angeles philanthropic landscape is preferred but not required. Familiarity with Tessitura for donor communications and event management is a plus. Flexibility to travel. Equal Opportunity Employer CTG is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, color, ancestry, disability, age, national origin, pregnancy, veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by law. CTG will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in accordance with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. Download the full position description via the following link: Center Theatre Group has retained DSG Fundraising & Advancement of DSG | Koya to assist in this confidential search. Inquiries, nominations, and applications (current resumes and cover letters) may be submitted via the following link: Gerard F. Cattie, Jr. Global Managing Partner and Practice Founder – DSG Fundraising & Advancement DSG | Koya New York, New York View email address on click.appcast.io | View phone number on click.appcast.io #J-18808-Ljbffr