Senior Director of Development & Major Gifts

The Santa Barbara Center for the Performing Arts (SBCPA) at  The Granada Theatre is seeking an experienced, mission-driven Senior Director of Development and Major Gifts to lead the organization's development and major gifts initiatives. This role plays a vital part in supporting our artistic mission and resident companies by ensuring the financial health and operational strength of Santa Barbara's premier performing arts venue.

The Granada Theatre — owned and operated by the Santa Barbara Center for the Performing Arts — serves Santa Barbara by providing a vibrant, state-of-the-art venue where world-class artistic performances are available to the widest possible audience, promoting appreciation for the performing arts and enhancing the quality of life in our community.

The Senior Director serves as a key fundraising ambassador for The Granada Theatre, working closely with the CEO, Board of Directors, donors, and community stakeholders to secure philanthropic support, strengthen contributed revenue streams, and support the long-term financial sustainability and growth of the organization.

Reports to:  Chairman & CEO

Location:  Onsite, Santa Barbara, California

Status:  Exempt

Key Responsibilities

Major Gifts Strategy & Portfolio Management

• Lead major gifts strategy, donor portfolio management, and annual/long-term fundraising planning to grow contributed revenue.
• Manage cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and renewal of key donors in partnership with the CEO and Board.
• Oversee proposals, campaigns, and pipeline development for major, capital, and endowment fundraising initiatives.

Leadership & Team Management

• Supervise and develop development staff, including Associate Director and Special Events Manager, while setting clear priorities and performance expectations.
• Foster a collaborative, donor-centered culture and support cross-departmental alignment with executive and operational teams.
• Help shape departmental policies, procedures, and best practices to strengthen fundraising effectiveness.

Donor Engagement, Stewardship & Community Relations

• Build and sustain relationships with major donors, corporate partners, foundations, and community stakeholders.
• Lead donor stewardship and engagement strategies, including events and recognition efforts in partnership with events staff.
• Serve as a visible ambassador for the organization in the community and support donor base expansion efforts.

Fundraising Operations & Strategic Planning

• Partner with leadership on fundraising goals, revenue forecasting, budgeting, and long-range planning.
• Oversee donor systems, tracking, reporting, and performance analysis to guide strategy and improve results.
• Prepare board and leadership reports while staying current on fundraising trends and best practices.

Qualifications

Education & Credentials

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree or CFRE credential preferred. Ability to obtain the CFRE within one year of hire date.

Experience

• Minimum 8 years of progressive nonprofit fundraising experience with demonstrated success securing major gifts and managing donor portfolios.
• Minimum 10 years of experience working within the nonprofit sector.
• Proven experience managing development staff and working closely with executive leadership and nonprofit boards.
• Experience leading donor cultivation strategies, campaigns, and stewardship initiatives.
• Knowledge of and passion for the performing arts strongly preferred .

Skills & Attributes

• Exceptional interpersonal skills with ability to inspire, engage, and cultivate relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Strategic thinker with proven ability to meet or exceed fundraising goals.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and project management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, including persuasive proposal writing and public speaking.
• Proficiency with fundraising databases (Tessitura preferred), Microsoft Office Suite, and emerging donor engagement tools.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, for events and performances.

Benefits & Compensation:  This is a exempt, full-time position. The pay range is $130,000-$170,000 per year commensurate with skills and experience. The Granada Theatre provides a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees, which includes health, dental and vision coverage, life insurance, paid vacation, and sick leave, and a 403(b) plan.