Senior Director of Philanthropy

Houston Grand Opera (HGO) is entering an exciting new chapter of philanthropic growth, and the SeniorDirector of Philanthropy will play a pivotal role in shaping what comes next. Reporting to ChiefPhilanthropy Officer (CPO), Darcy Douglas, the Senior Director will serve as a key member of thephilanthropy leadership team and deputy to the CPO, leading a talented team of frontline fundraiserswhile helping to build a stronger, more strategic major gifts program. The opportunity now is to build onthat success by deepening donor relationships, strengthening the major gifts pipeline, and creating thesystems, strategies, and culture needed to achieve HGO’s most ambitious fundraising goals and expand transformational giving. This is an especially compelling opportunity for a builder and team leader—someone who loves bringingstructure and strategy to a talented team, setting clear and engaging goals, coaching people to reachtheir potential, and creating a culture where accountability and collaboration go hand in hand. TheSenior Director will have meaningful latitude to shape the team and its approach, including helping todefine individual goals and performance metrics, strengthen portfolios, develop talent, and make thecase for additional resources as the major gifts program grows. At its heart, this is an opportunity to help HGO evolve from a successful fundraising operation into asophisticated, relationship-driven major gifts program—one grounded in creativity, authentic donorengagement, data-informed decision-making, and long-term philanthropic partnerships. The SeniorDirector will help shift the conversation from transactions and annual benefits to meaningfulinvestments in HGO’s future, while inspiring a team to pursue ambitious goals with energy, discipline,and imagination. For a fundraising leader who is energized by the opportunity to build somethingimportant, lead an inspiring team, and make a measurable impact, HGO offers an extraordinaryplatform: a beloved and ambitious arts institution, strong philanthropic momentum, and theopportunity to help chart a new path for the future of opera and the performing arts in one of thenation’s most dynamic cities. The Opportunity The Senior Director of Philanthropy plays a crucial role in advancing Houston Grand Opera's mission toenrich our diverse community through the art of opera by developing, overseeing, and executing arobust fundraising program for HGO. Reporting to the Chief Philanthropy Officer, this position supervises a team of frontline fundraisers spanning mid-level to major gifts. The role is responsible forsetting a high standard of performance across the philanthropy department, driving portfolio growth,strengthening donor relationships, and elevating the team's collective capacity to cultivate, solicit, andsteward donors at every level. As HGO embarks on its next chapter of philanthropic growth, the SeniorDirector will play a pivotal role in ensuring the success of campaign initiatives by aligning team effortswith organizational priorities, building a culture of accountability and ambition, and positioning thedepartment to meet and exceed its most ambitious fundraising goals. Key Position Functions Management and Leadership Provide strategic and day-to-day leadership for a team of frontline fundraisers focused on majorand mid-level donors and prospects, including hiring, training, mentoring, and performanceevaluation to build a high-performing, entrepreneurial team. Develop and implement a robust, long-term major gifts strategy that drives philanthropicsupport for HGO's top priorities and fosters a collaborative culture across the philanthropyoffice. Build and oversee a comprehensive pipeline program that identifies prospects early in theengagement process, guides them through a purposeful and seamless donor experience atevery stage, and ensures a steady flow of well-cultivated major gift prospects aligned withHGO's fundraising priorities and campaign goals. Partner with individual team members to build and strengthen their donor portfolios, providingguidance on prospect identification, qualification, and moves management. Collaborate with colleagues in philanthropy operations to design and use data tools that provideactionable insight into portfolio performance, track progress against fundraising goals, andinform strategy. Track and report on team progress toward fundraising goals, maintaining accountability tobenchmarks established by the Chief Philanthropy Officer. Serve as a compelling advocate for HGO, using institutional priorities, points of pride, andstrategic vision to inspire philanthropic investment. Meet or exceed annual fundraising goals established by the Chief Philanthropy Officer throughactive management of a personal major gifts portfolio distinct from those managed by the team. Develop and execute cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies that leveragerelationships with donors, prospects, and HGO leadership—artistic, administrative, and volunteer. Travel locally and nationally to meet with current and prospective donors, promoting HGO’sstrategic priorities and funding opportunities. Participate in key HGO events to support donor cultivation, relationship development, andstewardship, staffing as needed. Ensure that donor records are accurate and up-to-date with all interactions, proposals, and giftactivity in Tessitura, ensuring data integrity and supporting accurate pipeline management,revenue tracking, and financial forecasting. Qualifications Required Qualifications Bachelor’s degree required, with advanced degree or certification preferred. A minimum of 10 years offrontline fundraising experience, with experience in major gifts fundraising, is required. A minimum ofthree years of experience managing fundraising professionals, with a demonstrated commitment tocoaching, mentoring, and developing team members, is required. Proven track record of identifying,cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding six- and seven-figure gifts. Strong knowledge and understanding ofcurrent philanthropy trends, with a clear desire to constantly learn and improve skills. Exceptionalinterpersonal skills that support meaningful relationships with organizational leadership, staff, and high-level volunteers. Experience in, and commitment to, data-driven decision-making. Proven ability to workwith a high level of independence, maintain confidentiality, prioritize assignments, and manage timeeffectively. Proficiency in donor management software and CRM systems (e.g., Tessitura, Raiser's Edge,Salesforce) for donor tracking, reporting, and analysis. Special Job Characteristics We seek a resourceful, proactive, self-starter who can independently solve problems and prioritize keytasks in a fast-paced environment. Successful candidates will be natural motivators, who encourage andempower others to meet ambitious goals. Must be highly organized with strong attention to detail. Highlevel of personal and professional ethics. Ability to work flexible hours (including evenings andweekends) and willingness to travel to attend donor events, performances, and meetings as needed.Knowledge of opera is a plus, and a passion for the performing arts is essential. Desired Start Date October 5, 2026 Pay Range $150,000 - $170,000 Annual #J-18808-Ljbffr National Opera Center