Director of Philanthropy in Houston, Texas at Theatre Under The Stars Inc

JOB PURPOSE:

The Director of Philanthropy works closely with the Chief Philanthropy Officer to grow individual philanthropic support for Theatre Under The Stars. The Director is responsible for raising over $1 million annually from individual donors at mid-level ($1,000+) through major gift levels, through a personal donor portfolio and management of the Gift Officer.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Partnering with the Chief Philanthropy Officer on departmental strategy, annual goals, budgets, and operational management
• Leading the individual giving program for donors at the mid-level ($1,000+) through major gift levels
• Managing a personal portfolio of mid-level and major gift donors and prospects
• Supervising the Individual Giving Officer
• Building the major gifts pipeline
• Creating meaningful donor experiences that deepen engagement and increase future giving
• Engaging Board members and volunteers in individual giving, including prospect identification, cultivation, and solicitation
• Maintaining awareness of organizational fundraising priorities and encouraging a culture of philanthropy across the organization
• Ensuring accurate, timely documentation of donor activity in the donor database and upholding donor confidentiality and ethical fundraising standards
• Performing other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience
• Minimum of five years' experience in nonprofit fundraising, with a focus on individual and major gifts
• Demonstrated success personally soliciting and garnering five- and six-figure gifts
• Track record of meeting or exceeding annual individual giving goals
• Supervisory experience, including coaching and holding frontline fundraisers accountable to goals
• Strong communication skills, including public speaking and writing
• Experience working with volunteers, Board members, non-profits, and community-based organizations
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to use computers, including proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook, and a donor database or CRM (Tessitura experience preferred)
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to handle multiple demands
• Experience working with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures
• Knowledge of and passion for the performing arts, ideally musical theatre, considered a plus
• Availability for evening and weekend events and performances as needed
• CFRE certification considered a plus