Major Gifts Officer in Laguna Beach, California at THE LAGUNA PLAYHOUSE

THE LAGUNA PLAYHOUSE

Reports To: Director of Advancement

Benefits: Medical & Dental (Shared Expense); 401K; Paid Vacation & Sick Leave; Paid Holidays

Application: Cover letter must accompany resume submission

About Laguna Playhouse

Laguna Playhouse is a nationally acclaimed, non-profit, professional theatre located steps away from the Pacific Ocean in the charming arts colony of Laguna Beach, CA. We are committed to enriching, educating, and entertaining our community through the power of live theater. Our development team plays a vital role in sustaining our mission and deepening relationships with the philanthropic community.

Position Summary

The Major Gifts Officer is a frontline fundraiser responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding a personal portfolio of major gift donors and prospects at the $10,000+ level. This is a relationship-driven role that requires a skilled storyteller, a strategic thinker, and a genuine champion for the arts. The Major Gifts Officer will work in close partnership with the Director of Advancement, leadership, and board members to inspire transformational philanthropy that advances Laguna Playhouse's mission and long-term sustainability.

About the Culture

Laguna Playhouse fosters a collaborative, inclusive, and creatively enriching environment that encourages authenticity and bold ideas. We are deeply committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion, and strongly encourage applications from individuals who identify as Black, Indigenous, People of Color, women, transgender, non-binary, and those from communities historically underrepresented in the theater industry.

Core Responsibilities

• Portfolio Management & Cultivation
• Manage a portfolio of 100–150 major gift prospects and donors with capacity at the $5,000+ level.
• Develop and execute individualized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies for each portfolio member.
• Conduct a minimum of 10–15 meaningful personal visits or touchpoints per month.
• Qualify, research, and assess new prospects in collaboration with the development team.
• Maintain detailed and timely records of all donor interactions and moves management activity in Spektrix.

Solicitation & Campaign Work

• Prepare compelling, personalized proposals, case statements, and gift agreements.
• Collaborate with the Director of Advancement on campaign priorities, gift conversations, and naming opportunities.
• Partner with Board members to facilitate introductions and joint cultivation activities.

Stewardship & Donor Experience

• Design and execute meaningful stewardship experiences for major donors including backstage access, artist meet-and-greets, and recognition events.
• Ensure accurate and timely acknowledgment of all major gifts, including customized letters and impact reports.
• Coordinate with the Development Manager on donor listings, signage, and program recognition.
• Represent Laguna Playhouse at community events, cultivating new relationships and expanding the donor base.

Collaboration & Strategy

• Participate in weekly development team meetings and contribute to annual fundraising planning.
• Provide regular pipeline and forecast updates to the Director of Advancement.
• Assist with board development activities including volunteer engagement and committee support.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree and minimum 5 years of fundraising experience, preferably in the arts, culture, or education sector.

• Exceptional interpersonal skills; confident, warm, and persuasive in one-on-one and group settings.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills including proposal writing and donor correspondence.
• Proficiency CRM systems; strong database and reporting skills.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to manage a complex portfolio and multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Passion for the arts and deep alignment with the mission of Laguna Playhouse.