Major Gifts Officer
CATEGORY: Administrative
LA Opera
Los Angeles, CA
US
Job Details
DESCRIPTION
LA Opera seeks a dynamic Major Gifts Officer (MGO) to join our Development team and help drive philanthropic support for one of the nation’s leading opera companies. We are excited to add this additional MGO position to our Major Gifts team.
As a key member of our frontline fundraising staff, the MGO will identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors—primarily those giving between $3,500 and $24,999—to deepen their engagement and grow their investment in LA Opera’s mission. This role is highly relationship-focused and serves as an enthusiastic ambassador for the company when engaging with donors and prospects. The MGO also partners closely with colleagues across Development and organizational leadership to advance department goals, including supporting events such as the annual gala and quarterly board meetings.
This full-time administrative position is based at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in downtown Los Angeles. LA Opera currently offers hybrid work flexibility, with the option to work remotely up to two days per week in many weeks. The role requires frequent evening and weekend hours tied to performances and special events.
The anticipated starting salary range is $84,000 to $94,000 annually. This position is eligible for LA Opera’s comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance; life and long-term disability coverage; a 403(b) retirement plan with employer match; cell phone stipend; Employee Assistance Program; subsidized parking or public transit reimbursement; and complimentary and discounted performance tickets.
Primary responsibilities
- Develop and execute personalized cultivation plans for a portfolio of Patrons ($3,500-$24,999) and major donors ($25,000+)
- Cultivate, solicit, and secure four- to six-figure gifts for restricted and unrestricted purposes
- Coordinate and lead regular face-to-face meetings with donors
- Attend LA Opera performances and events
- Maintain in-depth knowledge of LAO’s programming and funding priorities
- Work closely with the Director of Major Gifts and development leadership to align major gift strategies with overall fundraising goals
- Provide regular updates and reports on major gift activities and progress
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of donor interactions and contributions in Tessitura (CRM)
- Stay informed regarding trends and best practices in major gift fundraising
Below are the requirements and preferred qualifications for this role:
- Several years of frontline fundraising experience at a non-profit arts organization, university, hospital, or comparable setting with a track record of securing major gifts and meeting fundraising goals
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and donor databases/CRMs and ability to quickly learn new applications
- Ability and willingness to acquire knowledge about opera and have meaningful engagements with donors about the art form
- Strong relationship-building and interpersonal skills, with an ability to tailor engagement strategies effectively
- Outstanding oral and written communication skills
- A proactive approach to problem-solving and a willingness to ask questions
- Patience, flexibility, and facility with both abstract and concrete assignments
- Strong organizational and project management skills
- Availability for approximately 50 evening/weekend events each season
- Personal transportation for donor meetings and events across LA County (eligible for mileage reimbursement)
We are committed to an inclusive workplace with a culture of respect and professionalism, and we are seeking a Major Gifts Officer who champions and demonstrates this commitment.
To apply:
Please apply here. If you don’t meet all the criteria listed above but you believe you have what it takes to excel in this role, we encourage you to apply and tell us about yourself in your cover letter.
Individuals of identities that are underrepresented in arts administration are especially encouraged to apply.
About LA Opera:
LA Opera (LAO) is a mission-driven, non-profit organization that plays a significant role in the cultural life of Southern California. Hundreds of LAO employees and artists help bring to life world-class opera that preserves, promotes, and advances the art form while embodying the diversity, pioneering spirit and artistic sensibility unique to Los Angeles.
Our productions are experienced by more than 100,000 audience members each year at our home at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in downtown Los Angeles. We reach many more through our community and school programs and Off Grand performances in venues across Los Angeles.
LA Opera is an equal opportunity employer, and we do not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any legally protected categories. Individuals of identities that are underrepresented in arts administration are especially encouraged to apply.
SALARY
$84,000.00 – $94,000.00 per year