Development Officer

SUMMARY

The primary responsibility of the Development Officer at Houston Grand Opera is to identify, cultivate, solicit, and provide stewardship to donors and prospects to increase their annual support to HGO; particular emphasis will be on increasing the number of donors who give up to $4,000 annually.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILTIES:

• Cultivate and solicit a portfolio of prospective and current donors, according to the Annual Giving plan, for operational support and special giving initiatives.
• Meet with HGO subscribers and members to aide in identifying those with greater interest and capacity for deeper HGO involvement.
• With the Director of Development, develop and execute a plan for increasing the members of Patrons Circle members, and effectively stewarding those members. This involves creating and implementing cultivation activities for prospective and current donors in order to increase their affinity for HGO.
• Ensure proper tracking of all efforts to cultivate, solicit, and steward prospective and current donors.
• Participate in special project or production fundraising as needed.
• Assist with staffing of events as assigned.
• Manage annual fund direct mail and telefunding campaigns, including renewals and acquisitions
• Act as project manager for annual giving day online campaign
• Coordinate special events: Opera Unwrapped
• Manage Individual Giving team calendars

ESSENTIAL JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university required. At least three years professional development experience in non-profit organizations, with experience in donor cultivation and solicitation. Proven success in face-to-face solicitation, managing a donor portfolio, and providing excellent service to donors. Knowledge of principles of fund raising. Experience with fundraising software programs, particularly Tessitura, is a plus. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to maintain confidentiality. Evening and weekend work required.

SPECIAL JOB CHARACTERISTICS:

The applicant must possess strong interpersonal skills without fear of soliciting funds on behalf of HGO, confidence without self-importance. Proven ability to remain calm under pressure and meet aggressive deadlines. Successful candidates will have strong self-motivation with an affinity for team-based environments. Knowledge of opera is a plus. A passion for the performing arts is essential.