LA Opera is a mission-driven, non-profit organization that plays a significant role in the cultural life of Southern California. Hundreds of LA Opera 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, Off Grand performances in venues across Los Angeles, and On Now digital content.

About the opportunity
Contributed revenue is a primary and critical source of LA Opera’s income, and the Institutional Giving Officer and Grant Writer serves an important role in advancing the company’s institutional giving goals and priorities.

The Institutional Giving Officer and Grant Writer is a member of our Development team and is responsible for creating and preparing grant proposals and reports, project budgets, final expense reports, and related materials and providing other support for institutional giving operations and projects. This position reports to the Director of Institutional Giving and Government Relations. This position helps provide some oversight of the work of the Institutional Giving Coordinator, who also reports to the Director of Institutional Giving & Government Relations.

This is a full-time administrative staff position based out of the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in downtown Los Angeles. Presently there is some hybrid work flexibility, with the possibility of working remotely up to two days a week in most weeks. Some evening and weekend work may be required, in addition to regular office hours, related to performances and events.

Key responsibilities include the following:

Support strategic positioning of grant proposals; draft grant narratives and reports; prepare program budgets and financial expenditure reports; and oversee preparation of support materials.
Manage grants calendar and contract obligations, coordinating with other departments as needed; monitor outcomes of grant-funded programs and projects; maintain institutional operational documents and tracking tools; and supervise Institutional Giving Assistant’s daily tasks.
Manage distinct portfolio of institutional donors; support donor relations; research, identify and help cultivate new funders; and track institutional prospects.
Manage in-kind gift tracking; support planning and coordination of institutional events and special projects; maintain strong working knowledge of current company programs; attend performances and special events throughout the season; and support the Institutional Giving team as needed.

Who we are looking for:
We are seeking an individual with demonstrated experience writing successful grant proposals and reports. Successful candidates also will have a solid understanding of nonprofit development, including foundation philanthropy and government grant opportunities

Other requirements and preferred qualifications include the following:

Excellent oral and written communication skills 
Proficiency with project budgets and financial reports 
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills 
Demonstrated ability to effectively manage multiple, competing projects and deadlines 
Strong judgment regarding prioritization of tasks and ability to work well with minimal supervision 
Outstanding organizational skills and attention to detail 
Ability to work successfully with a variety of personalities and working styles 
Ability to handle confidential information sensitively and discreetly 
Interest in the performing arts is helpful
Advanced knowledge of, and proficiency, in Microsoft Office Suite and aptitude to learn other applications, as needed 

We are committed to a workplace in which everyone has equitable opportunities and experiences a sense of belonging, and we are seeking an individual who champions and demonstrates this commitment.  

Salary: $70,000 to $75,000, annually

Benefits: This position is eligible to participate in LA Opera benefit programs, including medical, dental, and vision insurance; life and long-term disability insurance; 403(b) retirement savings plan with a company match; cell phone stipend; Employee Assistance Program; subsidized parking or public transit reimbursement; and complimentary and discounted tickets.

Education requirements: Resume, cover letter

Deadline to apply: October 14, 2024

Documents required to apply: Resume, cover letter

How to apply: Apply and submit your resume and cover letter 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 the arts fundraising field are especially encouraged to apply.  

LA Opera is an equal opportunity employer, and we do not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any legally protected categories. 

As L.A.’s premier performing arts destination, The Music Center convenes artists, communities, and ideas with the goal of deepening the cultural lives of every resident in Los Angeles County. The $70 million non-profit performing arts organization has three divisions: TMC Arts, TMC Ops and TMC Business Services, TMC Arts, The Music Center’s programming engine, provides year-round programming inside The Music Center’s four theatres, which include Walt Disney Concert Hall, Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Ahmanson Theatre and Mark Taper Forum; on Jerry Moss Plaza; outside at Gloria Molina Grand Park, a 12-acre adjacent green space; in schools and neighborhoods all over Los Angeles County; and on a digital platform called The Music Center Offstage. TMC Arts presents world-class dance with Glorya Kaufman Presents Dance at The Music Center, free and low-cost public concerts and events, as well as K–12 arts learning programs, workshops, performances, interactive experiences and special events. TMC Ops manages the theatres, the plaza and Grand Park, which comprise $2 billion in county assets, on behalf of the County of Los Angeles. TMC Business Services includes Advancement, Human Resources, Finance, Tech Services, and Marketing and Communications. The Music Center is also home to four renowned resident companies—Center Theatre Group, Los Angeles Master Chorale, LA Opera and LA Phil.

Position Summary:

Reporting to Senior Vice President (SVP) of Advancement, the Senior Director of Advancement Services designs and implements a comprehensive Advancement Services plan to maximize the effectiveness of fundraising at The Music Center. The Senior Director will be responsible for conceptualization, planning, implementation, and evaluation of four key areas: 1) donor/prospect database and hard files management; 2) prospect research and donor portfolio management; 3) gift processing, acknowledgements, donor recognition; and 4) advancement department budget and income goal development and tracking. The Senior Director is a senior staff advisor to the SVP and supervises a team of five advancement services professionals.

Key Responsibilities:

Management of Advancement Services Function (10%)

Create, with input and partnership from key stakeholders, implement, and evaluate a multi-year plan for optimizing the effectiveness of the Advancement Services function.

Lead the Advancement Services team in meeting their annual goals. Conduct annual performance evaluation of direct reports.

Establish strong working partnerships throughout The Music Center, forging and managing collaborative working relationships at all levels.

Oversee onboarding of new Advancement staff to ensure their training in use of database, gift acceptance and acknowledgement policies and procedures, and budget tracking.

Donor/Prospect Database and Hard Files Management (50%)

Oversee Tessitura database of donors, prospects, and other relevant constituents regarding gifts and pledges, correspondence, biographical information, research, and relationships, with the goal of providing current, consistent and accurate data.

Develop and manage the donor database usage guidelines and train Advancement staff to ensure protocols for entering, maintaining information, and creating queries are followed.

Assess and recommend action on opportunities for improving data integrity and CRM function, including data cleanup projects and assessing potential software upgrades. Plan, lead and implement projects of this type.

Serve as the primary liaison for The Music Center with the Tessitura consortium.

Prospect Research and Donor Portfolios (10%)

Plan and oversee implementation of portfolio management programs that include measurable targets for each fiscal year and track the performance of gift officers.

Drive the moves management process in collaboration with the SVP and AVPs to ensure regular reviews and assessments of current prospects.

Design dashboard for gift officers and run statistical, financial, and constituent reports as needed.

Gift Processing, Acknowledgements, Donor Recognition (15%)

Responsible for creating, vetting, and ensuring placement of accurate donor credit lines and donor acknowledgement lists for a variety of formats and for various uses.

Working with frontline fundraisers, facilities staff and communication staff, plans and implements fabrication of donor signage and naming projects including inscriptions and physical signage, as well as ensuring program and positional naming is fulfilled online and print materials.

Oversees acceptance and acknowledgement processes for in-kind donations.

Assess and update The Music Center’s gift acceptance policies in collaboration with Finance to ensure appropriate compliance and alignment with giving trends, tax law, and other relevant considerations.

Assess and update The Music Center’s giving vehicles in collaboration with Finance to ensure fundraisers have accurate and timely information.

Oversee the gifts acknowledgement process and tracking including tax receipts and acknowledgement letters.

Oversee regular updating and maintenance of the development pages on The Music Center website and ensure that giving mechanisms are maintained on the website and social media.

Assess training needs and approaches for data and technology systems; partner with the advancement staff to improve and standardize procedures and processes.

Expense Budget Development and Income Tracking (15%)

Facilitate advancement staff work in developing expense and income projections. Track expenditures and progress toward income goals throughout the year. Implement a system of monthly reporting on projections vs actuals for both income and expenses.

Deliver Advancement yearly budget and mid-year income and expense projections as needed to the Finance office.

Prudently manage resources.

Serve as Advancement’s liaison to Finance and Technology Services.

Qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent educational/professional experience

Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in the advancement services field.

Experience as a supervisor and team lead in developing effective multi-year plans, a high functioning staff, and a culture of collaboration and problem-solving.

Experience, preferably at a database administrator level, creating and implementing plans for data input, usage, and clean up with Tessitura or other donor focused CRM.

Commitment to highest level of accuracy and ethics in researching, storing, and reporting donor and prospect data.

Superior organizational skills, ability to multi-task and to effectively present complex information and respond to questions from people throughout the organization.

Excellent analytical, planning, diagnostic, and supervisory skills, with reliably sound judgment, self-direction, attention to detail, and high energy.

Action-oriented, entrepreneurial, collaborative, and visionary approach to organizational management preferred.

Experience managing a team to achieve results across a diverse portfolio of responsibilities.

Strong listening, writing, and speaking skills.

Genuine interest in The Music Center’s mission and commitment to the arts.

Ability to work holidays, nights, and weekends as needed.

Vaccination Policy: The Music Center requires its employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19, subject to certain exemptions as required by law. New hires working at The Music Center must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, receiving either the primary 2-dose or 1-dose vaccine. At the Music Center, fully vaccinated is defined as 14 days after receiving the second dose of the 2-dose vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) or 14 days after receiving the 1-dose vaccine (J&J). Please contact The Music Center’s Human Resources Department for a copy of the vaccination policy.

This is a full-time, exempt position.

The weekly administrative schedule is 35 hours per week, approximately 9 am – 5 pm Monday to Friday, with adjustments to accommodate special events and activities. Currently, The Music Center practices a hybrid (remote with scheduled onsite team days) weekly schedule and work onsite/in person for live events, which may require on-site support. This scenario may change and is also subject to the responsibilities of the position.

Salary: $150,000 – $162,000 annually

Benefits: Compensation package includes medical, dental and vision plans, group term life insurance, flexible spending accounts, vacation and sick accruals, and 401(k) plan with employer match.

Education requirements: Bachelor’d degree

Deadline to apply: November 30, 2024

Documents required to apply: Resume, cover letter

How to apply: Apply on ADP.

ABOUT THE MUSIC CENTER: The Music Center is one of the largest and most highly regarded performing arts centers in the country, with a vision to deepen the cultural lives of all Angelenos. As LA’s premier performing arts destination, it has long been at the forefront of presenting innovative and critically acclaimed programs. With four iconic theaters and four renowned resident companies—Center Theatre Group, LA Master Chorale, LA Opera, and LA Philharmonic—The Music Center is a place where audiences find inspiration in live performance. The Music Center also programs and manages Grand Park, a 12-acre adjacent greenspace.

In addition to its illustrious dance programming, free and low-cost engagement experiences, and nationally recognized arts learning programs, The Music Center partners with local communities to expand events and activities beyond its downtown campus directly into schools and neighborhoods.

THE OPPORTUNITY: The Senior Director of Principal Giving is a highly collaborative, proactive, resourceful professional who is passionate about arts, culture, and civic engagement. The Senior Director is responsible for developing meaningful relationships by creating and overseeing cultivation and stewardship strategies that engage and connect principal donors to the mission and vision of The Music Center.

The candidate for this position will join a 22-person team of dynamic fundraising professionals. The Music Center is led by committed, diverse, and inspirational leaders. The Senior Director will execute a comprehensive plan to maximize the success of various fundraising efforts and secure significant philanthropic resources from individual donors for The Music Center’s fundraising priorities. In collaboration with The Vice President of Advancement, the Senior Director will also provide strategic leadership for various fundraising activities of the advancement office, including the launch of a historic comprehensive campaign.

The Senior Director of Principal Giving reports to the Vice President of Advancement and serves as an integral member of the development team. Reporting to the Senior Director is a team of two professionals.

IDEAL QUALIFICATIONS:
 Genuine interest in The Music Center’s mission and a strong commitment to the arts.
 A minimum of six years of progressively responsible experience in the advancement field.
 A proven track record of success in personally cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major and principal gifts from individual donors.
 A high level of comfort and effectiveness working with high-net-worth individual and organizational leaders.
 Ability to evaluate, strengthen, and enhance the principal gift pipeline. Develop and implement new and innovative ways to identify and acquire prospective donors, increase donor retention, and upgrade and renew existing donors.
 Demonstrate leadership experience in building fundraising programs and teams and fostering a culture of collaboration and achievement.
 History of direct experience in developing and implementing sophisticated strategies for donor/volunteer involvement, and proven ability to close gifts.
 Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from key leaders, donors, and prospects.
 Excellent listening, writing, and speaking skills.
 Superior analytical, planning, problem solving, and supervisory skills with reliably sound judgment, self-direction, attention to detail, and high energy.
 Adherence to the highest standard of best practices and ethics in the fundraising field.
 A bachelor’s degree is required.

The annual compensation range for this position is $150,000-$165,000. This is a full-time exempt position. Currently, the Advancement team practices a hybrid schedule with weekly work onsite for team days as well as for performance and events. The compensation package includes medical, dental, and vision health plan, welfare insurance benefits, a 401(k) plan with employer contribution, and paid vacation and sick days.

To apply, please visit howe-lewis.com and click on the “Assignments” tab on the top menu. You may also email your resume and letter of interest to kirk@howe-lewis.com

Salary: $150,000 – $165,000 annually

Benefits: The compensation package includes medical, dental, and vision health plan, welfare insurance benefits, a 401(k) plan with employer contribution, and paid vacation and sick days.

Education requirements: Bachelor’s Degree

Deadline to apply: October 31, 2024

Documents required to apply: Resume, Cover Letter

How to apply: “Howe-Lewis International is pleased to assist The Music Center with this exciting search. Email your resume and letter of interest to kirk@howe-lewis.com. All expressions of interest will be held in confidence.”