Fort Worth Opera

Director of Development

 

Mission

 The mission of Fort Worth Opera is to enrich people's lives with performances and programs that educate, entertain, inspire, and expand the horizons of current and future audiences. Values. Fort Worth Opera is committed to maintaining the highest possible standards of equality; to embracing diversity, giving voice to qualified people of all genders, races, and orientations, on and off the stage; and to transmitting to people of all ages the highest possible standards of fundamental human decency and a civil society. Purpose. Fort Worth Opera is committed to producing opera of the highest possible artistic quality and integrity; to identifying and training talented young American singers; to serving as a crucible for creating new American operas; to joining forces with other arts organizations in significant collaborations; and to stimulating curiosity and creativity in people of all ages through its Education Program. Vision. Our vision is to bring the communities of Fort Worth and North Texas closer together through inclusive musical experience, to cultivate young singers into the next generation of opera stars, and to be a world renowned venue for new and innovative operatic works. We seek to bring the world of opera to Fort Worth and represent Fort Worth to the opera world.

 

The Company

Fort Worth Opera is the oldest opera company in Texas, and one of the 14 oldest opera companies in the United States. The organization has received national attention from critics and audiences alike for its artistic excellence, pioneering spirit, and steadfast willingness to take risks. Celebrating its 75th year of operation in 2021, the company has not only performed hundreds of operas in Fort Worth featuring some of opera’s greatest stars; it is also known throughout the operatic world as a champion of new and rarely performed works. With an annual budget of just over $3 million, Fort Worth Opera will begin producing a stagione fall and spring season consisting of three productions (2 traditional mainstage operas and one contemporary opera). The company also produces other performances throughout the year, including concerts and pop-up community outreach performances, bringing the art form to the community in unexpected venues, and acquainting new audiences with the joy of opera. Fort Worth Opera also boasts a highly successful opera education program, consisting of The Lesley Resident Artist program and the Children’s Opera Theatre, which brings opera to nearly 40,000 school children each year across the state of Texas. The company’s outreach efforts bring an operatic experience to people of every age, ethnic, and social group. Noches de Ópera (Nights of Opera) is a groundbreaking Spanish-language program introducing powerful operas that reflect the unique and diverse cultures of our Fort Worth community.

 

Community

Located just 20 minutes from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, Fort Worth is the 13th largest city in the United States, with a population of just under 900,000. Boasting a thriving arts scene, Fort Worth is home to three major art museums—as well as several galleries and seasonal art festivals—the Fort Worth Symphony, the Texas Ballet Theater, the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition and Cliburn concerts, and of course, the Fort Worth Opera. The city is home to Texas Christian University, a major national university with renowned music and performing arts programs. One of the crown jewels of Fort Worth is its vibrant downtown, home to the breathtaking Bass Performance Hall where Fort Worth Opera performs its mainstage productions. Opened in 1998 and encompassing a full city block, the 2,042-seat performance hall provides an unparalleled experience for performers and audiences alike.

 

Departmental and Position Overview

Fort Worth Opera’s development department is responsible for the acquisition of all general operating, project and endowment support, including contributions from individuals, foundations, corporations and government sources.   The development department manages general donor relationships and benefit fulfillment.  The department plans and executes the majority of the organization’s special events, including year-round donor engagement and opera preview events.

 

The Director of Development is a senior staff position which works closely with the General Director to set and meet fundraising goals.  In addition to managing a donor portfolio, the Director supervises a department which includes three employees (Associate Director of Development; Grants Manager, Donor Data Entry Assistant) and possibly interns throughout the year.

 

Salary

Competitive with the 2023 average Non-Profit Development Director salary in Texas

 

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Leading the organization’s annual fund campaign of approximately $2.0 million, manage individual board members and donors, donations from foundations, corporations and government sources. Work closely with the General Director to manage the cultivation, stewardship and renewal of all donors.
• Providing strategy and support for the development of the company’s first multi-year fundraising campaign, helping the company reach long term financial goals and growth for both the general fund and our new endowment fund.
• Rework tiered giving
• Supervising development staff in developing donor and board communications, in coordination with marketing department efforts: writing renewal, solicitation and acknowledgement letters, preparing e-blasts and online appeals.
• Working with the General Director and Artistic Administrator/Board Liaison to plan and implement Board meetings, including individual committee meetings.
• Supervise the planning and execution of special events, including receptions, dinners and any exclusive patron travel events.
• Overseeing the grants calendar, conducting research to identify foundation, corporate and government funding prospects, and editing complete proposals and reports to foundation, corporate and government granting agencies.
• Overseeing direct mail campaign for low-end donors, completed proposals and reports for selected foundation and corporation granting agencies.
• Additional duties as assigned.

 

Required Skills

Outstanding writing, analytical, organizational and communications skills are required.  The candidate must be detail-oriented with the ability to multitask. The candidate must possess a bachelor’s degree, with a minimum of four years of relevant experience, with preference given to experience in the field of opera, or experience in non-profit arts.  Proficiency with Windows and Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Word, and Excel is required. Experience with fundraising software, and research tools such as Patron Manager, Sales Force, and Wealth Engine is strongly preferred. Interest in music/opera is a plus.

 

HOW TO APPLY

For priority consideration, please send a cover letter, a current resume, and a list of at least three professional references to Fort Worth Opera at jobs@fwopera.org. We are accepting applications until position is filled.

 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

BIPOC applicants are encouraged to apply. Fort Worth Opera does not discriminate on the basis of national origin, race, religious belief, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation or disability in admission or access to, or employment in, its programs and