Leadership Philanthropy Officer (Legacy)

PURPOSE: To develop strategies and manage the cultivation and solicitation plan for each individual in an assigned portfolio of donors who primarily give or have the potential to give at least $25,000 annually. In conjunction with the Director of Philanthropy, to manage the Bel Canto Legacy Program and manage the Legacy Giving Manager. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Develops and implements effective fundraising strategies for 75-100 accounts in an assigned leadership giving portfolio, including creating strategies for identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship for annual and legacy gifts. Determines and maintains accurate gift forecasts for each assigned individual. Matches each assigned donor’s capacity and interest with appropriate Opera programs and priorities for multi-year annual gifts, signature projects and planned giving / endowment needs. Works closely with department staff and key volunteers to identify new prospects for annual, capital and endowment funding. Provides a high level of donor cultivation, solicitation and stewardship. Partners with staff, volunteer leadership and appropriate resources as needed to meet department objectives. Meets ambitious portfolio revenue goals. In partnership with the Director of Philanthropy, supports the management of the Bel Canto Legacy Program (approximately 40% of time), including: Provides strategy on legacy prospect identification and stewardship of current planned giving donors Coordinates communications and events for society members Oversees the branding and marketing of the Bel Canto Society Monitors program activity and results Manages the Legacy Giving Manager SECONDARY FUNCTIONS: Hosts donors at various events and functions. Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of donor contacts and ongoing communication with current leadership donors and prospects via database and hard file notations. Provides donor services to patrons, resolving complaints and problems via phone/correspondence. Partners with departmental staff to facilitate events and cultivation opportunities. Ensures donors are recognized and acknowledged properly. Performs other job related duties as assigned. EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university (preferred) or equivalent work experience. EXPERIENCE: Minimum five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience in the development field, including proven success in face-to-face solicitation of major donors with an outstanding record in closing major and planned gifts. PREREQUISITE SKILLS & REQUIREMENTS: Knowledge of principles and practices of fundraising, and ticketing and patron services. Knowledge of performing arts and/or the operatic art form. Proven success in managing portfolios of 90+ donors and prospects, and demonstrated achievement in providing superior service and producing excellent financial results from patrons. Proficient with Microsoft Office products and database navigation. Tessitura revenue management system experience highly preferred. Proven track record of identifying, cultivating and soliciting gifts from major donors. Exemplary diplomacy, problem-solving and teamwork skills. Must be able to set priorities, coordinate multiple projects simultaneously, and meet firm deadlines. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing and convey complicated procedures clearly and succinctly. Establish working relationships and interact effectively with a wide range of people internally and externally. Ability to work effectively with volunteer leadership and senior staff, involving them, as appropriate, in the cultivation and solicitation process for major donors. Ability to take initiative and work independently. Must maintain a high level of confidentiality. Capacity to attend evening and weekend Opera events in the Bay area. Must perform the functions of the position in a safe manner.