Chief Development Officer
DESCRIPTION
Gulfshore Opera seeks a Chief Development Officer who will develop and implement a comprehensive development program to identify individuals, foundations, and organizations at all giving levels, focusing on those with the potential to make transformative gifts to the organization and ensuring that patrons are systematically engaged through all phases of the fundraising cycle, from donor qualification to effective solicitation and stewardship. Working closely with the company's staff and leadership, and overseeing a Donor and Community Relations Manager, the Chief Development Officer will develop unique funding opportunities for donors and sponsors and manage special gift initiatives such as the annual fundraising gala, the GO Maestro Club, and the President's Council. Gulfshore Opera (GO) was founded in 2014 by General Director Steffanie Pearce, a producer, director, performer, and teacher with more than 40 years of experience in opera and an international performance career. Now a growing Level Three company under OPERA America guidelines—and the only touring opera company in Florida—GO enriches Southwest Florida with accessible, high-quality, and diverse vocal performances featuring classically trained artists. Its impact extends beyond the stage through a youth development choral program and a regional emerging artist program that cultivate the next generation of talent. Headquartered in Estero, GO operates with a small professional staff, an external marketing consultant, and a committed Board of Directors. The company is registered with OPERA America, holds a Platinum Candid/GuideStar rating, is debt-free, and has launched a growing Endowment Fund to support long-term sustainability. GO is deeply committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment for all members of its community.
"The successful candidate will be a forward thinker with an entrepreneurial spirit, a collaborative nature, and a pioneer's desire to make a positive impact. Our lean business model has minimum administrative and building overhead, which allows each donation to make maximum impact. Our small but mighty staff and Board of Directors have worked very hard to get GO to where we are, and all key stakeholders agree that this is the year to welcome a Chief Development Officer." — Steffanie Pearce, Founder & General Director
Desired Start Date: May 1, 2026
BENEFITS
Pay Range: $85,000 - $105,000 Monthly
BENEFITS:
Job Type: Full-Time October- May, hybrid/ flex schedule including evening events. Reduced hours June-September (hybrid remote/in person @ 24 hrs/week)
4 weeks paid vacation during summer months plus generous holiday vacations
The salary range for this position is $85,000 to $105,000 annually and will be based on experience and qualifications. Very well-qualified candidates may anticipate a salary in the $95,000 to $100,000 range. GO offers a relocation allowance for candidates moving from outside a 100-mile radius, a health benefits stipend, generous paid time off, including vacation, wellness, parental leave, and paid holidays, a flexible work schedule, and a gas stipend for work travel outside a 60-mile radius from GO Headquarters.
GO’s season runs November through April and includes performances, as well as social and fundraising events; the summer months focus on planning and preparation. The role requires flexibility during the season, including a hybrid schedule with some evening events from October through April. Hours are reduced to 24 per week with hybrid/remote work from June through September, offering increased personal time in the off-season. Because of GO’s geographic reach, the ability to drive up to one hour each way for events is required.
HOW TO APPLY
Gulfshore will consider candidates with a broad range of backgrounds. If you are excited about this role and feel that you can contribute to GO, but your experience does not exactly align with every qualification listed above, we encourage you to apply. All applications must be accompanied by a cover letter and résumé. Cover letters should be responsive to the mission of Gulfshore Opera and the responsibilities and competencies presented in the position prospectus. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the successful candidate has been selected.
https://opportunities.aspenleadershipgroup.com/opportunities/7484
Application Deadline: April 20, 2026
Application Email/Link: opportunities.aspenleadershipgroup.com/opportunities/7484