Director of Development
DESCRIPTION
Title: Director of Development
Reports to: General Director & CEO
Location: Norfolk, VA
FLSA Status: Exempt / Full-Time
Position Summary
The Director of Development is a senior leadership position responsible for designing and implementing all aspects of fundraising for Virginia Opera. This includes annual fund, major gifts, corporate sponsorships, government and foundation grants, planned giving, and special campaigns. The Director works closely with the General Director & CEO, Artistic Director, Board of Directors, and regional committees to cultivate and steward philanthropic support.
The successful candidate will be a passionate advocate for opera, an engaging relationship-builder, and an effective strategist capable of ensuring the company’s long-term financial strength and advancing its mission of artistic excellence, community engagement, and statewide impact.
Responsibilities
Fundraising Strategy & Leadership
Develop and oversee a comprehensive development plan aligned with the opera’s strategic goals and production schedule.
Lead all contributed revenue efforts, with emphasis on major gifts, corporate sponsorships, foundation and government support, and special campaigns.
Partner with the General Director & CEO to set annual fundraising goals and report regularly on progress.
Engage Artistic Director, artists, and creative teams as appropriate in donor cultivation and stewardship.
Donor Cultivation & Stewardship
Build and manage a portfolio of major donors and prospects; identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward gifts at all levels.
Create meaningful donor experiences around productions (e.g., opening night receptions, artist meet-and-greets, rehearsal access, backstage tours).
Oversee donor recognition programs, ensuring that patrons feel valued and connected to the company’s artistic mission.
Strengthen relationships with regional donor communities across, Hampton Roads, Central Virginia, and Northern Virginia.
Development Operations & Team Management
Supervise the development team, including staff and consultants, fostering a collaborative and goal-oriented culture.
Oversee donor database/CRM systems, gift processing, and reporting.
Ensure accurate grant tracking and compliance; lead foundation and government grant strategy.
Partner with marketing staff to align messaging, digital campaigns, and audience engagement with fundraising initiatives.
Special Events & Campaigns
Plan and execute donor cultivation and fundraising events, including galas, opening night celebrations, and cast/creative team receptions.
Provide leadership in the planning and execution of targeted campaigns or special fundraising initiatives.
Leverage performances, rehearsals, and community events to deepen donor connections to the company’s mission.
Board & Volunteer Relations
Serve as primary staff liaison to the Development Committee of the Board.
Provide support and training for Board and Regional Board members to be effective fundraisers and ambassadors for opera.
Partner with volunteer leaders on stewardship activities and peer-to-peer fundraising.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or CFRE certification preferred.
Minimum 7–10 years of progressively responsible fundraising experience, preferably in opera, classical music, or the performing arts.
Demonstrated success in securing major gifts and managing donor portfolios.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to connect donors to the artistic vision of the opera.
Experience supervising staff and working with volunteer leadership.
Knowledge of fundraising best practices and donor databases (e.g., Tessitura, Raiser’s Edge, or similar).
A deep appreciation for opera and the ability to serve as an enthusiastic advocate for the art form.
Employment Requirements
Background & DMV check required.
Reliable transportation.
Compensation & Benefits
Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
Benefits package includes healthcare, paid leave, complimentary tickets
Virginia Opera is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Virginia Opera encourages applications from qualified persons of every race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, age, veteran status, sexual orientation or disability.
Desired Start Date: October 13, 2025
BENEFITS
Pay Range: $70,000 - $90,000 Annual
HOW TO APPLY
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and three references to Jessica Beasley at jessica.beasley@vaopera.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Application Deadline: October 13, 2025