Director, Major Gifts - WNO

About The Kennedy Center

“I am certain that after the dust of centuries has passed over our cities, we, too, will be remembered not for victories or defeats in battle or in politics, but for our contribution to the human spirit.” – President John F. Kennedy

The Kennedy Center is the nation’s cultural center and living memorial to President John F. Kennedy. Located on the banks of the Potomac River in Washington, D.C., the Center presents performances across all genres, and is also home to artistic affiliates Washington National Opera and National Symphony Orchestra.

At the Kennedy Center, we strive to foster belonging and empowerment at work. We are able to advance our mission because of our committed and passionate employees. We are fortunate to be able to leverage their diverse perspectives, life experiences and skills to inform how our workplace can be a safe, transparent, and replenishing community. The Kennedy Center is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant based on race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related condition, or any other basis protected by law.

Mission Statement: As the nation's performing arts center, and a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy, we are a leader for the arts across America and around the world, reaching and connecting with artists, inspiring and educating communities. We welcome all to create, experience, learn about, and engage with the arts.

Why Join Us

We offer a total rewards package to all full-time employees to include:

• Staff offers for discount tickets
• Retirement plan with organization matching (after 1 year of employment)
• Qualifying employer for the Public Student Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)
• Commuter programs including pre-tax options for discounted parking and SmartBenefits (WMATA)
• Annual Leave, Sick Leave, and Personal Days available immediately upon hire
• 11 paid holidays per year
• Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits with FSA and HSA options, and paid FMLA
• We like to have fun!

Pay Details

The Kennedy Center strives to design equitable compensation programs. The projected salary range for this position is $110,000 - $120,000, commensurate with experience, and includes a comprehensive benefits package. This is the targeted range of possible compensation for this role at the time of posting. This range may be modified in the future. Base pay within the range is ultimately determined by a candidate’s skills, expertise, and experience as it relates to the position qualifications and responsibilities.

Job Description

The Director of Major Gifts at Washington National Opera (WNO) reports to the Managing Director of Advancement, and must also work collaboratively with WNO Leadership, other Development senior staff, members of the Board of Trustees, Government Affairs, and other departments.

The Director is responsible for a significant portion of WNO’s individual contributed income targets as well as other institution-wide and endowment giving efforts. This position requires a dedicated focus on building new and innovative fundraising strategies and relationships, as well as effectively maintaining and advancing existing programs.

The incumbent manages their time, resources, and workload to maximize productivity and financial results; exercises discretion; evaluates complex internal and external relationships; and regularly takes initiative to advance the objectives and goals of multiple campaigns.

This position will play a large role in providing a collaborative team culture while prioritizing opportunities for professional development for the staff.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee a portfolio of Trustees and high-level donors, managing their philanthropic engagement and stewardship.
• Create opportunities with the team to secure undesignated funds as well as designated opportunities when they have the potential for attracting major gifts.
• Collaborate with other fundraising teams (e.g., membership, corporate, Circles, etc.) to deepen relationships and identify opportunities for cross-selling
• Provide team leadership and coaching through regular feedback and performance management, align priorities to meet revenue and goals, and appropriately delegate tasks to ensure a high-performing team that regularly meets or exceeds goals.
• Manage and develop team’s best practices in all areas of fundraising, including written and verbal communications, prospect research, proposals, meetings, events, and donor engagement.
• Steward portfolio through all WNO, KC and NSO major events.
• Help to manage cultivation events hosted by Trustees and Major Donors.
• With MDA, co-lead weekly staff meetings, strategic planning retreats, staff training and professional development workshops.
• Work with the MDA and Director of Individual Giving and Operations to implement and evaluate long-term goals and strategies for team. Work together to foster a team centered around clarity, kindness, and people-first management.
• Actively promote a collegial and collaborative working relationship with all Kennedy Center and WNO colleagues.
• Other duties as assigned.

Key Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or applicable professional experience.
• Minimum of 7 years in development, with a minimum of 3 of those years in a supervisory capacity managing development team members that are responsible for identifying, securing, and stewarding a portfolio of donors.
• Experience managing a high-performing team that met or exceeded goals, through effective goal setting, prioritization, delegation, and team-building.
• Ability to collaborate across a matrixed organization to leverage the expertise of other departments, work together to effect change and achieve shared goals.
• Knowledge and training in fundraising principles, development trends, and non-profit management or Board engagement. Understanding of large cultural institutions is beneficial.
• Experience developing and implementing specific fundraising strategies with timeliness and success while maintaining flexibility as the needs of donors and the priorities of Washington National Opera changes.
• Experience with Tessitura or nonprofit experience with a CRM database is preferred.
• Careful attention to detail and knowledge of standard accounting procedures
• Candidate must be local or willing to relocate to the DMV area. Relocation assistance is not provided.
• Candidate must be willing to work onsite.

Additional Information

• Large, vibrant, fast-paced office that values initiative, efficiency, diversity, and teamwork.
• Office culture encourages professional growth through internal promotion whenever possible.
• Working outside of normal business hours (nights and weekends) is expected during in season programming for the KC, WNO and NSO events. Normal business hours are in office.
• An interest in music and opera appreciation is preferred.