Annual Fund Officer
Since 1971, Arizona Opera has produced over 200 fully-staged operas and concerts. As one of the only companies in the country to perform in two major metropolitan cities, Arizona Opera presents artists of both international stature and emerging talent, and each season balances debut artists and the return of favorite performers. In addition to producing five productions each year in both Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona Opera offers in-school touring productions and numerous outreach events for children and adults of all ages. The 2021/22 Season marked the company’s 50th Anniversary.
Job Title: Annual Fund Officer
Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Department: Development
Reports To: Director of Development
FLSA Status: Not Eligible for OT (Exempt)
Classification: Full time
Salary Range: $50,000-$55,000
The Annual Fund Officer is an enthusiastic relationship builder who works closely with the Director of Development and Associate Director of Development to advance the philanthropic goals of Arizona Opera through individual giving and events to support the company’s full array of programmatic, educational, and strategic initiatives.
The Annual Fund Officer is responsible for achieving contributed revenue goals of the Annual Fund, managing a portfolio of current and prospective individual donors primarily at the mid-level Crescendo ($1000) and Bravo ($2,500) levels with a strategic focus on portfolio upgrades and acquisition in a high-growth environment. This position also works to expand the donor base through the identification and qualification of new donor prospects.
The Annual Fund Officer attends all Arizona Opera performances and special events for donor cultivation and logistical support.
Essential Job Functions:
Portfolio Management – 65% (roughly 5 hours/day):
- Manage a portfolio of donors and prospective donors giving up to $5,000 through all phases of the moves management cycle, with a strategic focus on growing the number of donors giving at the $1,000 (Crescendo) and $2,500 (Bravo) levels
- Meet or exceed revenue and other performance objectives, including the completion of 15-20 personal face-to-face visits with assigned prospects/donors each month
- Build increasing levels of involvement and support among individual donors and prospects through recruitment and cultivation events, donor benefit events, and regular correspondence
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of donor contacts and ongoing communications with current donors and prospects
- Meet or exceed annual fundraising and special event goals by extending personalized invitations, soliciting event sponsorship and participation, providing concierge-quality service to donors, and cultivating individual donor relationships
Prospect Identification and Qualification - 25% (roughly 2 hours/day):
- Manage the qualification and stewardship of new annual fund donors $500+ and work in partnership with the Director of Development to distribute qualified donors into staff portfolios
- Assist the Director and Associate Director of Development in the prospect research process by managing regular Wealth Screens through Wealth Engine and helping with the creation and tracking of prospect plans.
Volunteer Engagement - 10% (roughly 1 hour/day):
- With the Director of Development, work with key volunteer committees (Bravo Committee, Gala Committee) and all 3 volunteer Leagues (Valley Friends, Tucson League, and Prescott Friends) to identify prospects, leverage cultivation opportunities, and support fundraising and event goals
Qualifications
- Minimum of 1 year of experience in fundraising and/or nonprofit administration
- Basic knowledge of fundraising principle and the funding process
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships with patrons, donors, and other stakeholders
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with demonstrated ability to motivate and inspire through written word
- Experience with a CRM (customer relationship management) database, such as Raisers Edge or Sales Force. Tessitura experience strongly preferred.
- Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent combination of experience and education
- Passion for opera and the arts strongly preferred
- Must be available to work evening/weekend events, as required
The Successful Candidate Will:
- Be a self-starter and goal driven to initiate donor visits and fundraising calls
- Effectively prioritize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously to meet deadlines consistently
- Have an attitude of service, a commitment to ongoing learning, and ability to contribute to a team
- Take ownership and responsibility to solve problems and achieve business goals while seeking help from others when appropriate
- Be an active listener possessing excellent communication and persuasion skills, both written and verbal, in one-on-one and group settings
- Be self-directed and work independently in a fast-paced work environment focused on growth
- Exercise sound judgment, handle confidential matters with discretion, and develop a broad knowledge of the institution’s programs, practices, policies, and procedures
Computer Skills:
- Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel & PowerPoint
- Proficient with Tessitura or other CRM/donor database software
- Proficient in web-based research tools
- Experience with basic publication design preferred (Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, Canva)
Physical Demands:
- Extended periods at work station, using a keyboard, viewing a computer screen and communicating by telephone and in person. Some special event set up and break down may be required.
Work Environment:
- Work environment is generally quiet, and in an office setting, but intensifies during periods when the company is in production.
Travel/Other Requirements:
- Reliable transportation required and must be able to travel statewide. Flexible schedule that will require working some nights and weekends to attend events, performances, rehearsals, etc., as required.
To Apply:
Please send resume and cover letter to Michael Hoke, Interim Director of Development at mhoke@azopera.org.
The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.
The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the position change.
The Arizona Opera is an Equal Opportunity employer. The Arizona Opera does not discriminate against an Employee or candidate for employment because of his or her race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin or nationality, age, disability, veteran status, marital status or any other legally protected status. We prohibit discrimination in all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, compensation, benefits, engagements, assignments, training, discipline, termination, promotions or other conditions of employment or career development. We offer reasonable accommodations where necessary to candidates for employment and to our qualified employees with disabilities.