Chief Philanthropy Officer

Opera Philadelphia

Chief Philanthropy Officer developing and executing fundraising strategies for an arts organization. Collaborating with leadership, managing donor relations, and overseeing a development team in Philadelphia.

Posted 6/25/2026full-timePhiladelphia • Pennsylvania • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $220,000 - $250,000 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Reporting to the General Director & President, the Chief Philanthropy Officer (CPO) serves as a visionary partner
Develop annual and multi-year fundraising plans across individual, institutional, major gifts, planned giving, events, and campaigns
Create sophisticated materials for major gift solicitations, sponsorships, corporate partnerships, and leadership campaign gifts
Personally manage a significant portfolio, soliciting and closing major gifts to meet fundraising goals
Apply best practices for donor management systems, including Moves Management
Oversee prospect research and reinvigorate the Planned Giving program
Work closely with the Marketing department to integrate subscriber and ticket buyer data into donor strategies
Collaborate with Board leadership to support standing committees and identify new board prospects
Lead, mentor, and manage a Development team of seven, setting work plans and performance goals
Provide strategic oversight of all donor events, including the annual Gala

Requirements

What you’ll need

At least 7 years of experience in a senior development role within a high-performing arts organization
Proven success in soliciting and securing 6 and 7-figure individual and corporate gifts
Demonstrated ability to work effectively with board committees, volunteers, and cross-functional staff
Significant experience planning and executing cultivation events, stewardship programs, and high-profile galas
Experience in creating departmental budgets
Deep knowledge of fundraising systems and the ability to use data to shape strategy and decision-making at all levels of individual giving
Exceptional written and oral communication abilities, including experience presenting to boards and stakeholders
Strong interpersonal skills with a talent for inspiring staff, volunteers, and donors to build lasting relationships
Experience hiring, managing, mentoring, and evaluating staff to achieve ambitious goals
Strong experience with budget creation, tracking, and financial reporting, ensuring transparency and accountability
Proficiency with fundraising software and digital tools to enhance operational efficiency

Benefits

Comp & perks

Health insurance
Retirement plans
Paid time off
Flexible work arrangements
Professional development

ATS Keywords

✓ Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills & Tools

fundraisingdonor managementMoves Managementprospect researchbudget creationfinancial reportingevent planningstewardship programsmajor gifts solicitationcorporate partnerships

Soft Skills

leadershipmentoringcommunicationinterpersonal skillsstrategic oversightcollaborationinspirationrelationship buildingteam managementpresentation skills