Vice President of Development | LA Opera

Location: Los Angeles, CA with hybrid work flexibility

LA Opera (LAO) is a mission-driven, non-profit organization that plays a significant role in the cultural life of Southern California. Founded in 1986, LAO’s mission is to serve the public by producing world-class opera that preserves, promotes and advances the art form while embodying the diversity, pioneering spirit and artistic sensibility unique to Los Angeles. LAO’s vision is for an engaged and enlightened community in which all members have the opportunity to collectively enjoy the rich aesthetic, emotional, intellectual and cultural experience of opera. LAO works with prominent conductors, directors, and designers from around the world, contributing to high-quality productions. LA Opera emphasizes diverse storytelling and often includes works that reflect various cultural perspectives.

LAO’s productions are experienced by more than 100,000 audience members each year at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in downtown Los Angeles. The venue is noted for its beautiful design and excellent acoustics, making it a fitting home for opera performances. LAO presents a diverse range of operas, from classic works by composers like Verdi and Puccini to contemporary pieces. The opera season runs from September through May/June, with a varied schedule of productions. LAO has received various awards, including Grammy Awards and the prestigious National Opera Association award. LAO is recognized as an innovator in the opera scene and has been involved in the premieres of important new works, including operas that have gone on to win the Pulitzer Prize for Music.

In addition to mainstage operas, LAO reaches over 100,000 audience members through its special concerts, educational programs, community events, Off Grand performances in venues across Los Angeles, and On Now digital content. 

LAO offers a rich cultural experience with a commitment to excellence, innovation, and community engagement. LAO is committed to education and community engagement, offering programs for schools and local communities, including youth performances and workshops.

Reporting directly to the Executive Vice President & Chief Strategic Officer (EVP), with dotted-line reporting to the President/Chief Executive Officer, the Vice President of Development (VP) is part of LA Opera’s executive leadership team, which also includes the President/CEO; EVP/Chief Strategic Officer; VP of Artistic Planning; VP of Marketing, Communications, & Technology Services; VP of Finance/Chief Financial Officer; VP of Connects (Community Engagement & Learning); and VP of HR/Labor Relations.

Contributed revenue is a primary source of LA Opera’s income, and the VP will play a critical leadership role related to the company’s fundraising strategy and operations. The VP will lead the Development staff of approximately 16 employees and will have direct reports that include the Director of Major Gifts, the Associate Director of Major and Planned Gifts, the Director of Development Operations, the Director of Leadership Gifts, the Director of Institutional Giving and Government Relations, and the Director of Special Events and Sponsorships.

The VP will cultivate and steward relationships with donors up to the highest levels of giving and manage an extensive portfolio. They will provide strategic and operational oversight of all areas of fundraising, and along with the EVP, they will lead the strategy for a $250 million capital and endowment campaign. This leader will have an annual fundraising goal of at least $30 million.

LAO is seeking candidates with extensive demonstrated success in frontline fundraising, including experience in cultivating, soliciting, and closing six and seven-figure gifts, as well as overseeing a large development staff and operations. A willingness to learn about opera is also essential. LAO is committed to creating a workplace where everyone has equitable opportunities, support, and a sense of belonging. The Vice President of Development will be expected to champion and embody this commitment.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
The anticipated annual salary range for this role is $225,000 to $265,000. This position is eligible to participate in LA Opera benefit programs, including medical, dental, and vision insurance; life and long-term disability insurance; 403(b) retirement savings plan with a company match; cell phone stipend; Employee Assistance Program; subsidized parking or public transit reimbursement; and complimentary and discounted tickets.

This is a full-time administrative staff position based out of the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in
downtown Los Angeles. Presently there is hybrid work flexibility, with the possibility of working
remotely one or two days a week in many weeks. Evening and weekend work is required, in
addition to regular office hours, related to performances and events. The VP will attend most
performances (approximately 40 per year) as well as various donor events. The VP also will
travel to other states and countries on donor cultivation trips (approximately two per year).

LA Opera is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any legally protected categories. Individuals of identities that are underrepresented in arts administration are especially encouraged to apply.

Download the full position description via the following link:

https://dsgco.com/search/21619-la-opera-vice-president-of-development

LA Opera has retained the DSG Fundraising & Advancement Practice of the Diversified Search Group to assist in this confidential search process. Inquiries, nominations, and applications (current resumes and cover letters) may be submitted via the following link or directed to the leader of the search team:

https://talent-profile.dsgco.com/search/v2/21619

Gerard F. Cattie, Jr.

Global Managing Partner and Practice Founder, DSG Fundraising & Advancement

Diversified Search Group

The Chrysler Building, 405 Lexington Avenue, 49th Floor, New York, New York 10174

gcattie@divsearch.com | 212.542.2587