Aspen Leadership Group is proud to partner with Gulfshore Opera in the search for a Development Director.
Reporting to the Founder & General Director, the Development Director will serve as the chief development officer of Gulfshore Opera (GO), working to develop and implement a comprehensive development program to identify individuals and organizations at all giving levels, focusing on those with the potential to make transformative gifts to the organization. Following proven success in the development role, this key leadership opportunity will position the successful candidate for the role of Executive Director in the future. Since September of 2024, a thorough analysis of GO's current operations has been conducted, resulting in this newly created position. The hiring of a Development Director will allow GO to transition from an outside development consulting firm to a new in-house executive staff member, with strategic changes designed and implemented that will enhance efficiency and overall organizational health.
The incoming Development Director will ensure that patrons are systematically engaged through all phases of the fundraising cycle, from donor qualification to effective solicitation and stewardship. The Development Director will work closely with the staff and leadership of the company to develop unique funding opportunities for donors and will take a leadership role in developing grant proposals for arts funding organizations. The Development Director will manage special gift initiatives, such as the annual fundraising gala, the GO Maestro Club, and the President's Council, and develop and manage corporate and individual underwriting opportunities for mainstage performers, artists, and productions. GO's season, the High Season, is from November to May, with performances and social and fundraising events during this period. The off-season is used for planning and preparation. This pattern requires flexibility but allows for greater personal time out of season. From October through May, this position allows for a hybrid/flex schedule, including evening events. Hours are reduced to 24 hours per week with a hybrid/remote from June through September.
Gulfshore Opera was founded in 2014 by General Director Steffanie Pearce, who brings over 40 years of experience in the field of opera. She is a producer, director, performer, and teacher of the great art form and has performed worldwide. GO enriches the community of Southwest Florida by presenting accessible, high-quality, diverse vocal music performances with classically trained artists, creating a positive social impact through a youth development choral program and a regional emerging artist program. Gulfshore Opera is a growing Level Three opera company, per the Opera America guidelines, and the only touring opera company in Florida. It serves communities across Charlotte, Lee, and Collier counties, offering accessible and affordable high-quality productions, supportive community events, and friendly social activities for the community. GO Community Engagement Programs enrich the lives of the diverse Southwest Florida community through various creative activities, including the free after-school Harmony Choir, a youth development program that serves underserved young people in partnership with established after-school programs.
GO actively engages in public and private vocal music-based events and performances during the High Season, the winter months from November through May, with opportunities for community initiatives during the summer. For the upcoming season, the company plans two touring Chamber opera productions at smaller venues and one fully staged performance of Grand Opera at the two premier performance venues in Southwest Florida. GO is the only company presenting full-scale grand operas at the two leading professional venues in Southwest Florida, the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall and ArtisNaples. The Tenth Anniversary finale was a grand production of Turandot (April 2024) with a cast of over 130 performers and musicians. It was the largest regionally produced show ever in Southwest Florida, and the Naples performance exceeded all previous box office records for a single opera performance regionally.
Gulfshore Opera is headquartered in Estero, the midpoint of its region, and operates with a small staff, an external marketing consultant, and a Board of Directors that support its General Director & Founder. GO is registered with Opera America and has a platinum GuideStar/Candid rating. GO has completed all goals outlined in its five-year strategic plan for growth and direction, and a new five-year plan was recently approved. The company is debt-free and has introduced an Endowment Fund, which has already attracted support with opportunities to be pursued.
A bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, arts administration, fundraising, or a related field and at least five years of experience in nonprofit, performing arts fundraising, including three years of leadership experience, is preferred for this position. Although knowledge of opera is a plus, a passion for the performing arts is essential for this role. Gulfshore Opera will consider candidates with a broad range of backgrounds. If you are excited about this role and feel that you can contribute to GO, but your experience does not exactly align with every qualification listed above, we encourage you to apply. All applications must be accompanied by a cover letter and rsum. Cover letters should be responsive to the mission of Gulfshore Opera and the responsibilities and qualifications specified in the position prospectus.
The target salary for this position is $90,000 annually with a yearly salary review based on predetermined key performance indicators. Gulfshore Opera will consider a relocation allowance of $5,000 for candidates moving from outside a 100-mile radius.
Gulfshore Opera is committed to the inclusion of all qualified candidates. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, or participating in the selection process, please contact Tonya Malik-Carson at
[email protected] .
To apply for this position, visit: .
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