The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
Senior Director of Major Gifts, Washington National Opera
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Washington, District of Columbia, us, 20022
Overview
Senior Director of Major Gifts, Washington National Opera at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Please submit a cover letter for consideration. Responsibilities
Maintain and grow a sizeable portfolio of Trustees and other high-level donors and prospects by managing and stewarding their philanthropic engagement, growth and involvement, and by encouraging and developing their appreciation for and enjoyment of the art form to enrich their opera-going experience and strengthen their financial commitment. In concert with the Managing Director of Advancement, Director of Individual Giving and Operations, and the Major Gifts team, helps establish WNO’s annual fundraising goals grounded in well-considered realities combined with strategic planning and aspirational growth. Meets regularly with the WNO Major Gifts team and leadership to creatively strategize and identify opportunities to secure ongoing and new major gifts and sponsorships. Collaborates with other Kennedy Center fundraising teams to deepen relationships and identify opportunities for cross-selling. Provides leadership, guidance, and feedback to the Major Gifts team to ensure a high-performing collaborative working group that meets or exceeds goals. Guides the team in best practices in fundraising, including written and verbal communications, prospect research, proposals, meetings, events, and donor engagement, and helps elevate team skills as needed. Helps define and manage the annual gala and cultivation events. Co-leads weekly Major Gifts team meetings and strategic planning sessions with the Managing Director of Advancement, and co-leads or helps organize periodic staff trainings and professional development workshops. Works with leadership to evaluate and implement long-term goals and strategies, fostering a team-centered, people-first management approach. Actively promotes a collegial and collaborative working relationship among Kennedy Center and WNO colleagues. Other duties as assigned. Key Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree. Minimum 7 years in development, with proven experience managing a portfolio of major donors and at least 3 years in a supervisory capacity overseeing a high-performance major gifts team. Knowledge of fundraising principles, accounting procedures, development trends, prospect research, nonprofit management, and Boards; understanding of large cultural institutions is beneficial. Experience managing Board contributions and working with Trustees on goal-setting, donor cultivation, and strategic planning. Experience developing and implementing successful fundraising strategies with flexibility as donor interests or organizational priorities shift. Self-motivated, creative, collaborative, entrepreneurial; ability to delegate, multi-task, and interact with a variety of personalities. Ability to work without close supervision and participate in strategy meetings. Ability to collaborate across a matrixed organization to leverage cross-department expertise. Strong organizational, written, and verbal communication skills; ability to persuade in person and in writing. Experience with Tessitura and/or CRM systems. Interest in music, opera, and the arts is helpful. Local candidate or willingness to relocate to the DMV area; relocation not provided. Must be willing to work onsite. Details
Seniority level: Director Employment type: Full-time Job function: Other Industries: Performing Arts About Washington National Opera
Led by General Director Timothy O’Leary and Artistic Director Francesca Zambello, Washington National Opera celebrates its 70th anniversary in 2026. The company produces mainstage productions and programs such as the American Opera Initiative and other community work in various venues. Note: The Kennedy Center is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related condition, or any other basis protected by law.
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Senior Director of Major Gifts, Washington National Opera at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Please submit a cover letter for consideration. Responsibilities
Maintain and grow a sizeable portfolio of Trustees and other high-level donors and prospects by managing and stewarding their philanthropic engagement, growth and involvement, and by encouraging and developing their appreciation for and enjoyment of the art form to enrich their opera-going experience and strengthen their financial commitment. In concert with the Managing Director of Advancement, Director of Individual Giving and Operations, and the Major Gifts team, helps establish WNO’s annual fundraising goals grounded in well-considered realities combined with strategic planning and aspirational growth. Meets regularly with the WNO Major Gifts team and leadership to creatively strategize and identify opportunities to secure ongoing and new major gifts and sponsorships. Collaborates with other Kennedy Center fundraising teams to deepen relationships and identify opportunities for cross-selling. Provides leadership, guidance, and feedback to the Major Gifts team to ensure a high-performing collaborative working group that meets or exceeds goals. Guides the team in best practices in fundraising, including written and verbal communications, prospect research, proposals, meetings, events, and donor engagement, and helps elevate team skills as needed. Helps define and manage the annual gala and cultivation events. Co-leads weekly Major Gifts team meetings and strategic planning sessions with the Managing Director of Advancement, and co-leads or helps organize periodic staff trainings and professional development workshops. Works with leadership to evaluate and implement long-term goals and strategies, fostering a team-centered, people-first management approach. Actively promotes a collegial and collaborative working relationship among Kennedy Center and WNO colleagues. Other duties as assigned. Key Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree. Minimum 7 years in development, with proven experience managing a portfolio of major donors and at least 3 years in a supervisory capacity overseeing a high-performance major gifts team. Knowledge of fundraising principles, accounting procedures, development trends, prospect research, nonprofit management, and Boards; understanding of large cultural institutions is beneficial. Experience managing Board contributions and working with Trustees on goal-setting, donor cultivation, and strategic planning. Experience developing and implementing successful fundraising strategies with flexibility as donor interests or organizational priorities shift. Self-motivated, creative, collaborative, entrepreneurial; ability to delegate, multi-task, and interact with a variety of personalities. Ability to work without close supervision and participate in strategy meetings. Ability to collaborate across a matrixed organization to leverage cross-department expertise. Strong organizational, written, and verbal communication skills; ability to persuade in person and in writing. Experience with Tessitura and/or CRM systems. Interest in music, opera, and the arts is helpful. Local candidate or willingness to relocate to the DMV area; relocation not provided. Must be willing to work onsite. Details
Seniority level: Director Employment type: Full-time Job function: Other Industries: Performing Arts About Washington National Opera
Led by General Director Timothy O’Leary and Artistic Director Francesca Zambello, Washington National Opera celebrates its 70th anniversary in 2026. The company produces mainstage productions and programs such as the American Opera Initiative and other community work in various venues. Note: The Kennedy Center is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related condition, or any other basis protected by law.
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