Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts
Director of Major Gifts and Planned Giving
Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, Lake Worth, Texas, United States
Director of Major Gifts and Planned Giving
Established in 1992, the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts is a premier multi-venue arts and entertainment complex located in downtown West Palm Beach. The Center features the Alexander W. Dreyfoos, Jr. Concert Hall, the Marshall E. Rinker, Sr. Playhouse, and the Helen K. Persson Hall. Its Cohen Pavilion includes the versatile Weiner Banquet Center and Gimelstob Ballroom. Alongside world-class performances, the Kravis Center offers diverse arts education programs. The Kravis Center's Mission is to provide exceptional cultural experiences that entertain, inspire, and educate audiences across the entire community. Position Summary
Under the guidance of the Vice President of Development, and in collaboration with the Senior Director of Development, the
Director of Major Gifts and Planned Giving
will play a crucial role in the Development Department, focusing on cultivating and stewarding relationships with individuals. As a frontline fundraiser, the Director of Major Gifts and Planned Giving is responsible for securing philanthropic support to advance the Kravis Center’s mission in conjunction with the Strategic Plan. This position manages a portfolio of high-capacity donors and prospects, with a dual focus on major gifts ($25,000+) and planned/estate gifts. The Director designs and executes personalized strategies for cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship while promoting long‑term, meaningful donor engagement, and is a key member of the Development Department’s Leadership Team. Key Responsibilities
Major Gifts
Manage and grow a portfolio of 100–125 individual donors and prospects with the capacity to donate annual gifts of $25,000 or more. Craft and execute individualized strategies to move prospects through the donor continuum—identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. Partner with executive leadership, board members, and campaign volunteers to engage donors in priority funding initiatives, including performances, education programs, endowment, capital improvements, and strategic projects. In collaboration with the VP of Development, prepare compelling proposals, impact reports, donor communications, and briefing materials. Contribute to the planning and success of major fundraising campaigns. Planned Giving
As the key point person for planned giving, lead and grow the Kravis Center’s planned giving program, building relationships with donors interested in leaving a legacy through bequests, charitable trusts, beneficiary designations, and other estate planning vehicles. Identify and qualify planned giving prospects and work with donors and their advisors to facilitate and document commitments. Oversee all aspects of the Helen K. Persson Society, including recognition, stewardship, and marketing strategies. Ensure accurate and confidential recordkeeping of planned gifts in partnership with the finance department and legal counsel. Work closely with Development colleagues to ensure coordinated donor experiences and maximize giving opportunities across programs. Support the execution of donor events, salon gatherings, and backstage experiences that deepen donor relationships. Serve as an ambassador for the Kravis Center’s mission and values in donor and community interactions. Reporting & Database Management
Maintain detailed and timely records of donor contacts, proposals, and outcomes in the CRM (Tessitura). Provide regular reports on portfolio activity, performance metrics, and projections. Support ongoing prospect research and pipeline development in collaboration with Development leadership. Required Essential Skills
Minimum 7–10 years of progressive fundraising experience, with demonstrated success in securing and stewarding major and planned gifts, with a focus on planned giving. Proven ability to build trust and rapport with high-net-worth individuals and inspire philanthropy. Excellent knowledge of planned giving vehicles and estate planning; experience promoting and securing legacy gifts. Exceptional interpersonal communication skills, including oral and written. An outgoing and pleasant personality; excels at interfacing with people; excellent team player; comfortable in social settings. Skilled at diplomacy, exhibiting sound judgement; solving problems quickly and creatively. Self‑starter who takes initiative, especially as it pertains to donor solicitation. Strong organizational and analytical skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple donor relationships simultaneously. In‑depth knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite. In‑depth knowledge of Tessitura and iWave would be an asset. Flexibility to work evenings and weekends for performances and donor events. Local and regional travel may be necessary for donor cultivation and stewardship. Seniority Level
Director Employment Type
Full‑time Job Function
Other Industries
Performing Arts
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Established in 1992, the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts is a premier multi-venue arts and entertainment complex located in downtown West Palm Beach. The Center features the Alexander W. Dreyfoos, Jr. Concert Hall, the Marshall E. Rinker, Sr. Playhouse, and the Helen K. Persson Hall. Its Cohen Pavilion includes the versatile Weiner Banquet Center and Gimelstob Ballroom. Alongside world-class performances, the Kravis Center offers diverse arts education programs. The Kravis Center's Mission is to provide exceptional cultural experiences that entertain, inspire, and educate audiences across the entire community. Position Summary
Under the guidance of the Vice President of Development, and in collaboration with the Senior Director of Development, the
Director of Major Gifts and Planned Giving
will play a crucial role in the Development Department, focusing on cultivating and stewarding relationships with individuals. As a frontline fundraiser, the Director of Major Gifts and Planned Giving is responsible for securing philanthropic support to advance the Kravis Center’s mission in conjunction with the Strategic Plan. This position manages a portfolio of high-capacity donors and prospects, with a dual focus on major gifts ($25,000+) and planned/estate gifts. The Director designs and executes personalized strategies for cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship while promoting long‑term, meaningful donor engagement, and is a key member of the Development Department’s Leadership Team. Key Responsibilities
Major Gifts
Manage and grow a portfolio of 100–125 individual donors and prospects with the capacity to donate annual gifts of $25,000 or more. Craft and execute individualized strategies to move prospects through the donor continuum—identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. Partner with executive leadership, board members, and campaign volunteers to engage donors in priority funding initiatives, including performances, education programs, endowment, capital improvements, and strategic projects. In collaboration with the VP of Development, prepare compelling proposals, impact reports, donor communications, and briefing materials. Contribute to the planning and success of major fundraising campaigns. Planned Giving
As the key point person for planned giving, lead and grow the Kravis Center’s planned giving program, building relationships with donors interested in leaving a legacy through bequests, charitable trusts, beneficiary designations, and other estate planning vehicles. Identify and qualify planned giving prospects and work with donors and their advisors to facilitate and document commitments. Oversee all aspects of the Helen K. Persson Society, including recognition, stewardship, and marketing strategies. Ensure accurate and confidential recordkeeping of planned gifts in partnership with the finance department and legal counsel. Work closely with Development colleagues to ensure coordinated donor experiences and maximize giving opportunities across programs. Support the execution of donor events, salon gatherings, and backstage experiences that deepen donor relationships. Serve as an ambassador for the Kravis Center’s mission and values in donor and community interactions. Reporting & Database Management
Maintain detailed and timely records of donor contacts, proposals, and outcomes in the CRM (Tessitura). Provide regular reports on portfolio activity, performance metrics, and projections. Support ongoing prospect research and pipeline development in collaboration with Development leadership. Required Essential Skills
Minimum 7–10 years of progressive fundraising experience, with demonstrated success in securing and stewarding major and planned gifts, with a focus on planned giving. Proven ability to build trust and rapport with high-net-worth individuals and inspire philanthropy. Excellent knowledge of planned giving vehicles and estate planning; experience promoting and securing legacy gifts. Exceptional interpersonal communication skills, including oral and written. An outgoing and pleasant personality; excels at interfacing with people; excellent team player; comfortable in social settings. Skilled at diplomacy, exhibiting sound judgement; solving problems quickly and creatively. Self‑starter who takes initiative, especially as it pertains to donor solicitation. Strong organizational and analytical skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple donor relationships simultaneously. In‑depth knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite. In‑depth knowledge of Tessitura and iWave would be an asset. Flexibility to work evenings and weekends for performances and donor events. Local and regional travel may be necessary for donor cultivation and stewardship. Seniority Level
Director Employment Type
Full‑time Job Function
Other Industries
Performing Arts
#J-18808-Ljbffr