Chief Development Officer: Opera Philadelphia

Now in its 49th season, Opera Philadelphia stands at the forefront of innovation, redefining opera for our time. As the region’s premier opera producer and one of the country’s most influential companies, Opera Philadelphia continues to expand and transform as a vibrant hub for operatic experiences, connecting audiences and artists in ways that give voice to the present, reimagine the past, and shape the future of the art form for generations to come.

Founded as a regional company focused on traditional productions in a single venue, Opera Philadelphia has evolved into an internationally celebrated trailblazer in contemporary opera. Praised by The New York Times as a “hotbed of operatic innovation,” the company remains committed to 21st-century opera while actively performing in its original home at the historic Academy of Music. Opera Philadelphia also creates interdisciplinary experiences in diverse spaces across the city—from immersive performances at the Barnes Foundation and the Philadelphia Museum of Art to pop-up cabaret shows in converted garages, and free outdoor screenings on Independence Mall for tens of thousands of Philadelphians.

While honoring the legacy of the operatic canon, Opera Philadelphia leads in developing groundbreaking new works. Since 2011, the company has commissioned or co-commissioned numerous acclaimed operas from prominent composers such as Jennifer Higdon, Missy Mazzoli, Kevin Puts, and Nico Muhly, fostering a new generation of operatic storytelling. Key partnerships, including a recent multi-year collaboration with the Apollo Theater, aim to co-create a new canon of Black American opera, underscoring Opera Philadelphia’s commitment to authentic storytelling and creative diversity.

In 2017, Opera Philadelphia positioned Philadelphia as an international opera destination with the launch of Festival O, a 10-day immersive celebration of opera across the city. This annual festival has premiered groundbreaking works, such as We Shall Not Be Moved by Daniel Bernard Roumain and Marc Bamuthi Joseph, 10 Days in a Madhouse by Rene Orth and Hannah Moscovitch, and Anthony Roth Costanzo’s genre-blending Glass Handel, along with iconic productions of classics like Verdi’s Simon Boccanegra, recitals, and late-night cabaret performances.

Opera Philadelphia has also become a nurturing ground for rising vocal talents. Artists like Eric Owens, Stephanie Blythe, Denyce Graves, Jarrett Ott, and Will Liverman have all gained early exposure on its stages before achieving global acclaim. The company’s Emerging Artists Program is designed to develop the next generation of operatic stars.

In addition, Opera Philadelphia launched the country’s first comprehensive Composer in Residence program, offering individualized professional development to emerging opera composers. Alumni of the program include celebrated composers such as Lembit Beecher, Courtney Bryan, David Hertzberg, David T. Little, Missy Mazzoli, Andrew Norman, Rene Orth, and Tyshawn Sorey.

Opera Philadelphia is dedicated to expanding the reach of opera. Its robust education and community programs connect diverse Philadelphia communities with opera through in-school residencies, student dress rehearsals, a citywide teen choir, and a workforce readiness program focused on backstage careers. Community programming extends engagement through discussions, concerts, and family events that explore opera from cultural, social, and historical perspectives.

In June 2024, Opera Philadelphia welcomed GRAMMY-winning countertenor and visionary creative producer Anthony Roth Costanzo as its General Director & President. With a passion for opera, artistic talent, business insight, and a firm belief that art is a civic right, Costanzo is reshaping the field. Under his leadership, Opera Philadelphia seeks to collaborate with a range of organizations to innovate in artistic, branding, and fundraising efforts, envisioning new economic models for the arts.

Chief Development Officer Overview

Ushering in a new era at Opera Philadelphia (OP), the organization seeks an innovative, dynamic, and seasoned Chief Development Officer (CDO) to spearhead growth in contributed revenue and institutionalize best practices in fundraising. A key member of the senior leadership team, the CDO will work in close partnership with the General Director & President (GD) to implement bold strategies aligned with the organization’s vision for artistic expansion and long-term financial health.

With a proven track record of planning, execution, and relationship-building, the CDO will lead efforts to enhance donor engagement and align philanthropic resources with OP’s strategic priorities. The ideal candidate will bring leadership, creativity, high-level fundraising and risk-taking to the country’s most innovative and forward-thinking opera company.

Position Summary

The CDO reports directly to the new GD and serves as a visionary partner-actively shaping and carrying out strategic development initiatives. As a key collaborator, the CDO will work closely with the Finance and Marketing teams to build cross-functional strategies and develop comprehensive plans that align operations with fundraising goals.

The CDO will excel at financial modeling, setting annual and long-term projections, and creating strategies for sustainable fundraising growth. A mature and sophisticated communicator, the CDO will engage with board members, donors, and external partners, building relationships that inspire transformative giving. The position requires a combination of high-level strategy and hands-on leadership in frontline fundraising, with the ability to maintain a personal portfolio of major donors and prospects.

Key Responsibilities

1. Develop annual and multi-year fundraising plans across individual, institutional, major gifts, planned giving, events, and campaigns.
2. Craft compelling cases for support that align donor interests with OP’s artistic and strategic goals.
3. Work closely with the GD to ensure that his fundraising efforts are guided and tracked strategically.
4. In collaboration with the GD and outside counsel, oversee private and public phases of a comprehensive campaign to coincide with the organization’s 50th anniversary.
5. Create sophisticated materials for major gift solicitations, sponsorships, corporate partnerships, and leadership campaign gifts.
6. Personally manage a significant portfolio, soliciting and closing major gifts to meet fundraising goals.
7. Attend performances, events and social gatherings to grow relationships with donors and prospects.

Experience & Attributes

1. At least 7 years of experience in a senior development role within a high-performing arts organization.
2. Proven success in soliciting and securing 6 and 7-figure individual and corporate gifts.
3. Demonstrated ability to work effectively with board committees, volunteers, and cross-functional staff.
4. Significant experience planning and executing cultivation events, stewardship programs, and high-profile galas.
5. Expertise in short- and long-term planning and developing budgets that align with strategic priorities.
6. Deep knowledge of fundraising systems and the ability to use data to shape strategy and decision-making at all levels of individual giving.
7. Exceptional written and oral communication abilities, including experience presenting to boards and stakeholders.
8. Strong interpersonal skills with a talent for inspiring staff, volunteers, and donors to build lasting relationships.
9. Experience hiring, managing, mentoring, and evaluating staff to achieve ambitious goals.
10. Strong experience with budget creation, tracking, and financial reporting, ensuring transparency and accountability.
11. Proficiency with fundraising software and digital tools to enhance operational efficiency. Experience with Tessitura a plus.
12. A deep appreciation for music and the performing arts, with a commitment to artistic risk-taking and creative fundraising solutions.

Salary, Benefits & Culture

The annual salary range for this position is $170,000 -190,000 and all employees enjoy a hybrid work environment, with in-office work two days a week. Opera Philadelphia offers a comprehensive package of benefits including Health Insurance (Medical, Dental, Vision), Retirement Savings Plan (403b), Paid Time off (Vacation, PTO, Holidays), and Paid Parental Leave. As one of the premier performing arts institutions in Philadelphia, the organization strives to reflect the wonderful communities and people who reflect the region. The team is comprised of passionate believers in the power of opera to change lives and communities, and the importance of opera in our cultural landscape. We celebrate diversity, and continually strive to foster a positive, flexible, engaging work environment.

Opera Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. We are committed to the principle of anti-racism and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All hiring decisions are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications. We do not discriminate in our process based on race, color, religion or belief, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or family status. Opera Philadelphia strongly encourages individuals from historically marginalized communities to apply.