Fundraiser/Philanthropy Officer

Position Summary

The Philanthropy Officer is a senior level fundraiser responsible for building and managing a portfolio of individual and foundation donors to advance the mission of the Peace Center. Reporting to the Vice President of Development, this position cultivates, solicits, and stewards donors, primarily in the $1,000 to $10,000 range, while identifying opportunities for increased philanthropic investment.

As a key member of the Development team, which raises more than $4 million annually, the Philanthropy Officer helps drive revenue growth by deepening relationships, crafting tailored engagement strategies, and connecting donors to the Peace Center’s performances, history, arts education, and community engagement programs.

The ideal candidate is a motivated, strategic fundraiser with a passion for the performing arts and a proven record of securing support from individuals and foundations. The Philanthropy Officer will strengthen a best-in-class stewardship program that enhances donor experience, retention, and impact, ensuring the Peace Center’s continued growth and community reach.

Essential Duties

Donor Relations and Fundraising

• Inspire a fundraising strategy to achieve or exceed annual contributed income goals in support of the Development team’s overall goal of raising more than $4 million annually.
• Serve as the primary liaison for a portfolio of approximately 150 individual donors and foundations, qualifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding annual giving while identifying opportunities for programmatic, capital, endowment, and legacy support.
• Prepare and refine a select number of compelling, strategic funding proposals annually; develop detailed reports and coordinate all stewardship activities, including direct communication with foundation officers, directors, and government agency staff.
• Lead targeted new- and lapsed-donor acquisition efforts by identifying, cultivating, and securing supporters, directly contributing to the organization’s fundraising growth and long-term revenue sustainability.
• Develop and implement moves management plans, including donor research, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Build a strong understanding of the Peace Center’s performances, arts education and engagement programs, and key leadership to effectively cultivate donors and prospects.
• Maintain accurate and timely data in Tessitura to ensure data integrity throughout the moves management process.
• Track and report portfolio progress, providing summaries and updates for the Vice President of Development as needed.
• Understand and discuss various giving vehicles such as Donor Advised Funds, retirement distributions, and gifts of stock with donors and prospects.
• Attend performances and events outside normal business hours as needed.
  
  

Cultivation and Stewardship Events

• Partner with the Vice President and Development team to plan and execute cultivation and stewardship events for donors and prospects.
  
  

Communications

• Write compelling, personalized donor communications including emails, program descriptions, proposals, and organizational updates.
• Collaborate with the Development and Marketing team to create proposal materials and donor-focused email communications when appropriate.
• Help manage a coordinated donor communications calendar alongside Development team members.
  
  

Development Operations

• Support ongoing maintenance of Tessitura with accurate, up-to-date donor records.
• Provide administrative and strategic support to the Vice President as needed.
• Perform additional duties as assigned and appropriate to the position.
  
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred. Degree in arts administration, business, or related field preferred. Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential preferred.
• Seven or more years of nonprofit development experience with demonstrated success managing high-level donor relationships and securing major gifts.
• Extensive experience cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding high-net-worth individuals and foundations.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills with an authentic, relationship-centered approach and confident presence.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with high attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Proven ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across teams; able to serve as a strategic partner aligned with organizational goals and standard operating procedures.
• Strategic, solutions-focused thinker with a growth mindset, demonstrating resilience, diplomacy, sound judgment, and discretion.
• Flexible and adaptable, able to thrive in a dynamic environment while maintaining accuracy and composure under pressure.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams) and CRM software.
• Strong understanding of fundraising ethics and unwavering integrity. Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and maintain confidentiality.
• Commitment to outstanding donor cultivation and stewardship.
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and occasional travel as required.