Chief Development Officer

ABOUT 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 Timesas 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.

One of Costanzo's first major accomplishments was the revolutionary Pick Your Priceprogram, where all tickets are $11 or "Pick Your Price," breaking down the financial barrier that often prevents audiences from experiencing live opera. The initiative—unprecedented among major American opera companies—sold out the entire season within a matter of weeks, introducing thousands of new audience members to the transformative power of opera, and, most importantly, to the shared experience in a concert venue that invites everyone to attend and engage.

Opera Philadelphia maintains its own orchestra under the musical direction of Corrado Rovaris. Additionally, the organization is led by a nationally-engaged Board of Directors, including 23 members from Philadelphia, New York, Los Angeles, and beyond. The organization’s budget for FY25 stands at $11 million and is on a steady growth trajectory. Opera Philadelphia plans to celebrate its 50th anniversary with several major initiatives. 

About the General Director & President: Anthony Roth Costanzo

In June 2024, Anthony Roth Costanzo was appointed General Director and President of Opera Philadelphia. One of the world’s leading countertenors, Anthony is recognized globally for his dynamic contributions on and off the stage. He began performing professionally at the age of 11 and has since appeared in opera, concert, recital, film, and on Broadway. With a reputation for profound sector-changing innovation, he has created and produced shows for the New York Philharmonic (including the transformative Bandwagon initiative), The BBC Proms, The Barnes Foundation, Kabuki-Za Tokyo, WQXR, Princeton University, National Sawdust, St. John The Divine, The State Theater in Salzburg, The Museum of Contemporary Art in LA, and the World Monuments Fund. Costanzo has with appeared many of the world’s most prestigious companies including the Metropolitan Opera, PAC NYC, Versailles, Madison Square Garden, The Guggenheim, Lyric Opera of Chicago, San Francisco Opera, Opera National de Paris, Teatro Real, New York Philharmonic The Cleveland Orchestra, National Symphony Orchestra, San Francisco Symphony, Met Orchestra Chamber Ensemble, Berlin Philharmonic, NDR at the Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg, and the London Symphony Orchestra, among others. His most recent album, Anthony Roth Costanzo & Justin Vivian Bond: Only an Octave Apart was released in January 2022, and his first album, ARC was released in September 2018 and was nominated for the 2019 GRAMMY Award for Best Classical Solo Vocal Album. He also stars on the Metropolitan Opera’s recording and DVD of Akhnaten which won the 2022 GRAMMY Award for Best Opera Recording. Costanzo was nominated for an Independent Spirit Award for his performance in a Merchant Ivory film and graduated with honors from Princeton University, and Manhattan School of Music, where he is now on the board of trustees along with being on the board of National Black Theater. Costanzo also has an Honorary Doctorate from Manhattan School of Music, a History Makers Award from the New York Historical Society, the Beverly Sills Award from the Metropolitan Opera, and has recently been a visiting fellow at Oxford University and a distinguished visiting scholar at Harvard University.

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

Fundraising Strategy & Execution

Develop annual and multi-year fundraising plans across individual, institutional, major gifts, planned giving, events, and campaigns.

Craft compelling cases for support that align donor interests with OP’s artistic and strategic goals.

Work closely with the GD to ensure that his fundraising efforts are guided and tracked strategically; 

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. 

Create sophisticated materials for major gift solicitations, sponsorships, corporate partnerships, and leadership campaign gifts.

Personally manage a significant portfolio, soliciting and closing major gifts to meet fundraising goals.

Attend performances, events and social gatherings to grow relationships with donors and prospects. 

Systems, Infrastructure, & Data Management

Improve donor management systems, including Moves Management, to ensure continuous, accurate tracking of donor engagement and activity.

Oversee and expand the prospect research program, broadening the base of individual and institutional support.

Reinvigorate and grow the Planned Giving program, designing attractive benefits and engagement opportunities.

Collaboration & Communication

Work closely with the Marketing department to integrate subscriber and ticket buyer data into donor strategies, enhancing engagement and fundraising opportunities.

Work with the Marketing department to develop content and messaging that can be used broadly;

Coordinate with the Finance team to align contributed revenue targets with strategic plans and develop long-term financial models.

Partner with the GD on strategic planning initiatives, ensuring alignment between fundraising and broader organizational goals.

Board Engagement & Committee Leadership

Collaborate with Board leadership to support standing committees, including Development, Governance & Nominating, Strategic Planning, and Campaign committees.

Identify and cultivate new board prospects, expanding the pool of potential members.

Leverage the talents of board members to support frontline fundraising efforts, engaging them in high-level donor cultivation and stewardship activities.

Attend all board and relevant committee meetings, presenting fundraising updates and innovations. 

Team Leadership & Performance Management

Lead, mentor, and manage a Development team of eight, setting work plans, performance goals, and financial targets.

Provide guidance and training to staff, fostering a high-performance culture centered on continuous improvement and professional growth.

Establish clear departmental objectives to grow Annual Fund revenue by $1M over the next two years and increase overall annual support by 25%.

Develop and oversee a robust strategy to re-engage the lapsed donors and secure renewed and increased support.

Event Strategy & Execution

Provide strategic oversight of all donor events, including the annual Gala, to enhance engagement and maximize giving opportunities.

Develop templates for donor cultivation and prospect events, ensuring smooth execution and alignment with development goals.

Experience & Attributes

Leadership & Fundraising Expertise: At least 7 years of experience in a senior development role within a high-performing arts organization.

Major Gifts & Sponsorship Expertise: Proven success in soliciting and securing 6 and 7-figure individual and corporate gifts. 

Board & Staff Collaboration: Demonstrated ability to work effectively with board committees, volunteers, and cross-functional staff.

Event Planning: Significant experience planning and executing cultivation events, stewardship programs, and high-profile galas.

Strategic Planning & Budgeting: Expertise in short- and long-term planning and developing budgets that align with strategic priorities.

Data-Driven Fundraising: Deep knowledge of fundraising systems and the ability to use data to shape strategy and decision-making at all levels of individual giving. 

Communication Skills: Exceptional written and oral communication abilities, including experience presenting to boards and stakeholders.

Relationship Management: Strong interpersonal skills with a talent for inspiring staff, volunteers, and donors to build lasting relationships.

Team Leadership: Experience hiring, managing, mentoring, and evaluating staff to achieve ambitious goals.

Financial Acumen: Strong experience with budget creation, tracking, and financial reporting, ensuring transparency and accountability.

Technology Proficiency: Proficiency with fundraising software and digital tools to enhance operational efficiency. Experience with Tessitura a plus. 

Passion for Performing Arts & Innovation: A deep appreciation for music and the performing arts, with a commitment to artistic risk-taking and creative fundraising solutions.

A bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience and at least seven years of successful fundraising experience within an institution on a growth trajectory is preferred for this role. Opera Philadelphia will consider candidates with a broad range of backgrounds. If you are excited about this role and feel that you can contribute to Opera Philadelphia, but your experience does not exactly align with every qualification listed above, we encourage you to apply.

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.