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Segerstrom Center for the Arts · 5 days ago

Director of Major Gifts

Costa Mesa, CA

Full-time

Onsite

Lead/Staff, Director/Executive

$108K/yr - $135K/yr

5+ years exp

Segerstrom Center for the Arts (SCFTA) is a respected multi-disciplinary cultural institution in Orange County, dedicated to supporting artistic excellence and community engagement. They are seeking a Director of Major Gifts to manage high-capacity donor relationships, cultivate major gifts, and lead the expansion of their major gifts program.

AssociationNon Profit

Hiring Manager

Katie Do

Responsibilities

Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individuals capable of giving $25,000 and above (the Center’s Patrons)

Manage a personal portfolio of approximately 100 major donors and 25 planned giving prospects, including annual, campaign, and legacy donors

Complete and document at least 14 personal visits per month, both on and off campus

Accurately record all activity and contacts in Tessitura in a timely manner

Participate in structured prospect strategy sessions and moves-management meetings with colleagues

Collaborate with board members and volunteer leaders to identify, cultivate, and steward major donors

Attend SCFTA events and performances as required to engage donors

Build donor trust and maintain strict confidentiality

Lead efforts to increase major gift commitments of all types and at all levels

Develop and implement an annual strategic fundraising plan for the Major Gifts program, including budgeting, revenue projections, stewardship plans, recognition, events, and benefits

In partnership with the Special Events team, design strategies for 3–5 cultivation and stewardship events annually, including intimate dinners, receptions, and the Center’s signature Fire Bird Dinner

Partner with Special Events to ensure consistent, thoughtful benefit fulfillment and stewardship materials for all Patron-level donors

Collaborate with the Major Gifts team and Corporate/Foundations, and lead efforts to develop compelling proposals, cases for support, impact reports, and other donor-centric communications

Ensure alignment and consistency across individual giving programs in partnership with the Associate Director of Individual Giving and the Manager of Annual Giving

Attend and support Center performances and events, including pre-show dinners, cast parties, receptions, backstage tours, and more

Promote and solicit support for Candlelight Concert and other flagship fundraising events

Identify opportunities for institutional support by connecting individual donors with relevant corporate or foundation partners

Provide mentorship to junior staff as appropriate

Actively participate in capital campaign planning sessions and preparatory activities

Serve as a department leader and contribute to a positive, collaborative team culture

Ensure accurate documentation of all donor and prospect activity in Tessitura

Qualification

FundraisingMajor gifts strategyRelationship buildingTessituraNonprofit experienceCFRE certificationComputer skillsNegotiation skillsStrategic thinkingCreativity

Required

Knowledge of, or enthusiasm for, the performing arts and the transformative role they play in community life; genuine passion for the Center and the ability to articulate and champion its mission

At least 5 years of progressive nonprofit fundraising experience with a proven track record of closing individual gifts, ideally within a complex institution

Exceptional relationship builder who can engage donors across generations, inspire confidence, and translate a donor's personal values into meaningful philanthropic opportunities

Demonstrated success in cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major donors

Strong negotiation skills with sensitivity to donor motivations

Self-motivated, strategic, creative relationship-builder

Strong computer and database skills

Flexibility to attend evening and weekend performances and donor events