Major Gifts Officer

About us

Kansas City Ballet (KCB) is a distinguished cultural institution committed to artistic excellence, dynamic community engagement, and the advancement of ballet as an art form. Since its founding in 1957, KCB has captivated audiences with a diverse repertoire that spans timeless classical masterpieces and bold contemporary works. Through world-class performances, a nationally recognized dance school, and robust outreach programs, Kansas City Ballet inspires and enriches artists, audiences, and students throughout the region.

Mission

To Inspire and Engage Through the Beauty, Power & Passion of Dance

Vision

Outstanding Dance Experiences Accessible to All

About The Role

Kansas City Ballet seeks a dynamic and experienced Major Gifts Officer to lead efforts in cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major donors, with a strong emphasis on corporate partnerships and sponsorships. This role is integral to advancing the Ballet’s mission and strategic fundraising goals. The ideal candidate will bring a deep understanding of corporate philanthropy, exceptional relationship-building skills, and proficiency in Tessitura CRM.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• With the CPO qualify and manage a portfolio of 150 donors.
• Develop and execute personalized engagement plans to advance donors’ philanthropic journeys and increase giving, including setting individual goals, implementing tailored communication strategies, conducting personal visits, and providing meaningful stewardship.
• Lead efforts to secure corporate sponsorships for performances, community programs, and special events.
• Collaborate with marketing and artistic teams to ensure sponsorship deliverables are met and brand visibility is optimized.
• Partner with volunteers, board members, senior staff, and/or Philanthropy officers on cultivation, solicitation and stewardship activities.
• Be knowledgeable of Kansas City Ballet’s production schedule, programs, and long-range plans, including budgets, to create offers, proposals and asks that will be used with persons in the portfolio to secure gifts.
• Collaborate with departments such as Artistic, Production, Marketing, and the School to create and deliver unique donor experiences, including behind-the-scenes access, exclusive interactions with dancers and artistic staff, personalized gifts, and invitations to special events.
• Staff liaison for the Bolender Society, KC Ballet Business Council and Gala Underwriting Committee.

Stewardship

• Implement planned programmatic and personalized recognition activities and donor benefits. Evaluate and work to enhance the effectiveness of the recognition program.
• Prepare compelling proposals, presentations, and impact reports for donor meetings and stewardship.
• Monitor unitization reports of endowed funds.
• Oversee pledge fulfillment and acknowledgement processes for major, endowment and corporate gifts.
• Review and ensure accuracy in program-related donor listings in the program, newsletters, on the website, and in other publications and media.

Additional expectations:

• Think creatively and strategically to asses and reimagine relationships, ensuring philanthropic partnership and donor engagements provide mutual value and advance the mission of the organization
• Develop and maintain professional skills and relationships with peers in the major gift, legacy and endowment giving fields.
• Assist with staffing of assigned events.
• Utilize Tessitura to manage donor records, track interactions, and generate reports for analysis and strategy.
• Analyze donor trends and giving history to inform fundraising strategies and forecasting.

Approximate hours per week required by position: This position requires 40-45 hours per week. During the performance season this will increase during performance weeks due to time at the theater as well as donor related events. Evening and weekend hours are expected.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or CFRE certification preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in fundraising, with a focus on major gifts and corporate giving.
• Proven success in securing five- and six-figure gifts and sponsorships.
• Proficiency in Tessitura CRM
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Preferred Attributes:

• Passion for the performing arts and the mission of Kansas City Ballet.
• Experience working in arts, culture, or nonprofit sectors.
• Creative thinker with a donor-centric approach and strategic mindset.
• Familiarity with donor research tools and wealth screening platforms.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office products and philanthropy CRM. Experience with Tessitura and Wordfly a plus.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Bending, stooping, sitting, and lifting 20lbs. Irregular working hours, some evening and weekend work is required.

Kansas City Ballet is an equal opportunity employer. People of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Job Type: Full-time

Base Pay: $75,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person

How to Apply:
Please apply here