Be a Star at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts!

The Director of Major and Planned Giving leads the Straz Center’s major and planned giving efforts by creating and implementing an overall fundraising strategy to achieve stated goals.  The Director is responsible for identifying, cultivating, and soliciting prospects and current donors for the purpose of negotiating and closing various planned giving arrangements and major outright gifts in support of the Straz Center’s long-range programs, its endowment and its capital campaign.  The Director also develops and executes a stewardship plan, ensuring that major and planned gift donors are inspired by the Straz Center’s mission and remain engaged in supporting the organization. 

This position works directly with the Chief Development Officer and senior volunteers to set major gifts/planned giving policies. Considers and analyzes the implications of proposed gift arrangements, actions and decisions on the organization and integrates efforts with overall fundraising program. Performance in this role is measured by the degree of success in securing gift commitments with an emphasis on making contacts, cultivation, and stewardship.  On an annual basis, the Director reviews the strategic plan to establish endowment and planned giving goals, action steps, and budgetary expectations for the forthcoming year.

Located in downtown Tampa, the 335,000 square-foot not for profit Straz Center, one of the largest performing arts complexes in the country, offers a team-based work environment that shows our dedication to the community every day. We reward our full-time employees with a strong benefits package including options for health/dental, vision, etc., discounted downtown parking, food and show discounts, plus a generous 403(b) plan and up to 26 days of PTO/Holidays per year.

Essential Functions:

Provides Information on Major and Planned Gifts

• Develops and implements a comprehensive marketing plan to promote endowment and planned giving opportunities to all Straz Center constituencies. 
• Oversees creation of related print materials and planned giving content on the Straz Center website. 
• Initiates informational mailings to targeted prospects among Straz Center constituencies; responds to all inquiries.  
• Prepares call reports following contact with donors in a timely manner. 
• Provides regular progress reports as required to Straz Center leadership and TBPAC Foundation board.

Identifies Prospective Donors

• Works with Straz Center leadership staff to define priority needs to be funded through the endowment or major annual gifts.
• Plans, develops, and implements ways to identify, cultivate, and solicit prospects for major and planned gifts. 
• Maximizes moves management system to ensure that all identified prospects are appropriately assigned and effectively moving through the pipeline in a timely manner. 
• Creates individual plans for each person in portfolio. 
• Works with other Straz Center development officers to develop and coordinate relevant endowment/planned giving strategies for their respective portfolios. 
• Strengthens links to professional planned giving community and maintains program to keep professionals informed about Straz Center programs.   
• Maintains thorough and effective record system and efficient follow-up procedures to assure that all contacts receive appropriate attention.

Cultivates Current and Prospective Donors

• Connects with prospects and current donors through correspondence and organized, intentional face-to-face visits to build interest and involvement in Straz Center programs. 
• Answers all questions and keeps prospects informed of the Straz Center and its programs.
• Initiates and strengthens relationships by managing an active portfolio of prospects.

Determines Various Contribution Options

• Uses gift agreements, letters of intent, or similar means to assist donors in developing plans for the use of their gifts.

Writes Proposals and Prepares Oral Presentations 

• Commits the plan for a major or planned gift to paper in a manner that is both convincing and understandable to the prospective donor and his/her representative. 
• As necessary and appropriate, seeks counsel and confers with experts to outline details. 

Maintains the Commitment of the Donors 

• Makes sure the donor maintains confidence and enthusiasm in the wisdom of his or her decision to make a gift. 
• Establishes and implements a comprehensive stewardship plan that includes timely gift acknowledgement, annual updates to donors on the impact of their gift, recognition based on gift levels, and that ensures that gifts received are used in accordance with the donor’s intent.
• Maintains recognition program for all major and planned gifts.  Initiates donor appreciation efforts and events.

Maintains Relationships with Donors

• Maintains an ongoing and active relationship with donors on a scheduled and regular basis. 
• Keeps vigilant to the possibility of additional gift planning with the donor or referral. 
• Seeks regular and larger major gifts to sustain the ongoing work and major initiatives of the Straz Center.
• Develops and updates Straz Center policies relating to endowment and planned gifts, including gift acceptance policies. 

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• This position currently has no direct supervisory role but works closely with and oversees assigned support personnel as needed to implement and planned giving fundraising strategies.

 Other Responsibilities:

• Maintains knowledge of the latest skills, strategies, legal, and technical developments in endowment and planned giving.
• Remains current with trends and issues pertaining to the performing arts in general and the Straz in particular – its goals, programs, its mission, and its vision.
• Contributes to overall team effort in planning and development and shares in the decision-making process, implementing and promoting all decisions in a spirit of cooperation.
• Assist in departmental functions and special events and performs other duties when necessary to ensure the overall smooth operation of the department.
• The job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by people assigned to this position.  This is not an exhaustive list of all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for their job. Straz Center management reserves the right to amend or change duties, responsibilities, or activities to meet business and organizational needs as necessary at any time, with or without notice.

 Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required remain in a stationary position and use the telephone. The employee is frequently required to traverse the facility or remain stationary; reach with hands and arms, communicate, and exchange information. The employee is occasionally required to operate office equipment and perform departmental essential functions.
• The nature of this job requires the employee work on-site as a regular work routine.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.

• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Travel:  Little travel is expected for this position.

The David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer committed to being an inclusive workplace and strongly believes in the importance of having a diverse group of individuals represented. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.

Please visit our website at www.StrazCenter.org to learn more about the Straz Center.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities):

• Knowledge of planned giving instruments preferred.
• Professional style that demonstrates strong personal conduct and integrity, confidentiality, accessibility and the ability to develop, foster, and maintain positive relationships with volunteers, staff, and members of the community.
• Excellent leadership, interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
• High energy level, initiative, and consistent follow through skills.
• Motivated team player; responsive to the needs of others in a fast-paced, goal-driven environment.
• Exhibits a commitment to the mission, goals, and programs of the Straz Center.

Education and Work Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree required.
• Seven years fundraising or related experience including a proven track record in soliciting and closing major and/or planned gifts.
• In depth studies of major gift solicitation, capital campaign fund raising, and planned giving a plus.