Chief Development Officer
Gulfshore Opera - Estero, FL
Gulfshore Opera seeks a Chief Development Officer who will develop and implement a comprehensive development program to identify individuals, foundations, and organizations at all giving levels, focusing on those with the potential to make transformative gifts to the organization and ensuring that patrons are systematically engaged through all phases of the fundraising cycle, from donor qualification to effective solicitation and stewardship. Working closely with the company's staff and leadership, and overseeing a Donor and Community Relations Manager, the Chief Development Officer will develop unique funding opportunities for donors and sponsors and manage special gift initiatives such as the annual fundraising gala, the GO Maestro Club, and the President's Council.
Gulfshore Opera (GO) was founded in 2014 by General Director Steffanie Pearce, a producer, director, performer, and teacher with more than 40 years of experience in opera and an international performance career. Now a growing Level Three company under OPERA America guidelines—and the only touring opera company in Florida—GO enriches Southwest Florida with accessible, high-quality, and diverse vocal performances featuring classically trained artists. Its impact extends beyond the stage through a youth development choral program and a regional emerging artist program that cultivate the next generation of talent. Headquartered in Estero, GO operates with a small professional staff, an external marketing consultant, and a committed Board of Directors. The company is registered with OPERA America, holds a Platinum Candid/GuideStar rating, is debt-free, and has launched a growing Endowment Fund to support long-term sustainability. GO is deeply committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment for all members of its community.
"The successful candidate will be a forward thinker with an entrepreneurial spirit, a collaborative nature, and a pioneer's desire to make a positive impact. Our lean business model has minimum administrative and building overhead, which allows each donation to make maximum impact. Our small but mighty staff and Board of Directors have worked very hard to get GO to where we are, and all key stakeholders agree that this is the year to welcome a Chief Development Officer." — Steffanie Pearce, Founder & General Director
For more information, including core competencies and qualifications, please refer to the full prospectus.
Gulfshore Opera (GO) was founded in 2014 by General Director Steffanie Pearce, a producer, director, performer, and teacher with more than 40 years of experience in opera and an international performance career. Now a growing Level Three company under OPERA America guidelines—and the only touring opera company in Florida—GO enriches Southwest Florida with accessible, high-quality, and diverse vocal performances featuring classically trained artists. Its impact extends beyond the stage through a youth development choral program and a regional emerging artist program that cultivate the next generation of talent. Headquartered in Estero, GO operates with a small professional staff, an external marketing consultant, and a committed Board of Directors. The company is registered with OPERA America, holds a Platinum Candid/GuideStar rating, is debt-free, and has launched a growing Endowment Fund to support long-term sustainability. GO is deeply committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment for all members of its community.
"The successful candidate will be a forward thinker with an entrepreneurial spirit, a collaborative nature, and a pioneer's desire to make a positive impact. Our lean business model has minimum administrative and building overhead, which allows each donation to make maximum impact. Our small but mighty staff and Board of Directors have worked very hard to get GO to where we are, and all key stakeholders agree that this is the year to welcome a Chief Development Officer." — Steffanie Pearce, Founder & General Director
For more information, including core competencies and qualifications, please refer to the full prospectus.