Chief Philanthropy Officer (CPO)
Houston Ballet | Houston, Texas
Come work with us at Houston Ballet!
Join a leading nonprofit arts organization that’s redefining what ballet can be. We’re committed to inspiring a lasting love of dance through nationally recognized bold performances, new choreography, and education programs. At Houston Ballet, your creativity meets purpose—and your passion takes center stage. Whether on stage or behind the scenes, every role here contributes to something bigger.
✨ Your Passion. Our Stage.
Visit: www.houstonballet.org for more information.
* * * For full consideration, please be sure to combine your resume and cover letter into one document to upload when you apply online: https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/portal/57516344665171F94892344D2B7528E2/jobs/273803
The Opportunity
Houston Ballet is entering an extraordinary new chapter as one of the most dynamic, influential, and artistically ambitious ballet companies in the world. Internationally acclaimed and proudly rooted in the vibrant, diverse, and culturally rich city of Houston, the Company is poised for continued growth and impact on the global stage. Houston Ballet seeks an accomplished, innovative, and relationship-driven Chief Philanthropy Officer to lead and elevate a best-in-class fundraising enterprise during a period of remarkable artistic excellence and institutional ambition.
This is a new and compelling opportunity for a senior leader to help shape the philanthropic future of a world-renowned cultural institution, working in close partnership with visionary executive and artistic leadership, a deeply engaged Board of Trustees, and an enthusiastic, generous community of supporters. The Chief Philanthropy Officer will play a central role in advancing Houston Ballet’s mission, expanding its philanthropic reach on a national and international scale, and ensuring the long-term financial strength and sustainability of the organization.
Reporting to the Executive Director and serving as a key member of the senior leadership team, the Chief Philanthropy Officer will design and execute a bold new philanthropic strategy that drives unrestricted, temporarily restricted, and permanently restricted support. The Chief Philanthropy Officer will bring fresh, innovative thinking to advance the organization’s fundraising strategy, identifying and cultivating new opportunities for significant growth in contributed revenue, with particular emphasis on corporate partnerships, foundation support, special events, and capital campaigns. The CPO will continue to develop and increase all contributed revenue efforts, steward transformational donor relationships, and inspire, mentor, and empower a seasoned, high-performing development team committed to excellence.
This is a remarkable opportunity for an experienced and visionary philanthropy professional to build upon the significant work already established by our dedicated development team. The successful candidate will help shape new strategic growth, inspire new partnerships, and further strengthen our culture of philanthropy as we continue to expand our impact on the local, national, and international communities
This role requires evening and weekend availability to support performances, special events, and high-level donor engagement, providing regular opportunities to experience the artistry, energy, and excitement that define Houston Ballet.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Fundraising Vision
- Provide inspiring, strategic, and purposeful leadership for all fundraising initiatives, aligning philanthropic strategy with Houston Ballet’s artistic vision and long-term institutional goals.
- Design, implement, and continuously refine a comprehensive fundraising program encompassing new capital campaigns, major and principal gifts, individual giving, planned giving, corporate and foundation support, government funding, special events, direct mail, and other contributed revenue streams.
- Serve as a strategic advisor to the Executive Director, Artistic Directors, and Board, thoughtfully guiding their fundraising efforts and maximizing their impact as ambassadors and solicitors.
Major & Principal Gifts
- Personally solicit and manage a portfolio of high-capacity donors and prospects, cultivating new and existing long-term, meaningful relationships that lead to leadership and transformational gifts.
- Identify and develop new sources of major and principal gift support locally, nationally, and internationally.
- Ensure best-in-class stewardship and patron-centered practices that deepen donor loyalty and investment in Houston Ballet’s mission.
Team Leadership & Organizational Excellence
- Collaborate with the Executive Director to mentor and inspire a talented team of seasoned development professionals, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, accountability, and professional career growth.
- Recruit, retain, and develop high-performing staff; set clear goals, provide regular feedback, and support career advancement.
- Build strong partnerships across artistic and administrative departments to ensure collaboration and cohesive messaging and integrated engagement strategies.
Planning, Operations & Systems
- Develop, manage, and organize the Development Department’s annual operating plan, including revenue and expense budgets, forecasts, and performance metrics.
- Ensure the highest standards of operational excellence, reporting, and donor data management, with optimal use of Tessitura and related systems.
- Monitor national and international trends in philanthropy and funding environments to position Houston Ballet competitively and innovatively.
External Engagement & Advocacy
- Represent Houston Ballet with warmth, credibility, and passion to donors, civic leaders, funders, and the broader community.
- Attend performances, cultivation events, and special initiatives, strengthening relationships and elevating the organization’s visibility.
Qualifications & Experience
- A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in philanthropy and advancement, preferably within a comparably complex organization.
- Demonstrated success leading and developing comprehensive fundraising programs, including major and principal gifts, corporate and foundation relations, and capital campaign experience.
- Proven ability to develop and execute strategic fundraising plans and manage significant budgets with measurable results.
- Hands-on experience in donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship, as well as familiarity with planned giving, grants, and annual fund strategies.
- At least 10 years of senior-level staff management experience, with a strong track record of building and motivating high-performing teams.
- Exceptional interpersonal, communication, organization, and presentation skills, with the ability to inspire confidence among donors, volunteers, and colleagues.
- Experience with Tessitura and proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint strongly preferred.
- Knowledge of Houston, Texas, philanthropy is a plus but not required; Houston Ballet welcomes candidates from diverse geographic and professional backgrounds.
- Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or CFRE a plus.
