Boston Lyric Opera (BLO) seeks an entrepreneurial, creative, and energetic Senior Major Gift Officer (Sr. MGO) to join the Company at a time of vibrant renewal and ambition. The Sr. MGO will build individual donor relationships resulting in deeper engagement, warm networks, and increased philanthropic giving from BLO’s constellation of supporters in New England and beyond. From audience members, arts patrons, working artists, and neighbors to deeply engaged donors and volunteers, the Sr. MGO will have ample runway for growth as the Company prepares for its 50th anniversary in the 2026/27 Season and other ambitious strategic initiatives. BLO has earned a national reputation for the quality of its artistry and in its 49th year is an essential part of the city’s artistic life.
Boston Lyric Opera is dedicated to creating compelling operatic experiences throughout the greater Boston area that welcome new audiences, break new ground, and enrich community life. BLO offers an evocative, intersectional approach to storytelling, music, and design that welcomes fresh perspectives and celebrates the rich history of opera while reenvisioning the art form in ways that inspire new connections, making opera accessible and relevant to today’s culture. Carefully cultivated community connection is a fundamental part of BLO’s DNA: for decades the Company has featured leading and emergent artists, conductors, directors, and designers from around the world for its mainstage season, while working with nonprofit, educational, and community partners across New England to offer hundreds of free and affordable all-ages and youth-focused programs in classrooms, public venues like BLO Street Stage, and digital productions. Now, BLO is expanding its reach by offering a window into the creative process with rehearsals and events at its new headquarters and community studios. This inclusive approach is one that invites and embraces all audiences, and BLO is seeking a seasoned fundraiser who can harness the Company’s innovative spirit and expanding audience to garner philanthropic support. Individual giving is a vital contributor to the Company’s success, and this is an opportunity for an enterprising development professional to join an organization on the move.
The Philanthropy team, led by Chief Philanthropy Advisor Ishan Johnson, works with Stanford Calderwood General Director & Chief Executive Officer Bradley Vernatter to secure major, planned, and principal gifts, partnering closely with the board and BLO’s artistic leaders. The Sr. MGO will use creative and sophisticated identification, cultivation, and solicitation methods to close gifts of $25,000 and above, with a focus on the engagement of new high-net-worth prospects. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to travel to discover and engage donors for BLO’s upcoming campaign. The Sr. MGO will be knowledgeable about the nuances of fundraising for the arts and the budget model for arts nonprofits.
The successful candidate will bring at least seven years of directly applicable experience, proficiency in a resource-lean organization, and experience working with people of diverse cultural backgrounds. The Sr. MGO should have a demonstrated ability to cultivate productive, collaborative relationships with leaders and staff across an organization to ensure a coordinated and thoughtful approach to all activities meant to engage prospects and donors, helping to inspire higher levels of philanthropic support. The Sr. MGO will ensure an exceptional donor giving journey—from identification and solicitation to gift closure and stewardship. The Sr. MGO will possess a collaborative and self-authorizing style, strong work ethic, and enthusiasm for the mission and goals of Boston Lyric Opera. A bachelor’s degree is required.
Application Instructions
Boston Lyric Opera has partnered with Talent Citizen to assist in this recruitment. Please contact President Tracy D. Welsh, Managing Associate Rachel K. Partin, and Associate José Cisneros to share your resume and cover letter via email at: blo-smgo@talentcitizen.com.
Boston Lyric Opera values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran’s status or any other protected category. BLO is an equal opportunity employer.
