Advancement Officer Position Profile
ABOUT GULFSHORE PLAYHOUSE
Gulfshore Playhouse, located in Naples, Florida, stands as one of the premier professional theatre companies in the United States, holding the prestigious League of Resident Theatres (LORT) designation - the highest recognition for professional theatres nationwide. Operating with collective bargaining agreements with Actors' Equity Association, Stage Directors and Choreographers, and United Scenic Artists, the organization consistently delivers world-class theatrical productions while maintaining the highest professional standards in the industry. This commitment to excellence has helped establish Gulfshore Playhouse as a cultural cornerstone, attracting top-tier talent from across the country.
With remarkable 23% compound annual growth rate, Gulfshore Playhouse has evolved into a robust cultural institution employing 90 professionals and managing a substantial $12 million operating budget. The organization's ambitious trajectory includes plans to expand its operating budget to $20 million within the next five years, reflecting its commitment to artistic excellence and community impact. This strategic growth positions Gulfshore Playhouse to continue its mission of producing professional theatre of the highest caliber while expanding its reach and influence in the performing arts landscape. If you’re driven by strategic leadership, passionate about fostering growth and excellence in the arts, and eager to collaborate with a team that’s shaping the future of professional theatre, Gulfshore Playhouse is ready to achieve great milestones with you.
Gulfshore Playhouse creates theatre of the highest caliber because they believe that diverse theatre experiences brought to life by professionals can transform lives.
MISSION
Gulfshore Playhouse is passionately committed to enriching the cultural landscape of our region by producing professional theatre to the highest artistic standards and providing unique educational opportunities to diverse groups of people in a spirit of service, adventure, and excitement. Our work is inspired by a belief in the magic of theatre to expand the imagination, challenge the senses, provoke discussion, and revitalize in our audience an understanding of our common humanity. This belief drives the care with which we treat our artists, audiences, students, staff, and members of the greater community.
COMMITMENT
Gulfshore Playhouse creates experiences to the highest professional standards for all people. True to their mission statement and organizational charter, they are creating a place where diverse groups of people can experience, enjoy, and participate in professional theatre and educational programming produced to the highest artistic standards. Because they believe that inclusion is essential to fully understanding their common humanity, Gulfshore Playhouse aspires to be an inclusive space where people from all walks of life are welcomed, respected, seen, and valued. They work to be an artistic home for diverse artists, staff, students, and audiences.
IN THE NEWS
About Naples, FL
Naples, Florida Once Again Ranked as #1 Best Place to Live in the United States by U.S. News
Naples, Florida, is an idyllic destination that seamlessly blends stunning natural beauty with an abundance of outdoor activities and a close-knit community spirit. Known for its nearly 9-mile stretch of pristine white sand beaches and year-round sunshine, Naples offers a perfect retreat for those who love the outdoors. The city's strong job market and excellent quality of life make it a highly desirable place to live. The vibrant local culture, with events like the Chubb Classic and the Naples Winter Wine Festival, along with a supportive and engaged community, makes Naples not just a place to live but a place to love. It's no wonder that once people experience the southwest Florida lifestyle, they often choose to stay for good.
POSITION OVERVIEW
Gulfshore Playhouse seeks a strategic and results-driven Advancement Officer to lead fundraising efforts, with a first-year goal of securing $500,000–$1 million and increasing annual revenue beyond $1 million. This role focuses on major gifts, corporate sponsorships, donor cultivation, and capital campaigns, ensuring long-term financial sustainability.
The ideal candidate has a proven track record in fundraising and relationship management, with the ability to engage major donors, corporate sponsors, and board members. Strong organizational, communication, and collaboration skills are essential, along with the ability to align fundraising initiatives with the Playhouse’s growth strategy.
This onsite role requires a strong in-person presence, with regular engagement at theatre performances, donor events, and community functions. The Advancement Officer will attend evening and weekend performances on a rotational basis to foster relationships and maximize giving opportunities. Remote or hybrid work is not available; candidates must be willing to work onsite and contribute to the Playhouse’s culture and development efforts.
Gulfshore Playhouse is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse staff; we strongly encourage people from underrepresented groups and diverse backgrounds to apply.
Gulfshore Playhouse's Charter: https://www.gulfshoreplayhouse.org/charter/
ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy, securing $500,000 to $1 million in the first year and growing revenue beyond that through individual giving, major gifts, corporate sponsorships, and capital campaigns.
- Lead and support capital campaign initiatives to secure funding for Gulfshore Playhouse’s expansion and long-term sustainability.
- Build and maintain strong donor relationships, fostering engagement and long-term philanthropic support through major donors, corporate sponsors, and board members.
- Cultivate, solicit, and steward individual donors and corporate partners, ensuring sustained financial support while implementing donor recognition programs to enhance retention and appreciation.
- Identify and engage new prospects while deepening relationships with existing donors through personalized stewardship and targeted fundraising efforts.
- Partner with the Board of Directors, leveraging their networks and influence to advance fundraising goals and strategic initiatives.
- Implement a portfolio system to track donor engagement, pipeline development, and fundraising progress with accurate reporting and data analysis.
- Align fundraising strategies with Gulfshore Playhouse’s long-term financial growth plan, supporting the organization’s projected expansion from a $12M to $20M operating budget over the next five years.
- Work closely with internal teams, including marketing, artistic programming, and leadership, to develop messaging and fundraising campaigns that align with the Playhouse’s mission.
- Leverage the Playhouse’s new state-of-the-art facility and future Learning & Development Center as key fundraising assets to attract major donors and corporate sponsors.
- Represent Gulfshore Playhouse at networking events, performances, and community engagements to expand donor reach and sponsorship opportunities.
- Attend evening and weekend performances as part of a rotational system to cultivate donor relationships and maximize engagement opportunities.
- Track, analyze, and report fundraising performance, adjusting strategies as needed to maximize revenue and donor engagement.
EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor's degree in business, communications, nonprofit management, or a related field.
- 5+ years of nonprofit fundraising experience, with a strong track record of securing major gifts, corporate sponsorships, and campaign contributions.
- Experience leading or supporting capital campaigns, particularly in nonprofit or performing arts organizations.
- Proven success in achieving annual fundraising goals of $500,000 or more, with a strong ability to strategically grow fundraising revenue over time.
- Exceptional interpersonal skills, with the ability to connect authentically with major donors, corporate sponsors, and board members.
- Strong background in relationship-based fundraising, donor cultivation, and corporate philanthropy.
- Experience working with board members, high-net-worth individuals, and corporate executives to advance fundraising efforts.
- Proficiency in donor management software (e.g., Raiser’s Edge, Salesforce, or similar CRM systems) and data analysis tools.
- Ability to develop and manage fundraising budgets, track financial performance, and align fundraising goals with organizational growth strategies.
- Highly organized, adaptable, and able to manage multiple relationships and fundraising efforts simultaneously.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to inspire donor support through storytelling and personal engagement.
- Ability to work onsite, including evenings and weekends, to attend performances, donor events, and key networking opportunities.
- Knowledge of fundraising best practices, donor stewardship, and corporate sponsorship development.
CRITICAL COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESS
Results-Oriented
The successful candidate must be performance-driven and able to provide measurable results. This individual will be resourceful, action-oriented, as well as a flexible and decisive manager who establishes clarity during distractions to produce results in a timely fashion. They will provide clear direction and establish achievable goals.
Communication
This individual should possess very strong communication, collaboration, listening, and persuasion skills, in order to truly partner with the leadership team, employees, volunteers and vendors. They must be comfortable, dynamic, and an effective presenter in front of both external and internal audiences.
Strategic Agility
This individual must be intellectually sharp and clearly capable of thinking on their feet while demonstrating outstanding business judgment. The Advancement Officer will possess the analytical skills to improve overall productivity and elevate the organization’s processes. Today’s vision may change drastically in the future. This person must not only embrace change, but be entrepreneurial in nature, creating and altering this road map along the way.
Leadership Acumen & Team Orientation
The Advancement Officer will be charged with working harmoniously as a member of close-knit program and administrative teams, creating effective collaboration while being sensitive to diverse opinions, backgrounds, and personal styles. Through the development of improved processes, this individual will work to foster a culture of accountability and results. This position requires a hands-on, team-oriented executive who has broad-based credibility and is capable of consistently motivating people to act. An exceptional leader, who builds, inspires, and coaches teams with a passion for the business, while forging close working relationships with other senior leaders throughout the organization.
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