Chief Development Officer - Center Theatre Group

Headhunter: DSG Global

Media

90001 Los Angeles, CA - USA

Vice President

Experteer Overview

As Chief Development Officer, you will shape and lead CTG’s strategic fundraising program in support of its mission to produce bold theatre and strengthen the LA theatre ecosystem. You work closely with the Managing Director/CEO and Artistic Director to cultivate transformative gifts and build a sustainable philanthropy culture across the organization. You oversee a 20-person development team and drive revenue, including the annual fund and a multi-year campaign for initiatives like facilities and capacity building. This role offers a chance to influence CTG’s artistic future and community impact at scale.

Responsibilities

Conceptualize, organize, and implement a comprehensive fundraising program aligned with CTG’s mission and priorities
Lead and mentor a ~20-person development team across major gifts, foundations/government/corporate relations, campaigns, events, communications, and operations
Manage total contributed revenue of roughly $14–$16 million annually and grow the annual fund (targeting ~$11 million in FY26)
Drive the public phase of a multi-year fundraising campaign for key initiatives (facilities, capacity building, artistic investments, sustainability)
Collaborate with the MD/CEO, Artistic Director, senior leadership, and the Board to foster a culture of philanthropy and accountable donor stewardship
Develop strategic plans, metrics, and sustainable systems for the development function; ensure clear roles and communication across stakeholders
Invest in staff development and mentorship to build a high-performing, diverse team
Lead donor strategy and engagement with executives, senior staff, and volunteers to increase major giving and overall funding
Support cross-functional collaboration with audiences and the community to expand donor base and impact

Key requirements

15+ years in development with progressively responsible leadership roles
Experience in individual giving, institutional giving, major gifts, annual fund, planned giving, stewardship, events fundraising, and board relations
Proven success in fundraising campaigns and hitting philanthropic targets
Ability to lead diverse teams, foster inclusion, and develop talent
Experience engaging executives and donors at six to seven figures and beyond
Data-driven mindset with knowledge of donor analytics, metrics, and modern data management practices
Familiarity with Tessitura or similar donor management systems (preferred)
Willingness to travel
Knowledge of LA philanthropic landscape preferred but not required

strong relationship-building and interpersonal skills visionary and strategic thinker adaptable and inclusive leadership major gifts program development annual fund and membership programs foundation in institutional giving and government relations

Description

As Chief Development Officer, you will shape and lead CTG’s strategic fundraising program in support of its mission to produce bold theatre …

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