National Opera Center
Job Location
On Site/In Person; Hybrid/Other
Job Type
Full Time
Date Posted
January 7, 2026
Network(s)
Development
DESCRIPTION
Wisconsin’s oldest fully professional performing arts organization, the Florentine Opera, has been bringing a little bit of the worth to Milwaukee since 1933. We’re on a journey of discovery, exploring the glory of the human voice. We’re a powerhouse for all different voices and stories, which have endured through the centuries and resonate with our humanity and passion. We’re a live, supersized experience, created in-the-moment through theater, staging, lighting, lavish costumes, and beautiful song, bringing you the most immersive and all-encompassing artistic experience possible.
The Florentine Opera is an equal opportunity employer with a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion. We prohibit discrimination on all legally protected status. Applications by members of all underrepresented groups are encouraged.
About the job
The Florentine Opera is looking for an Annual Giving Manager to join their Development Team. Under the direction of the Director of Development & Advocacy, the Annual Giving Manager is responsible for the successful management and the operational execution of the Florentine Opera’s individual giving program. They will co‑lead the individual fundraising activities of the Florentine, including managing the individual pipeline from low level donors to Major Gifts.
Reports To
Director of Development and Advocacy
Location
Milwaukee, WI (remote candidates will not be considered)
Status
Exempt
Key responsibilities
Working with the Director of Development & Advocacy, to create an executable annual fundraising plan and budget for new and increased giving from individuals donors targeted for gifts to the Florentine Opera.
Oversee the identification, cultivation and highly personalized solicitation of individual donors and prospects to support annual fundraising goals and maximize philanthropic engagement.
Maximize individual contributed revenue by creating and implementing operating plans and identifying opportunities that maintain, increase and diversify fundraising.
Work closely with the Florentine’s Marketing and Communications department to position the institution so that a proper climate exists to raise funds. Collaborate on messaging to best represent the Florentine brand.
Manage a portfolio of approximately 100 individual donors and prospects who have the capacity to give at the $5,000 level or more, to the Florentine’s annual operating campaign, with the goal of maximizing support from each donor.
Metrics include:
At least one focused visit with each donor per year, and 3-6 meaningful contacts, including stewardship, event attendance, phone calls, cards, etc. Creation of an individualized Moves Management plan for each donor. Understand the Florentine donors’ individual motivations and aspiration to help drive increased giving. Employ research, data analysis, personal contacts, volunteers, and staff to create lasting relationships with Florentine donors.
Metrics for prospects and new donors include:
Development, implementation and tracking of specific programs that will identify, solicit, engage, and retain new donors at giving levels of $5,000 and more. A percentage of this portfolio will be new donors each year. As part of the Development team, work to leverage relationships with these prospects to explore all avenues for increased giving, identifying planned giving opportunities where appropriate.
Prepare and write proposals, solicitation letters and reports as needed.
Assist with various development events and functions to raise awareness and contributions.
Act as lead Development representative for the annual fundraisers.
Manage the Donor Lounge and serve as Development representative at Florentine Mainstage Operas and events as needed.
Assist with other campaigns or projects as directed or needed.
Other administrative and staff responsibilities as needed. As the business evolves, so may this role. These duties may change as company leadership identifies the need at any time.
Qualifications & Skills
A passion for the arts
This position is highly visible and has contact with Florentine Opera Board Members, campaign volunteers, prospects and donors, the Florentine Opera staff and artists, and prominent community leaders. Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to interact and communicate promptly and consistently with all parties in a professional and tactful manner.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
The successful candidate will be very detail‑oriented with excellent organizational skills.
Professional phone manner, high‑level customer service skills, respect for donor confidentiality and experience working with many different constituencies in a team environment are necessary.
This position requires a bachelor’s degree in a related discipline and at least 2-4 years’ development experience is preferred. Must have proficiency in Google Suite and CRM database.
Work Conditions
The job sometimes requires five‑day work weeks, as well as evenings.
Sitting and standing for extended periods of time.
Ability to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and to handle other office equipment.
Ability to use stairs (historic building limitations)
Greater Milwaukee area residence or ability to commute easily is required
#J-18808-Ljbffr
On Site/In Person; Hybrid/Other
Job Type
Full Time
Date Posted
January 7, 2026
Network(s)
Development
DESCRIPTION
Wisconsin’s oldest fully professional performing arts organization, the Florentine Opera, has been bringing a little bit of the worth to Milwaukee since 1933. We’re on a journey of discovery, exploring the glory of the human voice. We’re a powerhouse for all different voices and stories, which have endured through the centuries and resonate with our humanity and passion. We’re a live, supersized experience, created in-the-moment through theater, staging, lighting, lavish costumes, and beautiful song, bringing you the most immersive and all-encompassing artistic experience possible.
The Florentine Opera is an equal opportunity employer with a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion. We prohibit discrimination on all legally protected status. Applications by members of all underrepresented groups are encouraged.
About the job
The Florentine Opera is looking for an Annual Giving Manager to join their Development Team. Under the direction of the Director of Development & Advocacy, the Annual Giving Manager is responsible for the successful management and the operational execution of the Florentine Opera’s individual giving program. They will co‑lead the individual fundraising activities of the Florentine, including managing the individual pipeline from low level donors to Major Gifts.
Reports To
Director of Development and Advocacy
Location
Milwaukee, WI (remote candidates will not be considered)
Status
Exempt
Key responsibilities
Working with the Director of Development & Advocacy, to create an executable annual fundraising plan and budget for new and increased giving from individuals donors targeted for gifts to the Florentine Opera.
Oversee the identification, cultivation and highly personalized solicitation of individual donors and prospects to support annual fundraising goals and maximize philanthropic engagement.
Maximize individual contributed revenue by creating and implementing operating plans and identifying opportunities that maintain, increase and diversify fundraising.
Work closely with the Florentine’s Marketing and Communications department to position the institution so that a proper climate exists to raise funds. Collaborate on messaging to best represent the Florentine brand.
Manage a portfolio of approximately 100 individual donors and prospects who have the capacity to give at the $5,000 level or more, to the Florentine’s annual operating campaign, with the goal of maximizing support from each donor.
Metrics include:
At least one focused visit with each donor per year, and 3-6 meaningful contacts, including stewardship, event attendance, phone calls, cards, etc. Creation of an individualized Moves Management plan for each donor. Understand the Florentine donors’ individual motivations and aspiration to help drive increased giving. Employ research, data analysis, personal contacts, volunteers, and staff to create lasting relationships with Florentine donors.
Metrics for prospects and new donors include:
Development, implementation and tracking of specific programs that will identify, solicit, engage, and retain new donors at giving levels of $5,000 and more. A percentage of this portfolio will be new donors each year. As part of the Development team, work to leverage relationships with these prospects to explore all avenues for increased giving, identifying planned giving opportunities where appropriate.
Prepare and write proposals, solicitation letters and reports as needed.
Assist with various development events and functions to raise awareness and contributions.
Act as lead Development representative for the annual fundraisers.
Manage the Donor Lounge and serve as Development representative at Florentine Mainstage Operas and events as needed.
Assist with other campaigns or projects as directed or needed.
Other administrative and staff responsibilities as needed. As the business evolves, so may this role. These duties may change as company leadership identifies the need at any time.
Qualifications & Skills
A passion for the arts
This position is highly visible and has contact with Florentine Opera Board Members, campaign volunteers, prospects and donors, the Florentine Opera staff and artists, and prominent community leaders. Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to interact and communicate promptly and consistently with all parties in a professional and tactful manner.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
The successful candidate will be very detail‑oriented with excellent organizational skills.
Professional phone manner, high‑level customer service skills, respect for donor confidentiality and experience working with many different constituencies in a team environment are necessary.
This position requires a bachelor’s degree in a related discipline and at least 2-4 years’ development experience is preferred. Must have proficiency in Google Suite and CRM database.
Work Conditions
The job sometimes requires five‑day work weeks, as well as evenings.
Sitting and standing for extended periods of time.
Ability to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and to handle other office equipment.
Ability to use stairs (historic building limitations)
Greater Milwaukee area residence or ability to commute easily is required
#J-18808-Ljbffr