Chief Philanthropy Officer

Interested Candidates should apply online:

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.

• 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.
• 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.

• 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…