Senior Vice President, Advancement

Featured

Oct 6

The Music Center
Los Angeles, CA

Anticipated Start Date: 01/04/2027

Description

In 2015, under the leadership of Rachel S. Moore, The Music Center began a major transformation to become a more relevant, public-centered, inclusive and dynamic performing arts center. Through the renovation of Jerry Moss Plaza, an influx of resources for free and low-cost programming, a long-term lease with Gloria Molina Grand Park, a revitalized board of directors, and a strengthened and energized staff, The Music Center has evolved significantly over the past 11 years and is now poised to realize its vision of deepening the cultural life of every resident of Los Angeles County and continue creating an increasingly relevant, multidisciplinary center for the arts.

Today, the organization is well positioned to lead the field and to understand and embrace what it truly means to be a performing arts center of the 21st century. The Senior Vice President, Advancement (SVPA) will report to the President and CEO, Rachel S. Moore, and work closely with The Music Center’s Board of Directors.

Responsibilities

The SVPA will serve as an ambassador for The Music Center, both on the campus with constituent organizations and to the greater Los Angeles community. The individual in this role will lead and inspire a committed and talented advancement team and work in partnership with colleagues across the entire organization. FUNDING: The Music Center operates as a public/private partnership. The organization has a fiscal year 2026/27 operating budget of approximately $82 million, of which approximately half is provided by Los Angeles County.

The remaining funding comes from earned income including ticket sales, rent and concession income, as well as contributed income comprised of major/institutional gifts, board support, membership/annual fund and special events. The current annual fund raises approximately $14 million.

The Music Center has an endowment with a current market value of $112 million. As it looks forward to the next few years, The Music Center is refreshing the case and structure of its current comprehensive campaign, which is in its quiet phase. The “Let’s Create More” campaign has raised $40 million toward a working goal of $195 million. The campaign encompasses all fundraising activities with a focus on TMC Arts programming. Most prominent among the program opportunities is the pursuit of the Dance and Dancing Vision, which stakes out TMC’s ambitious goal of becoming the premier presenter of world-class concert dance and the leading organizer of community participatory dance in the United States.

Requirements

Minimum 15 years of progressive leadership experience in advancement with a significant track record of fundraising success within a not-for-profit institution in a competitive marketplace, and in particular, a cultural, educational, philanthropic, or similarly complex, mission-driven environment.
Performing and/or cultural arts background and/or education-related experience is a plus; major capital campaign planning and leadership experience preferred; extensive experience working effectively with board members and other volunteers;
ideally, knowledgeable about the Greater Los Angeles cultural, business, social, and philanthropic communities, with the ability to build and sustain relationships across these communities;
prior experience serving as a strategic advancement partner to a CEO; demonstrated ability to build trust and establish effective relationships with donors, partners, colleagues, and community stakeholders;
ability to drive innovation, develop best practices, and keep pace with emerging trends in advancement; demonstrated success as a frontline major and principal gift solicitor; knowledge of the entire range of development tactics to secure major individual, foundation, and corporate philanthropy; demonstrated proficiency in advancement technology.
Ability to analyze complex data and translate insights into metrics-based results; persuasive writing and presentation skills with the ability to articulate a compelling case for support to diverse audiences; a collaborative, inclusive, collegial, and team-driven style; a genuine interest in/passion for The Music Center’s mission and values; politically savvy—the ability to work diplomatically and effectively within a large, complex, and multidimensional environment; a demonstrated commitment to attracting and fostering a diverse, collaborative workplace and community;
a bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience is required; a master’s degree in a relevant field is highly desirable.

Salary Range and Employee Benefits

The compensation range for the SVPA is $380,000-$425,000 plus attractive benefits.

How to Apply for this Job

Nominations and expressions of interest will be held in confidence and may be emailed to Kirk McDonald at kirk@howe-lewis.com

About the Organization

Los Angeles—the cultural hub of the country—is home to America’s most diverse population and more entertainment options and venue than anywhere else in the US. As one of the nation’s largest performing arts centers, and as a cultural anchor in Los Angeles County, The Music Center brings together artists, communities, and ideas with the goal of enriching the cultural lives of all Angelinos.

The Music Center has three divisions: TMC Arts, TMC Ops, and TMC Business Services. TMC Arts, The Music Center’s programming engine, provides year-round programming inside The Music Center’s four theatres, on Jerry Moss Plaza, outside Gloria Molina Grand Park, in schools and neighborhoods all over Los Angeles County, and on a variety of digital platforms. These programs include world-class dance experiences with Glorya Kaufman Presents Dance at The Music Center, free and low-cost public concerts and events, as well as live and digital K-12 arts learning programs, workshops, performances, interactive experiences, and special events.

TMC Ops manages the theatres, the Plaza, and Gloria Molina Grand Park, which comprise $2 billion in county assets, on behalf of the County of Los Angeles. TMC Business Resources includes services provided by the organization’s Advancement, Finance, and Marketing and Communications teams. The Music Center is also home to four renowned resident companies: Center Theatre Group, Los Angeles Master Chorale, LA Opera, and LA Phil. To learn more about this Los Angeles cultural focal point, please visit musiccenter.org.

FUNDING

The Music Center operates as a public/private partnership and has a current annual operating budget of approximately $70 million, of which about half is provided by Los Angeles County. The remaining funding comes from earned income including ticket sales, rent and concession income, as well as contributed income comprised of major/institutional gifts, board support, membership/annual fund, and special events. The current annual fund raises approximately $15 million.

The Music Center has an endowment with a current market value of $71 million and is preparing to launch an historic comprehensive campaign. The approaching 60th anniversary of The Music Center in 2024 serves as a platform for creating momentum and excitement around the vision of the campaign.

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