Chief Philanthropy Officer

Skip to content Chief Philanthropy Officer McCallum Theatre Palm Desert, CA Start Application View Position Brochure Here THE MISSION The McCallum Theatre’s mission is to entertain, educate, and enrich the Coachella Valley community through world-class performances, critically acclaimed education experiences, and serving as the desert’s premier performing arts center. ABOUT MCCALLUM THEATRE Located in the heart of Palm Desert, California, the McCallum Theatre is one of the nation’s premier performing arts centers—recognized for its artistic excellence, diverse programming, and deep community impact. Since opening in 1988, the McCallum has become a cornerstone of the Coachella Valley’s cultural life, presenting an extraordinary breadth of performances each season. Its stage hosts the best of Broadway, world-renowned musicians, acclaimed comedians, classical ensembles, and international dance companies, alongside family programs and community showcases. With one of the longest and most varied presenting seasons in the country, the Theatre consistently ranks among the top 50 theaters worldwide for ticket sales and is celebrated for the quality of its productions, audiences, and artistic partnerships. The McCallum’s acclaimed Education Department has served more than one million students, educators, and families through programs such as the Aesthetic Education Program and Field Trip Series . These initiatives connect young people to the performing arts through interactive classroom learning, professional performances, and teacher training that inspire creativity and lifelong appreciation for the arts. Its Community Engagement Programs extend the Theatre’s reach across the Coachella Valley. Signature events include the Palm Desert Choreography Festival and Open Call Talent Project , as well as community celebrations like Hispanic Heritage Month , the Veterans Day Eve Celebration , and the new McCallum Jazz Experience , each reflecting the region’s diversity and vitality. With an annual budget of approximately $22 million and an endowment of $8 million, the McCallum is led by President & CEO, Yvonne Bell and supported by a dedicated staff of 40 and a 35-member Board of Directors. Together, they advance the Theatre’s mission to inspire, educate, and entertain through the transformative power of live performance. For more information, please visit www.mccallumtheatre.org . THE OPPORTUNITY As a key member of the senior leadership team, the Chief Philanthropy Officer will work closely with the President & CEO and Board of Trustees to advance the McCallum Theatre through an exciting period of institutional growth and transformational capital expansion. This leader will provide vision and leadership for the McCallum Theatre’s comprehensive advancement efforts while helping position one of the nation’s premier performing arts centers for continued artistic, educational, and community impact. A central priority for this role will be guiding the planning and execution of a multi-phase capital campaign in support of significant future facility and campus initiatives. The Chief Philanthropy Officer will work closely with senior leadership, trustees, donors, and community stakeholders to strengthen campaign readiness, build philanthropic support, and advance a compelling case for investment in the McCallum’s future. The Chief Philanthropy Officer will serve as a trusted advisor to the President & CEO and will oversee the development function, with a focus on institutional growth, campaign strategy, governance engagement, principal gift development, and long-range advancement planning. In this capacity, the Chief Philanthropy Officer will lead the McCallum’s capital campaign efforts and principal gift strategy while providing strategic direction for the overall advancement program. The Chief Philanthropy Officer will directly supervise the Vice President of Development, who retains primary responsibility for annual fundraising operations and execution. Together, the department currently raises over $9 million annually. RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE: Executive Leadership, Governance, & Institutional Growth Serve as a key strategic advisor to the President & CEO in advancing the McCallum Theatre's long-term vision, institutional growth, campus expansion, and philanthropic priorities. Work closely with the President & CEO, Board leadership, and senior staff to align organizational priorities, resources, and advancement strategies in support of the Theatre's future growth and sustainability. Serve as the primary staff liaison to the Board of Trustees on advancement matters, fostering trustee engagement, governance excellence, and strategic alignment with organizational goals. Staff and support the Governance, Development, and Campaign Committees, helping recruit, engage, and develop high-impact trustees, volunteer leaders, and campaign advocates. Lead the development of long-range advancement and campaign strategies that support the Theatre's capital, programmatic, and institutional growth objectives. Design campaign governance structures, volunteer leadership models, and organizational engagement strategies that maximize participation and campaign success. Engage and manage campaign counsel, feasibility consultants, and other external advisors to strengthen advancement planning and execution. Development & Campaign Strategy Develop and lead long-range advancement and campaign strategies in partnership with the President & CEO, Vice President of Finance, senior leadership team, and Board leadership, while providing strategic direction and oversight for annual fundraising initiatives executed by the Vice President of Development. Provide strategic oversight of the Theatre's fundraising portfolio, ensuring alignment and integration among annual, major, planned, institutional, sponsorship, membership, and campaign giving programs. Guide the planning and execution of a transformational capital campaign, including readi