Development Director/ Development Consultant
The Syracuse Orchestra
Syracuse, NY
Salary = $65,000
Job Description:
Organizational Overview:
As Central New York’s professional orchestra, The Syracuse Orchestra presents 50+ orchestra concerts each year through its Masterworks, Pops, Casual, Spark, Kids, and free Summer concert series. The Syracuse Orchestra reaches 100,000 people annually in venues ranging from libraries to public parks to its home venue, the Crouse-Hinds Theater at the Civic Center. Presenting every genre of music, from Beethoven to jazz to the music of Star Wars, The Syracuse Orchestra’s mission is to engage and inspire all community members throughout Central New York with outstanding orchestral and ensemble performances, and innovative education and outreach initiatives. Our vision is to contribute to a diverse, vibrant, and culturally rich community through the power of great music, and in so doing, enhance the quality of life and economic vitality of Central New York. Syracuse and Onondaga County are in the heart of Central New York with a population of more than ti50,000. It is the hub of a six-county region with a population of more than 1 million. Central New York is poised to grow rapidly over the next decade with the investment of new $100 billion Micron semiconductor plant.
Position Overview:
The Syracuse Orchestra seeks a highly experienced development professional with 10+ years of experience. The successful candidate will have a proven record of achievement in development, particularly with major gifts, planned gifts, and development strategy and plan implementation. The candidate will work closely with the Annual Fund and Corporate Giving Manager as well as the Senior Manager for Advancement. Our current goals for annual contributed income equals $1.9 million, with a goal to increase contributed income by 25% in the near future.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES Leadership and Presence The candidate will:
• provide positive, engaging leadership of departmental personnel;
• lead a data-driven development culture;
• participate in front-line fundraising;
• participate in staff leadership meetings, board meetings, and relevant board committees; • work effectively with the Board of Directors;
• represent The Syracuse Orchestra at appropriate events in the community
• periodically provide status reports to the Board of Directors and the Orchestra.
Departmental Strategy and Planning The candidate will:
• set strategic goals, build structures, and execute plans for advancing the orchestra through contributed income by sustaining and growing the number of donors and building a pipeline of major donors; • develop, oversee, and update programs for planned giving through completion;
• assess and oversee annual planning for all departmental activities;
• develop cross-functional and extra-organizational strategic partnerships as appropriate; and
• develop and oversee special campaigns.
Functional Oversight The candidate will:
• ensure that fundraising goals are met or exceeded
• oversee the recruitment, onboarding, and ongoing management for departmental personnel;
• ensure that systems and procedures to track cultivation and acknowledgements are effective, timely, and responsive;
• manage a portfolio of major donors and prospects;
• prepare solicitation materials including proposals, collateral for the public, and materials to help others understand progress and challenges the department is facing;
• oversee CRM usage to ensure that maximum data are collected and utilized to effectively support data-informed fundraising;
• ensure compliance around sponsor and individual donor recognition and benefits administration;
• assist with the research of new grant opportunities
• assist with creating compelling grant applications • maintain communication and positive working relations with funders, government agencies, donors, and volunteers;
• contribute to institutional materials as needed, including annual reports, departmental reports and board updates; and
• oversee planning and execution of fundraising and stewardship events and ensure an exceptional donor experience.
Finance and Budgeting The candidate will:
• work with the Executive Director and the Finance Committee to provide ongoing forecasts to maintain the budget; and
• manage expenses to budget and adjust spending as necessary.
Qualifications:
• A deep commitment to The Syracuse Orchestra’s mission and vision and a desire to cultivate a culture of philanthropy within the organization
• management experience with strong indicators of success in managing both formal and informal relationships, with staff, boards, musicians, patrons, and the community at large;
• a history of securing gi[s with significant institutional impact from individuals, institutions, and government agencies, and planning for and leading successful campaigns;
• outstanding verbal and written communication skills;
• solid judgement and a strong customer service ethic;
• an ability and willingness to work in a fast-paced environment with high productivity demands, and collaborate with other staff;
• follow-through and an inextinguishable focus on execution;
• an ability to engage effectively in front-line fundraising with a wide range of constituents with grace;
• trustworthiness, adaptability, and empathy, combined with intellectual curiosity and insight;
• proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel and a functional knowledge of a CRM platform, preferably SalesForce;
• strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills; Ten or more years of experience in fundraising is required.
How to Apply:
Please email a cover letter, résumé, and 3 professional references in one attachment with Development Director in the subject line to: pmurchison@syracuseorchestra.org