Description:
The Gulf Coast Symphony seeks a Director of Development to lead the fundraising activities of the organization. The Director of Development will work with GCS leadership to develop and execute a strategic plan for annual giving and planned giving to support the activities of the Gulf Coast Symphony. They will be responsible for donor events and activities throughout the year. The Director of Development will work with a team including Planned Giving Manager, Director of Patron & Donor Loyalty and others. They will work closely with the Managing Director, the Board of Directors, volunteers and report to the President & CEO. The organizations current budget is $2.5 million, with approximately 60% contributed revenues.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- With the President & CEO & Managing Director, set annual fundraising goals and develop long term strategies to increase giving in support of the mission of the Symphony
- Lead in planning and executing earned revenue campaigns including:
- annual fund
- major gifts
- sponsorship
- planned giving programs
- Monitor revenue and expense budgets; prepare and present accurate and timely reporting and analysis
- Lead the planning and execution of fundraising/cultivation events in collaboration with staff, volunteers and members of the Board of Directors
- Collaborate with staff and outside contractors on the creation of fundraising collateral
- Writing/administering/reporting of foundation and government grants
- Research funding sources and philanthropic trends, including new opportunities at the local, state and national levels
- Oversee the maintenance of donor records and donor benefits
- Serve as a liaison to the Board of Directors and any appropriate committees and task forces related to fundraising activities
- Attend concerts, events and meetings outside of normal business hours
Requirements
- The ideal candidate will be strongly motivated; a self-starter; energetic and flexible; able to work in a fast-paced environment and maximize resources; a team player and leader; extremely creative; and highly analytical
- Bachelors or advanced degree and at least five years experience in fundraising with increasing scope of responsibilities across multiple donor channels
- Skilled in creating powerful and compelling written and oral communications
- Project management experience from concept to execution
- Experience managing relationships and workflow with internal and external (consultant) partners
- Friendly and professional demeanor that engenders relationships with donors and colleagues
- Appreciation of the arts, theater and/or symphonic music and a cursory understanding of the arts world
- Evening/weekend performance and special event duty is required.
- Competency with standard software including Microsoft Office and Google Suite.
Desirable but not Require
- Passion for the arts and a performance background
- Significant experience using Tessitura, or similar patron database
- Prior experience with a performing arts organization strongly preferred.
- Knowledge of the Southwest Florida donor community
- Experience leading a multi-year capital campaign
Qualification
Gulf Coast Symphony does not require specific educational credentials or a specific number of years of experience. Qualified candidates should demonstrate a successful track record of leadership and managerial experience within complex and dynamic organizations, as well as skills in fundraising and relationship building. Candidates need not come from within the performing arts sector, although a passion for theater and music, plus a solid knowledge of the field are expected. Exceptional communication skills are required.