Gulf Coast Symphony Hiring for Director of Development at Fort Myers, FL Full Time

Salary: $55k-$60k annual salary dependent on qualifications, and a generous benefit package (health insurance, paid time off and retirement plan)

The Orchestra:
Now entering its 27th Anniversary season, the Gulf Coast Symphony (GCS) is one of the most dynamic and innovative orchestras in the United States. The primary goal of the Gulf Coast Symphony is to Create Community through Music. The organization boasts three primary performance groups: a full symphony orchestra composed of both professional and auditioned community members, a fully professional chamber orchestra, and its jazz collective. High-quality performances with both world-renowned and emerging artists, a history of active community engagement, and commitment to arts education are cornerstone characteristics of the organization. Professionally managed and led, it produces fourteen to sixteen concerts each season in the premiere performing arts venue in Lee County, Florida, the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, plus another 100 nights of concerts at its new, more intimate venue, and educational hub, it’s Music & Arts Community Center. GCS also runs MusicWorks! an after-school El Sistema program. The concert season includes musicals, ballet, classical, pops, opera, jazz, chamber music, world music and other genres. The GCS is committed to performing a broad variety of concerts and creating a diverse, innovative and balanced program of performances, events, community and education projects which reach the widest possible public, year round. The organization has a current annual budget of $2.7 million dollars.

Central Role: The Gulf Coast Symphony seeks a Director of Development to lead the fundraising activities of the organization. The Director of Development will work with the GCS leadership to develop a strategic plan for annual fund giving, planned giving, grant applications and capital fundraising to support the activities of the Gulf Coast Symphony. They will be responsible to execute that plan and produce donor events throughout the year. The Director of Development will manage a growing team including Major Gifts Manager and Planned Giving Manager. They will work closely with the Managing Director, Board of Directors, dedicated volunteers and report to the Executive Director.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Lead the Development Department in planning and executing earned revenue campaigns including:annual fund sponsorship capital and endowmentplanned giving programsWriting/administering foundation and government grantsResearch funding sources and philanthropic trends, including new opportunities at the local, state and national levelsWith the Executive and Managing Directors, set annual fundraising goals and develop long term strategies to increase giving in support of the mission of the SymphonyMonitor revenue and expense budgets; prepare and present accurate and timely reporting and analysisLead the planning and execution of fundraising/cultivation events in collaboration with staff, volunteers and members of the Board of DirectorsCollaborate with staff and outside contractors on the creation of fundraising collateral Oversee the maintenance of donor records and donor benefitsServe as a liaison to the Board of Directors and any appropriate committees and task forces related to fundraising activitiesAttend concerts, events and meetings outside of normal business hours

As the business evolves, so may this role. These duties may change as Symphony’s leadership identifies the need at any time.

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 analyticalBachelors or advanced degree and at least five years experience in fundraising with increasing scope of responsibilities across multiple donor channelsSkilled in creating powerful and compelling written and oral communicationsProject management experience from concept to executionExperience managing relationships and workflow with internal and external (consultant) partnersFriendly and professional demeanor that engenders relationships with donors and colleaguesAppreciation of the arts, theater and/or symphonic music and a cursory understanding of the arts worldEvening/weekend performance and special event duty is required.Competency with standard software including Microsoft Office and Google Suite.

Desirable but not Required

Passion for the arts and a performance background Experience leading a multi-year capital campaignSignificant experience using Tessitura or similar patron databasePrior experience with a performing arts organization strongly preferred.Knowledge of the Southwest Florida donor community

How to apply:
To apply please send resume, cover letter, writing sample and three professional references to [email protected]

The Gulf Coast Symphony is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates for employment are considered without regard to race, color, sex, creed, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, non-job related disability, or marital status.