Chicago Philharmonic Hiring for Director of Development Job at Chicago, IL Full Time

DEPARTMENT: Development

REPORTS TO: Executive Director

DIRECT REPORTS: Development Coordinator

CLASSIFICATION: Full-time, Exempt

SALARY RANGE: $60,000.00 – $65,000.00

LOCATION: Virtual/In Person

About Chicago Philharmonic

The Chicago Philharmonic Society is a collaboration of nearly 200 of the highest-level classical musicians

performing in the Chicago metropolitan area. Governed under a groundbreaking structure of musician

leadership, the Society’s orchestra, known simply as the Chicago Philharmonic, has been called “one of

the country’s finest symphonic orchestras” (Chicago Tribune).

Position summary

A key member of the frontline fundraiser team, the Director of Development will identify, engage,

cultivate, solicit, and steward current and prospective individual donors in making financial investments

in the Chicago Philharmonic. This includes providing overall direction for Chicago Philharmonic’s

individual giving program by building authentic relationships with individual donors and matching

appropriate programs and campaigns to donors’ philanthropic priorities. A motivating leader and

creative fundraiser, the Director will be responsible for growing overall gifts from individuals with a focus

on mid- and major-level giving, setting and meeting annual revenue goals and contributing to capital

campaign revenue goals, and working with an assigned portfolio of donors and prospects to advance the

mission of the organization with a data-driven approach. Outreach will predominantly occur in the

Greater Chicagoland area with strategic focus on Chicago and surrounding suburbs.

Duties and responsibilities

Strategy and Implementation:
Develop and implement a strategic gift solicitation plan for generating major gifts ($5,000+) and

growing engagement from high-level donors and prospects

Write grant applications – comprised of project descriptions, budgets, etc. – for grants offered by

foundations, government agencies, and corporations

Develop engagement opportunities and upgrade strategies targeted to base and mid-level

donors utilizing technology to efficiently deliver personalized communications

Create donor communication and engagement campaigns based on donor behaviors and

interests

Manage a cost-effective budget and expenses related to individual donor fundraising

Develop and execute development strategy, including annual and long-range goals for grants,

individual contributions, annual report, endowment, and sponsorship

Develop and sell sponsorship packages for concerts and outreach programs

Plan and execute annual individual fundraising campaigns, including writing materials and

compiling recipient lists for the annual appeal

Oversee individual major gifts strategy

Research and track new grant and sponsorship opportunities

Create, track, and report on annual development budget

Cultivate relationships with funders, including institutions and individuals

Report periodically to board regarding development efforts and progress toward goals, and serve

as staff liaison to Development Committee of the board

Provide subscription concert-day assistance

Oversee and direct Development Associate

Additional responsibilities

Board communications, main staff liaison

Fundraising Reporting for Board Meetings

VIP communications (Major donors, Funders, Prospects, etc.)

Staff liaison to Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Committee and EDI Consultant

Attendance at symphonic & chamber concerts and events (i.e. Fundraiser, receptions, etc.)

Donor relations (calls, letters, etc.)

Donor/VIP events (Fundraisers, Receptions, etc.) logistics and oversight

Knowledge, skills, and abilities

Ability to inspire fellow team members to achieve common goals and exceed expectations

Ability to promote and maintain a positive work environment and build strong and effective

internal and external relationships

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Ability to understand the needs of donors and actively advocate for their interests

Ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and generate enthusiasm for Chicago Philharmonic

programs

Ability to initiate and sustain momentum without close supervision

Ability to exhibit diplomacy, discretion as well as deep respect and understanding of donor and

Trustee relations

Ability to use metrics to inform and drive decisions and achieve strategic objectives

Strong planning and problem-solving skills, including the ability to multitask, anticipate needs,

set priorities, meet deadlines and function smoothly under strict deadlines and shifting priorities

Experience with donor databases; knowledge of Salesforce is an advantage

Strong commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion

Passion for Chicago Philharmonic’s mission

To apply:
Email your resume and cover letter to [email protected]. In the subject line, please write

“[Your Name] Director of Development Application”.

Additional information

The Chicago Philharmonic is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and is an equal

opportunity employer. The Chicago Philharmonic prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type

and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color,

religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, veteran status,

genetics, disability status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. We will

ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job

application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and

privileges of employment