Symphony Space, a two-theatre, not-for-profit performing arts center at 95th St & Broadway in New York City, seeks a highly motivated and dynamic Director of Development. Symphony Space has a $6.2M operating budget and presents/produces over 350 programs in music, theatre/cabaret, film, literature, and children’s programs, reaching 80,000 audience members annually. It also produces the popular radio program, Selected Shorts, which is carried on public radio stations throughout the U.S. and Symphony Space Live, recordings of its live shows available online through its website. Its acclaimed education programs annually reach 10,000 public schools students and 1500 adult literacy students. In addition, more than 375 events are presented at Symphony Space through its rental programs. (See[[http:symphonyspace.org|symphonyspace.org]])
The Director of Development reports directly to the President/CEO (who is an active partner in fundraising) and manages a staff of five full-time fundraising personnel, two interns, and a team of volunteers. The Director of Development supervises two Associate Directors responsible for Individual and Institutional Giving, respectively. S/he works in concert with the Board of Directors and their committees to expand Symphony Space’s loyal and engaged community of members, patrons, and institutional funders.
The Director of Development has the overall responsibility to:
Develop and manage aggressive fundraising strategies to exceed the goal of $2. 7+ million in annual support, plus capital and endowment needs.
Plan, manage, and implement a diversified development program spanning: individual gifts, planned gifts, corporate and institutional gifts, government grants, sponsorships, membership, capital and endowment campaign, and special events, including an annual gala benefit.
Manage a comprehensive prospect management system, including identification, researching, strategizing, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
The successful candidate will be a pro-active, strategic planner of high energy; possess strong motivational and communication skills and a willingness to roll-up his/her sleeves to do whatever is necessary to ensure the success of the development effort. It is essential that this individual possess the presence, stature, and interpersonal skills to work effectively with the Board, staff, patrons, and funders of Symphony Space. A minimum of seven years of professional fundraising experience in strategic development planning, membership, major donor programs, institutional giving, planned giving, special events, and capital campaigns is required. Experience in the arts and familiarity with New York City philanthropy highly desirable.
Symphony Space offers excellent benefits and is an equal opportunity employer.
How to apply
Email resume and cover letter with Development Director in the subject line (no phone calls, please) to:
Cynthia.elliott@symphonyspace.org