The DuPage Symphony Orchestra is currently seeking a Development Director. The DSO offers a competitive hourly rate and anticipates a 20 hour per week time commitment.
Please submit your cover letter and resume to:
Info@DuPageSymphony.org and include Development Director Application in the subject line.
The Development Director oversees everything related to fundraising, donor retention, and helps to grow Education & Outreach Initiatives
- Responsible for managing everything related to fundraising and donor retention (individual giving, corporate giving, foundation/grants, and special events).
- Oversee special events committee.
- Coordinate with Music Director and Strategic Planning Committee to increase education & outreach initiatives.
- Create and oversee any budget lines (rev / exp) related to fundraising, special events, and outreach revenue.
- Co-Chair Development & Fundraising Committee
- Co-Chair Education & Outreach Committee
- Non-voting member of the Executive Committee, Nominating Committee, and Strategic Planning Committee
Development & Donor Retention:
- Develop and implement the fundraising strategy for the DSO including individual giving, corporate partnerships, foundation / grants, and special events.
- Manage appeal strategies throughout the year; corporate appeal, year-end appeal, lapsed donor appeal, orchestra appeal, BoD giving, major giving, and others as needed.
- Cultivate relationships with individuals and corporate partners to increase donor retention.
- Develop and grow the Major Donor Program
- Develop and grow Planned Giving Program
- Ensure individuals and corporate partners receive all benefits that correspond to their giving level. Follow up with corporate sponsors to ensure we receive their image / logo by the appropriate deadline to be included in concert programs or special event materials.
- Oversee committee that organizes special events to attract new audiences to the DSO.
- Coordinate attendance at area networking events to reach potential corporate partners.
- Prepare grant applications and submit follow-up materials as required for grant compliance.
- Research additional grant / foundation funding options.
- Set annual revenue and expense budget numbers for all fundraising and outreach revenue lines and monitor throughout the year.
- Work with the Managing Director to develop strategies that convert subscribers and patrons to donors.
Education & Outreach Initiatives:
- Work with the Music Director and Strategic Planning Committee to identify new Education & Outreach initiatives. Research corresponding grants or corporate sponsors to offset related expenses.
- Complimentary Tickets – Identify schools to offer free tickets to season subscription concerts. Send ticket reservation information to Managing Director
- Open Dress Rehearsals - Oversee promotional efforts with the Marketing Committee, confirm sponsor needs, coordinate Instrument Petting Zoo set-up and volunteer coverage.
- Outreach Concerts (Tiny Great Performances & Library Concerts) - Oversee promotional efforts with the Marketing Committee, cover DSO table at event.
- Young Artists Auditions - Oversee promotional efforts with the Marketing Committee. Managing Director processes/tracks all applications.
- Preludes & Interludes - Work with Music Director and Marketing Committee on promotion, ensure set-up information received and submitted to Managing Director
Board of Directors:
- Attend monthly Board of Directors meetings
- Provide monthly status reports on all projects
Attendance Outside Normal Business Hours:
- Attend monthly Board of Directors meetings.
- Cover DSO table (or arrange Board volunteer coverage) at Outreach events: Tiny Great Performances at DuPage Children’s Museum, Music at the 95th Street Library, or other initiatives as scheduled.
- Attend Open Dress Rehearsals or Season Concerts as needed if meeting with sponsors or major donors.
- Various committee and donor meetings (if unable to schedule during the day)
- Special Events / Fundraising Events
Position Requirements:
- 3-5 years proven fundraising experience specifically in annual fund management and grant writing
- Knowledge of education & outreach program evaluation and fundraising
- Strong partnership-building and event planning skills
- Experience using MS Office (WORD, EXCEL, and OUTLOOK) required.
- Knowledge of Bloomerang donor management system preferred.
- Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills; ability to prioritize tasks and work independently
- Bachelor’s Degree required
- Previous not-for-profit (NFP) experience required
- Interest and knowledge of music and/or performing arts industry desirable