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 95^th 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