The New Jersey Symphony is seeking a knowledgeable and outgoing Development professional to fill the role of Philanthropy Officer. The position is vital in expanding donor relations within the community with a focus on securing major gifts and promoting positive relationships with donors.

Department: Development
Status: Full-Time, Exempt
Reports to: Senior Director of Individual Giving

ABOUT THE SYMPHONY

The New Jersey Symphony will redefine what it means to be a nationally leading, relevant orchestra in the 21st century. Through adventurous performances, hands-on educational experiences, and robust community programming, we encourage everyone to enjoy the power and creativity of orchestral music in all its forms. Across genres and venues, for audiences of all walks of life, we strive to bring music that’s meaningful that's meaningful, relevant, and uplifting.

As we celebrate our centennial this season, we are renewing our deeply rooted commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion by championing new, and often local, artists; engaging audiences for whom the inspiring depth and breadth of classical music will be new; and incorporating the broadest possible representation in all aspects of our organization—all to better reflect and serve our vibrant communities.

Our expansive educational offerings—including our youth orchestras, master classes, and virtual learning opportunities—will build the next generation of listeners and musicians and help students grow, both musically and personally. And we will continue to seek new ways to connect with all New Jerseyans, through programs that resonate with a variety of cultural and musical backgrounds, as well as digital innovations that make our orchestra accessible to anyone, anywhere, anytime.

We’re your New Jersey Symphony, and we’ll be here for you.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The New Jersey Symphony’s Development team is responsible for raising a total of $8MM - $10MM from individuals, foundations, corporations, government, and special events to advance the mission of the Symphony. The Philanthropy Officer is an essential front-line fundraiser who will have the exciting opportunity to expand our annual fund program, with a focus on Amadeus Circle donors ($2,500 - $25,000).

You are responsible for achieving strategy metrics including (but not limited to): Major Gifts - new gifts and pledges, number of prospect meetings, proposals presented and closed, etc., with a keen eye toward elevating individuals from annual giving to the higher levels of support on the giving pyramid. In addition to managing the direct mail from conception to execution with internal and external teams.

Your ability to prospect and find new supporters and upgrade existing donors will make you a superstar in this role! This is an exciting time to join the New Jersey Symphony as we are in our Centennial Season which creates wonderful learning opportunities for anyone in this role. You are fearless when it comes to fundraising, creative, driven, and have a sense of humor.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Identify at least 25-50 new major or planned gift prospects annually.
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of approximately 75-150 current and prospective major gift donors currently giving between $2,500 - $25,000.
• In collaboration with the Senior Director and the other Philanthropy Officer, execute a detailed strategy and solicitation timeline for the Amadeus Circle program
• Build strong personal relationships with your portfolio of donors through strategic phone calls, personalized email communications, formal presentations, and events.
• Design and supervise systems that support good stewardship and membership benefits to support donor retention and acquire new donors.
• Connect with donors and patrons with donor potential through arranged personal meetings and at regular gatherings during concert activities.
• In partnership with the other Philanthropy Officer, oversee the Summit and Amadeus Circle Councils, including running the respective Council meetings, setting agendas, and finding new members.
• Create and execute various direct mail pieces throughout the year. Managing the internal symphony team and vendors to bring the pieces to life.
• In collaboration with Gift Processing and Development Operations, maintain accurate donor records and development plans in the donor database (Tessitura).

A successful applicant will have the following:

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Have 4+ years of experience working in a development office and ab to work in a fast-paced, results-driven environment where multi-tasking and project management is essential.
• Proficiency in standard Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience working with a CRM database such as Tessitura, Raiser’s Edge, Salesforce, etc.

REQUIRED TRAITS

• Demonstrate a high level of professionalism.
• Is extremely poised and comfortable addressing a variety of audiences, both internal and external, with a true entrepreneurial mindset and professional demeanor.
• Possess extraordinary attention to detail with the ability to think critically about tasks at hand.
• Demonstrates appreciation for working in an environment where sensitivity and confidentiality are required.
• Possess the ability to adjust quickly to constantly changing priorities and be responsive to feedback.
• Ability to maximize use of our integrated CRM, Tessitura, to incorporate the full patron and donor journey into all activities.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

The salary range for this position is $75,000 - $85,000 commensurate with experience. The New Jersey Symphony offers a generous benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance options, and pension. Relocation reimbursement is not offered for this position.

OTHER INFO

• Must be authorized to work in the US without sponsorship.
• Must be able to work evenings, weekends, and some holidays and provide own transportation to multiple performance venues.
• Hours: Hybrid work model. We work two days in the office (more if required by duties or events) and other days remote. Full-time, Monday through Friday. Additional evenings and weekends may be required, specifically for working at concerts and events in multiple locations throughout northern and central New Jersey.

The New Jersey Symphony celebrates the cultural vibrancy of our communities and builds meaningful relationships that elevate and strengthen them. We seek to create a culture of inclusion and a work environment that values hard work, professionalism and creativity. We are committed to diversity and equal opportunity in our recruitment and hiring. Qualified candidates of all backgrounds are welcome to apply for open positions.

TO APPLY

Please email resume and cover letter to:

Yvonne Casuso, Senior Director of Individual Giving
ycasuso@njsymphony.org (include “Philanthropy Officer” in the subject line)

The New Jersey Symphony is an equal opportunity employer. No phone calls please.