Manager of Institutional Giving

The New Jersey Symphony seeks an outgoing and energetic fundraising professional for the position of Manager of Institutional Giving to join its dynamic, fast-paced, mid-sized development team. This role is responsible for growing corporate, foundation and government support for the Symphony and establishing cultivation strategies for institutional fundraising efforts.

Department: Development
Status: Full-Time, Exempt
Reports to: Senior Director of Institutional Giving
Salary Range: $50,000-$55,000
App Deadline: Open until filled

ABOUT THE ROLE

The New Jersey Symphony, the state’s largest performing arts organization, will be expanding into Jersey City with a new performing arts venue–Symphony Center–that will host New Jersey Symphony chamber music events and diversified programming, including non-classical music events. The Symphony Center will also become a permanent home base for the Symphony with offices and space for education programs.

The Manager of Institutional Giving reports to the Senior Director of Institutional Giving and is an integral team member who raises $10MM–$13MM for the Symphony each year. The manager position will assist in growing corporate, foundation and government (federal, state and local) support for the Symphony by managing all aspects of the proposal writing and reporting process for institutional funders and contributing to establishing and implementing funder cultivation strategies. There will be a strong focus on growing the Symphony’s Institutional Giving portfolio in Jersey City and Hudson County, and this frontline fundraising position will assist in actively identifying and bringing in new institutional funders to expand the Symphony’s support base in Jersey City.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Writing and Reporting

• Prepare compelling grant proposals and reports to current and prospective corporate, foundation and government funders.
• Configure project budgets and evaluation data per funder requirements.
• Develop standard language to describe the NJ Symphony’s programs and activities which can be used throughout the year across the organization.
• Gather and efficiently summarize information from cross-departmental colleagues (i.e., program details, digital images, financial data, participant testimonials) to demonstrate program impact to funders.

Funder Cultivation and Stewardship

• Maintain and cultivate relationships with a dedicated portfolio of institutional donors and prospects with an emphasis on expanding the donor base in Jersey City/Hudson County.
• Identify prospects for funding and develop snapshot profiles for each, including recommendations for next steps in cultivation.
• Participate in internal meetings to establish funder cultivation and solicitation strategies, site visits with current and prospective funders, and phone calls to build relationships and/or receive funder feedback.
• Prepare materials for funder meetings.
• Assist in fulfilling benefits for funding partners by tracking activity, working with marketing colleagues to produce collateral material and providing on-site support for events.

Other Areas of Focus

• Develop a thorough understanding of the activities and impact of the Symphony’s programs, both artistic and educational, through first-hand observation of the programs and close professional relationships with cross-departmental colleagues.
• Work collaboratively with cross-departmental colleagues to ensure that funder requirements are met.
• Maintain an accurate calendar of proposal, reporting and relationship management deadlines in the donor database.
• Assist in tracking portfolio performance against organizational goals.
• Configure project/program budgets that track expenditures per funder requirements.
• Track Education and Community (ECE) funding against budget and goals.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS

• Demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills (writing samples required).
• Excellent time management and organizational skills/ability to meet strict deadlines.
• Strong attention to details with an affinity for numbers.
• Belief in the importance of the arts; passion for classical music is a plus.
• Experience in an arts organization fundraising setting preferred.
• Knowledge of the institutional funding landscape in NJ, including Jersey City and Hudson County, preferred.
• A flexible team player is desired.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Minimum of 2+ years of experience working in a development office required, with a demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced, results-driven environment where multi-tasking is essential.
• Proficient in MS Office programs and CRM databases such as Tessitura and Raiser’s Edge

OTHER INFO

• Must be authorized to work in the US without sponsorship.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends as required and provide own transportation to donor meetings and multiple NJ Symphony performance venues.
• Must have a car and a valid New Jersey driver’s license.

Hours: Full-time, Monday through Friday. Employees will work a hybrid schedule with two days in the office and the other days remote. 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:

Ingrid Novak, Senior Director of Institutional Giving
inovak@njsymphony.org (include “Manager of Institutional Giving” in the subject line) 

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