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Philanthropy Officer

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
Salary Range: $75,000-$85,000
App Deadline: Open until filled

ABOUT THE SYMPHONY

The Emmy and GRAMMY Award-winning New Jersey Symphony is redefining what it means to be a nationally leading, relevant orchestra in the 21st century. The Symphony is renewing its 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 a new experience; and incorporating the broadest possible representation in all aspects of our organization-all to better reflect and serve our vibrant communities.

Internationally renowned Chinese American conductor Xian Zhang began her tenure as the New Jersey Symphony’s current music director in 2016. Since her arrival, Zhang has revitalized programming with an industry-leading commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in mainstage concerts. Since 2021, Zhang has worked together with composer, violinist, educator and social-justice advocate Daniel Bernard Roumain, the orchestra's Resident Artistic Catalyst, to offer programming that connects with diverse communities in Newark and throughout New Jersey. In 2024, Allison Loggins-Hull will succeed DBR as the orchestra’s next Resident Artistic Partner.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The New Jersey Symphony’s Development team is responsible for raising a total of $7MM - $9MM from individuals, foundations, corporations, government and special events to advance the mission 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 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, you will be responsible for identifying and securing planned gifts through the Laurate Society program.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Portfolio Management

  • Identify at least 25-50 Amadeus Circle or planned gift prospects annually.
  • Cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of approximately 75-150 current and prospective donors giving between $2,500 - $25,000.
  • Build strong personal relationships with your portfolio of donors through strategic phone calls, personalized email communications, formal presentations, and events.
  • In collaboration with Gift Processing and Development Operations, maintain accurate donor records in the donor database (Tessitura).
  • Design and supervise systems that support good stewardship and membership benefits to support donor retention and acquire new donors.

Membership Management

  • Alongside the Senior Director and the other Philanthropy Officer, execute a detailed strategy and solicitation timeline for the Amadeus Circle program.
  • Serve as the staff supervisor of the Amadeus Circle Council including running Council meetings, setting agendas, finding new members, and managing events with department colleagues.

Planned Giving

  • Provide primary oversight of estate gifts and work with the Symphony Finance team, Planned Giving Council, and other advisors to ensure gifts are properly documented and received.
  • Provide oversight of the Laureate Society legacy giving program.
  • Serve as the staff supervisor of the Planned Giving Council including running Council meetings, setting agendas, finding new members, and managing events with department colleagues.
  • Promote Charitable Gift Annuity, Endowment, Stocks, Bequest, and other legacy-giving strategies by developing and executing strategic and creative planned giving and marketing pieces, including legacy society newsletter articles, advertisements, solicitations, and brochures, in collaboration with marketing staff.
  • Research, identify, engage, and solicit donors to secure planned gifts.
  • Manages a portfolio of planned giving donors and prospects.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor’s Degree 
  • Have 4+ years of experience working in a development office and able 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.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS

  • Demonstrates 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.
  • Possess strong project and time management skills.

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 donor meetings, multiple NJ Symphony performance venues and donor meetings.
  • 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:

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.