Vice President and Chief Development Officer

ZRG Aspen Leadership Group is proud to partner with University Musical Society in the search for a Vice President and Chief Development Officer.

Reporting to the President, the Vice President and Chief Development Officer will be a key institutional leader and strategic partner to the UMS President, with the responsibility of designing and leading a comprehensive fundraising program that includes annual, major, planned, and endowment giving; foundation and corporate giving; and donor engagement. This leader must be fluent in the fundamentals of each area, excited to craft their own vision, strategy, and roadmap for the function, and able to align resources to deliver the plan.

The VP/CDO will be responsible for a portfolio of key donors and prospects, and will actively direct and support the President, Board, and key staff members in fundraising efforts. Additionally, the VP/CDO will work closely with the President on the Nominating and Development Committees of the Board and in advancing the Campaign Council.

The position requires broad and comprehensive experience, of both high-level strategic planning and management of practical day-to-day operations, strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build authentic relationships with key stakeholders. The VP/CDO will be responsible for helping shape, then translating UMS's vision, strategy, and commitment to U-M, Ann Arbor, and Southeast Michigan into a clear and compelling fundraising strategy, with achievable goals and performance objectives.

Now in its 148th season, UMS is admired across the country for its boundary-pushing roster of artists and its curious and supportive audiences, showcasing traditional performing art forms and contemporary artists in a variety of venues ranging in size from 200-3,500. Based on the campus of the University of Michigan (U-M) in Ann Arbor, UMS is one of the oldest performing arts presenters in the country, committed to its mission of connecting audiences with performing artists from around the world in uncommon and engaging experiences.

UMS is an affiliated partner of the University of Michigan but remains an independent 501(c)3 arts presenter, enabling the organization to both complement and leverage the resources of a world-class university, while also serving as a public-facing cultural hub for the entire community. UMS is financially healthy with an endowment of more than $50M and an annual budget of approximately $11M. UMS contributes to a vibrant cultural community in Southeast Michigan by presenting approximately 60-75 music, dance, and theater performances and more than 100 free educational activities for K-12 students, educators, university students, families, adults, and cultural and ethnic communities each season.

Currently, the University Musical Society and the University of Michigan are exploring the building of a new performing arts space on Ann Arbor's central campus. The building will be a place where students and audience members get to immerse themselves, experience remarkable artistry, and develop their own creative process; where world-renowned artists can rehearse, perform, innovate, and teach; and where the community can gather, be enriched and entertained, and share in the power of the arts - together.

UMS approaches its 150th season in Fall 2028 operating with vision and confidence, marked by strategic financial and philanthropic models that support its programming, personnel, and capital aspirations. Through its diverse programming and strategic investment of resources, UMS continues to be a cultural leader, both as a destination for artistic innovation and as a presenter of live performing arts activities that are increasingly available and accessible to all.

A bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and a minimum of five years of experience in a significant role in development and fundraising for a nonprofit institution is required for this position. University Musical Society will consider candidates with a broad range of backgrounds. If you are excited about this role and feel that you can contribute to UMS, but your experience does not exactly align with every qualification listed above, we encourage you to apply. All applications must be accompanied by a cover letter and résumé. Cover letters should be responsive to the mission of University Musical Society and the responsibilities and qualifications specified in the position prospectus.

The target salary for this position is $200,000. University Musical Society and the University of Michigan offer a comprehensive package of benefits, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a combined 403(b) and 401(a) retirement plan with employer contribution, and generous paid time off.

UMS is committed to the inclusion of all qualified candidates. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, or participating in the selection process, please contact Marianna DiVietro at View email address on click.appcast.io.