Director of Development/CDO

JOIN THE LONE STAR WIND ORCHESTRA TEAM

Reports To: LSWO Board of Trustees through the Board Executive Committee

Supervises : Office Manager (in conjunction with Chair and other staff executives), consultants and volunteers

Works closely with: Chair and Director of Artistic Operations

Position type: Full-time, permanent position (expected 40-45 hours per week) in a hybrid setting, principally working remotely but will be expected to be in the office for short periods 2-3 times a week to collect the mail and attend to other tasks.

Experience: Minimum of 3+ years of work experience with Major Donor Cultivation, philanthropy management and Grant Proposal Writing.

JOB SUMMARY

Lone Star Wind Orchestra is a world-class music organization built on three central objectives: make the best possible music, give back to the community, and reach the underserved. LSWO's vision statement, Music Changing Lives, encompasses the vision that music inspires, creates impact, and drives change within communities. LSWO utilizes masterful performances and commissioned works, music education of both at-risk and highly performing students, challenging scholarship, programs of free tickets and transportation and pop-up ensemble performances to underserved communities to achieve its objectives.


The Director of Development / Chief Development Officer (CDO) is responsible for providing critical leadership and support on all Fundraising & Corporate Partnership initiatives. This person will be responsible for updating and maintaining LSWO's donor database, coordinating all fundraising campaigns, assembling all grant requests and required documents, researching donor and foundation prospects, and other tasks essential to the smooth running of the organization's fundraising effort. The position will support an annual budget of approximately $400,000, attributed to three principal fundraising campaigns each year. In addition, this person will be a member of the Development Committee and interact frequently with the Chair, board members, fundraising volunteers, program staff, and donors. The CDO is responsible for developing and executing all philanthropy efforts of the Lone Star Wind Orchestra.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

FUND RAISING

- Plan and orchestrate three (3) major individual fundraising campaigns each year: North Texas Giving Day in September, Give a Gift-Change a Life in November/December and Music Changing Lives in the Spring.

- Implement a Major Individual Gifts Program for donors of $1,000+.

- Prepare and submit grant applications and reports to foundations, organizations, corporations, and government agencies.

- Create a robust Sponsorship Program aimed primarily at institutions and businesses.

- Assist Development Committee of Board in fund-raising activities, including individual donors, corporate sponsorships, special events, endowment campaigns, planned giving program, and identification and cultivation of donors.

DONOR RELATIONS AND STEWARDSHIP

- Ensure that all contributions and other support (in kind), are acknowledged as may be required by law and as is otherwise appropriate

- Ensure that all donors and potential donors are communicated with regularly to ensure their engagement and understanding of the mission of LSWO of Music Changing Lives, and the impact of their gifts.

- Orchestrate Donor Appreciation events as appropriate.

- Maintain accurate and complete records of financial contributions and other substantial support.

- Manage occasional special initiatives and projects that the development team will drive on top of its regular cadence of priorities.

COMMUNICATIONS

- Develop and implement a plan for Philanthropic Marketing to focus on LSWO's mission

- Oversee production of a quarterly newsletter published to the musicians and staff, board members and current and prospective donors.

- Coordinate LSWO Website and social media stories in support of fundraising, donor stewardship, and institutional marketing efforts.

- With Board direction, establish and maintain positive relationships with the media; generate feature stories in print and broadcast media about the orchestra and its impact through our mission.

PLANNING

- Assist and participate in the development and implementation of a five-year strategic plan and annual business plan for the orchestra that supports the artistic, financial, community service and public relations objectives of the organization.

- Develop and implement current and long-range administrative and personnel planning to ensure that the organization is effectively structured and competently staffed.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

- Serve as Staff Liaison to the Development and Communications committees; ensure that meeting minutes are recorded and filed.

- Attend all meetings of the Board and Executive Committee, except when in Executive session, prepare and present fundraising and communications reports for each Board and Executive Committee meeting and for other committee meetings as required.

- Work with the Nominating Committee to help identify and recruit qualified candidates for Board membership; prepare for and implement Development orientation for new directors, with the assistance of the Board chair.

FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE

- Timely and accurately prepare with the Chair, Treasurer, Finance and Development Committees annual Development operating budgets for approval by the Board.

- Ensure that grants are spent in accordance with grant guidelines and that all reporting requirements are met.

- Handle correspondence, including patron suggestions and complaints, in a timely manner.

- Oversee the Development duties of the Office Manager, including data entry and acknowledgement of gifts.

- Ensure SOP in place for a database and website to support functions of fund raising, Lone Star Circle memberships, community outreach and promotions.

KEY SUCCESS FACTORS (EXPERIENCE):

- A bachelors degree required, preferably in music, arts administration or management, or business administration; masters degree, including MBA or MAM, a plus;

- Minimum of 3+ years of work experience with Major Donor Cultivation, philanthropy management and Grant Proposal Writing within a non-profit arts or orchestra organization of similar size.

- Outstanding leadership skills are essential, organizational communications, interpersonal and team-building skills; successful grant writing and proven track record of successful development/fundraising;

- Strong written and verbal communication skills; Expresses and communicates ideas orally and in writing; tailors messaging to reach targeted audience. Listens actively to information presented by others, clearly expresses desired outcome. Keeps all appropriate parties informed on projects, issues and/or events.

- Excellent financial management and budgeting skills; general computer proficiency including Microsoft Office required, understanding of CRM software preferred.

- Detail-Oriented, diligently attends to details and pursues quality; compares finished work to expectations; pays attention to details that others may overlook/ dismiss as insignificant.

- Proactive and anticipates organizational needs and responds effectively and efficiently. Recognizes potential issues/problems and quickly seeks resolution. Identifies, analyzes and provides creative and effective solutions to individual and organizational problems. Gathers appropriate information and makes timely and effective decisions. Takes responsibility for decisions; does not avoid difficulties.

- Superior time management and organizational skills; ability to meet deadlines.