Missoula Symphony Association

Chief Development Officer

Job Description

Title:                            Chief Development Officer

Reports to:                 Board of Directors

Missoula Symphony Association

The Missoula Symphony Orchestra and Chorale has delivered unique, live symphonic and choral music to Western Montana since 1954. Locals and visitors of all ages and backgrounds attend our concerts, from our first-time symphony goers to our dedicated sponsors and community members. 

Now, under the leadership of our new Music Director, Julia Tai, we have expanded our offerings even more. Our outreach and education program continues to provide scholarships to University of Montana music students and educational activities in regional public schools.

Now entering our 70th season, and with the future of our region’s music education, symphonic and choral performance in our hands, we are enthusiastically committed to being a world class performing arts organization and the pride of Missoula.

Position Summary

The Chief Development Officer is a critical leadership role with the Missoula Symphony Association.  This new role has overall responsibility for the development and execution of fundraising activities including, major gifts, annual fund, managing donor relationships, providing support to board member and volunteer fundraising activities, and all other aligned fundraising efforts. This position ensures the successful achievement of fundraising goals through the active management of a prospect portfolio of prospective donors. The Chief Development Officer (CDO) is a key member of the Missoula Symphony Association (MSA) Leadership Team, that includes the Interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chief Operating Officer (COO), and Artistic Director, (AD) and is responsible for the development of a robust and diversified income stream that includes contributions from individuals, foundations, and corporations. This position is a highly visible position and will be supervised and evaluated on overall performance and production by the Interim CEO.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Build and implement a comprehensive fund development program.
2. Develop, implement, execute, and evaluate overall fundraising activity, cultivation, and solicitation strategies for prospects along the individual giving pipeline.
3. Actively engage a personal prospect portfolio of current and potential MSA donors.
4. Oversee additional prospect portfolios for Board Members, and other Volunteers.
5. Provide overall management of MSA annual fundraising efforts in support of prospect development and alignment with the mission.
6. Lead the charge of integrating marketing messaging and driving overall institutional messages externally in all development work.
7. Identify and engage donors while, researching, cultivating, and soliciting all prospects, including, but not limited to, individuals, foundations, and corporation sources, including corporate sponsorships in a time sensitive environment.
8. Prepare, or oversee the development and timely implementation of, high quality donor correspondence including cultivation materials, direct mail, solicitation letters, grant proposals and reports, project budgets, and acknowledgement letters.
9. Oversee the implementation of the organization’s overall strategic growth of fundraising as guided by the developed plan for optimal growth of fundraising and a Culture of Philanthropy.
10. Prepare, or directly oversee, reports for major gifts, grants, and other fundraising efforts and outcomes to Board of Directors, and staff as appropriate.
11. Oversee and lead other development resources, including external grant writing and reporting, and fundraising events.
12. Lead the internal dialogue regarding additional development resources necessary in a growth environment, such as grant writing, events, and other development staff skills necessary for ongoing success.
13. Ensure appropriate recognition and stewardship of all donors.
14. Engage and lead board and staff in supporting fundraising efforts.
15. Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Highly developed writing, interpersonal communication, and formal presentation skills.
• Proven track record of achieving revenue targets as an exceptional fundraiser and relationship builder with impeccable discretion.
• Experience with individual giving, including annual fund, major gift solicitation, and best practices relative to grants administration.
• Ability to anticipate and match needs, take initiative, meet deadlines, and exercise creativity and innovation.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple assignments and quickly shift priorities.
• Solid commitment to ensuring the highest standards of donor stewardship.
• Ability to handle detailed complex concepts and problems and make appropriate decisions.
• Knowledge of budget management and budget development with an eye on fundraising goals.
• Proficiency in using spreadsheet, database, and word processing software, including experience with online databases and other software for identifying potential donors and grants.
• Understanding of the purpose, mission, and values of MSA.
• Interest, temperament, enthusiasm, and affinity for fundraising and working with people.
• Ability to have regular and timely attendance.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience; 5 years of progressive experience in nonprofit development positions with successful practice in fundraising preferred.

About Missoula Symphony Association

The Missoula Symphony Association is seeking a visionary leader as Executive Director who, under the direction of the Board of Directors and in collaboration with the Music Director, will provide leadership, direction, management, and a vision to grow the Missoula Symphony Orchestra artistically and financially. To apply, please submit a cover letter outlining your experience, qualifications, and interest in this position along with a resume in PDF format to applications@missoulasymphony.org.Position open until filled.

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