Position Summary

The Director of Major Gifts & Legacy Planning (DMGLP) is a critical leader within Pacific Symphony’s Development team, responsible for designing and executing strategies to secure major and planned gifts that support the Symphony’s mission and long-term sustainability. Reporting to the Associate Vice President, the DMGLP will focus on cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding a portfolio of individual donors, foundations, and other constituents capable of making significant philanthropic contributions.

This role is instrumental during an exciting period of growth, with the Symphony’s 50th Anniversary on the horizon and new initiatives planned for educational programming and artistic excellence and to enhance accessibility. The DMGLP will play a key role in fostering relationships with supporters and ensuring the Symphony continues to thrive as a cultural cornerstone of Orange County.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Fundraising & Donor Relations

• Qualify, cultivate, solicit, secure, and steward major and planned gifts from a portfolio of 120–150 donors and prospects capable of giving $25,000+ annually, as well as long-term planned gifts
• Build and nurture relationships that foster a culture of philanthropy among board members, patrons, community leaders, and other stakeholders

• Align donors’ philanthropic interests with Pacific Symphony’s priorities, including operating support, endowment growth, capital needs, and artistic initiatives
• Develop and present personalized proposals, benefit packages, and gift agreements that inspire giving
• Conduct a high volume of personalized outreach, including electronic, phone, and in-person visits, to ensure consistent engagement with prospects and donors

Legacy Planning

• Expand the Symphony’s planned giving program by identifying, cultivating, and soliciting donors capable of making bequests, charitable trusts, and other legacy gifts
• Provide donors and their advisors with detailed information on planned gift vehicles and guide them through the estate planning process to ensure compliance with IRS regulations and the Symphony’s gift acceptance policies
• Collaborate with other development team members to integrate planned giving strategies into broader fundraising efforts
• Oversee the implementation of the Legacy Planning marketing program, including maintaining a legacy giving website, developing donor stewardship communications, design events for the Marcy Mulville Legacy Society, and establish a network of advisors with whom the DMGLP maintains strong relationships

Strategic Leadership

• Supervise and mentor the Director of Individual Giving & Governing Members, providing clear goals, actionable feedback, and professional development opportunities
• Partner with senior leadership, board members, and the Music Director to deploy them strategically in cultivation and solicitation efforts
• Work with prospect research and stewardship teams to ensure thorough briefing materials, tailored cultivation plans, and thoughtful donor acknowledgment

Stewardship Management

• Lead and participate in donor cultivation events, both small-scale and large-scale, to deepen relationships with major and planned giving prospects
• Work collaboratively to ensure seamless follow-up and stewardship after events.

Data & Budget Management

• Maintain meticulous records in the Symphony’s CRM system (e.g., Tessitura) to track donor interactions, manage moves management plans, and ensure accurate reporting
• Manage a personal travel and cultivation budget, ensuring funds are used strategically and in alignment with the Symphony’s goals
  
  

Note: Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience in fundraising, donor engagement, or nonprofit leadership; CFRE certification is a plus
• A minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible fundraising experience, preferably in the performing arts or a comparable nonprofit environment, with a proven record of accomplishment in securing six- and seven-figure gifts
• Familiarity with planned giving principles and interest in growing expertise
• Experience working alongside donors on legacy gift planning

Skills & Abilities

• Strong strategic thinking and creative problem-solving skills, with a proven ability to manage complex relationships and competing priorities
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling proposals and engage diverse audiences

• Highly organized and self-motivated, with the ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and adapt to evolving circumstances.
• Proficiency in CRM platforms (e.g., Tessitura or similar systems) and a commitment to data-driven decision-making
• Emotional intelligence, diplomacy, and tact, with the ability to build trust and foster collaboration among stakeholders
• A growth mindset and resilience, with the ability to maintain composure under pressure and a sense of humor in challenging situations

About Pacific Symphony

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW Founded in 1978, Pacific Symphony inspires, engages, and serves Orange County through exceptional concerts, education and community programs. Pacific Symphony is a highly dynamic and innovative organization, led artistically by Music Director Carl St. Clair for 30 years and operationally by President John Forsyte for 21 years. It presents more than 100 concerts annually, has been the resident orchestra of the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall for over a decade, and serves 250,000 community members each year. The Symphony is nationally and internationally recognized for performance excellence, strong community engagement through education and other programming, and for commissioned new works by contemporary composers. In April 2018, Pacific Symphony made its debut at Carnegie Hall as one of two orchestras invited to perform during a yearlong celebration of composer Philip Glass’ 80th birthday, and the following month the orchestra toured China. The orchestra made its national PBS debut in June 2018 on Great Performances with Peter Boyer’s “Ellis Island: The Dream of America.” Pacific Symphony twice received prestigious ASCAP Awards for Advent...uresome Programming, and was showcased in the League of American Orchestras' nationally released publication entitled Fearless Journeys. Pacific Symphony offers was one of the most comprehensive array of education and community engagement programs of any American orchestra. Its flagship Class Act elementary school enrichment program has been honored by the National Endowment for the Arts and the League of American Orchestras for its exemplary orchestra education. The Symphony is located in Orange County, California's second most populous county boasting a rich arts tradition strongly supported by an engaged public. The region is a tourism magnet, home of Disneyland, and a major financial and business hub. MISSION, VISION, & VALUES Mission Pacific Symphony inspires, engages and serves Orange County and the region through exceptional music performances, and education and community programming. Vision Pacific Symphony leads a renaissance in the appreciation, accessibility and impact of classical music in Orange County and the region, through creativity, responsiveness and innovation. Values Excellence: Pacific Symphony strives for the highest quality in performance, community service and organization. Passion: Pacific Symphony brings determination, great energy and vitality to its work and projects a sense of pride. Education: Pacific Symphony seeks to ensure greater understanding and appreciation of music by all ages. Engagement: Pacific Symphony listens to and believes in involving the community, its artists, and volunteers in shaping the future of music and ensuring its impact on the broader community. Innovation: Pacific Symphony embraces and anticipates change, experiments with new practices, and shapes the future of classical music. Financial Responsibility: Pacific Symphony generates and stewards programs and resources which meets the needs of present and future generations. COMMUNITY Pacific Symphony is located in Orange County, California's second most populous county boasting a rich arts tradition strongly supported by an engaged public. Orange County envelops the visitor in the ultimate Southern California lifestyle…casual sophistication, pristine beaches, legendary theme parks, and endless options for fun in the sun or cultural exploration. Orange County is known for its ideal year-round climate with an average daily temperature of 70 degrees. Just minutes from Orange County’s 42 miles of beaches, there are magical adventures and adrenaline pumping rides at the original Disneyland Resort, and the always-thrilling Knott's Berry Farm. Orange County’s parks offer sprawling wilderness and nature parks, perfect for recreation of the sun-soaked variety, with miles of trails and coastal preserves to explore. The level of arts and entertainment found Orange County is equally unmatched. For sports fans, Anaheim offers professional baseball, hockey, and indoor soccer, with something for everyone all year round. Costa Mesa is home Pacific Symphony’s home, the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, featuring four theaters and world class offerings. Laguna Beach houses an abundance of thriving art galleries and Orange County’s most famous summer and winter art festivals. Orange County’s strong university system – including the University of California, Irvine, Cal State Fullerton, and Chapman University – has helped contribute to the fact that 39% of its residents over the age of 25 have a bachelor’s degree or higher, ranking it as one of the top five regions in the nation for college educated residents and number one in California. In addition, Orange County’s economic strength is reflected in its low unemployment rate, which consistently runs lower than that of the statewide average.

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