Director of Development, Bienen School of Music

Director of Development, Bienen School of Music

Department: Alumni Relations & Development
Salary/Grade: EXS/14
Target hiring range: $140,000-$148,000 per year

Job Summary: The Director of Development will serve as the Chief Development Officer managing overall fundraising efforts for the Bienen School of Music. The Director of Development (DOD) forms a strong partnership with the dean and various teams within the school to develop a philanthropic vision, fundraising strategies, and donor outreach to meet, solicit, and close major gifts. The DOD also fosters connections with alumni in partnership with other Bienen staff and collaborates on a regular newsletter highlighting accomplishments of students and alumni.

The DOD collaborates with various teams (Annual Giving, Gift Planning, Regional Major Gifts, Gift Acceptance and Fund Management) in Alumni Relations and Development. Frequent travel is required.

• Creates & leads a coordinated program of fundraising activities designed to increase the number and level of major &/or principal gifts donors.
• Builds and cultivates deep relationships with current and prospective donors and develops long‑term strategies to deepen engagement and philanthropic support.
• Develops & executes strategies to involve campus leaders, alumni, friends, & volunteers to identify and cultivate new individual, corporate, institutional &/or foundation prospects.

• Serves as member of the Dean’s Senior Leadership team, providing guidance on issues relating to the school and fundraising.
• Reviews & proposes strategic alliances, joint ventures & key collaborations with department and other University partners to identify opportunities to integrate the school’s strategic fundraising priorities into the University’s strategic plan goals.

• Works closely with the Bienen School Dean to identify and solicit high‑profile, &/or extremely complex major gifts of $100,000+ prospects annually.
• Oversees continuous research, development & up‑to‑date knowledge on prospects & works with other areas to coordinate contacts.
• Provides support for volunteer board and partners with board members on cultivation and engagement events and activities.
• Requires travel throughout the region or country.

• Oversees development and management of events and programs designed to expand constituent and participation.
• Reviews and approves event plans and summaries ensuring that overall goals and objectives are attained.
• Works directly with high‑level volunteers and donors to ensure that event objectives are met.

• Oversees administration of school development operations.
• Ensures compliance with prospect management guidelines for tracking & maintenance of contact & progress reporting.
• Coordinates appointments and prepares materials used by senior management, Board & volunteers for meetings, visits, events or phone calls made to high‑profile prospects.
• Oversees administrative support management to ensure effective team success and daily operations.

• Strategically manages a department budget ensuring to minimize expenses while maximizing return.

• Jointly supervises a program assistant.
• Leads, coaches and evaluates performance of direct reports.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Successful completion of a full 4‑year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor’s or higher degree; OR appropriate combination of education and experience.
• 8 years development, marketing, sales or the equivalent experience is required.

• Team leadership; analytical thinking, complex problem solving and planning; global/organizational perspective; ability to work in fast‑paced environment; comfortable with change and associated ambiguity.

• Experience with fundraising in a performing arts organization or school.
• Experience staffing organizational leadership.

• Proven success in gift at the six‑and seven‑figure level.
• Excellent communications skills, coupled with strong writing and presentation skills, as well as the ability to present…