Senior Director, Philanthropy

About Los Angeles Philharmonic Association

Founded in 1919, the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association presents, and promotes the performing arts in its varied forms at the highest level of excellence to a diverse and large audience, at Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Hollywood Bowl, The Ford, and YOLA.

Overview : The Senior Director, Philanthropy, is a senior member of the LA Phil’s Philanthropy Department, responsible for leading the department’s three principal frontline fundraising programs:
Philanthropic Engagement (formerly Major Gifts);
Institutional Giving; and Gift Planning. These combined programs are budgeted to raise $18 million in operating funds in the next fiscal year.

The Senior Director is a highly experienced and accomplished fundraising professional, with demonstrated success leading teams, setting strategies, and achieving revenue goals. The Senior Director will lead by example and through clear communications with team members and colleagues. Given the high volume of work at the LA Phil, the Senior Director will be a comfortable delegator, instilling trust and confidence in their team members to do their best work in a collaborative manner.

At the outset of their tenure, the Senior Director will evaluate the priorities and strategies of these three teams, building on strengths and identifying areas for growth and improvement. Once priorities and goals are established, the Senior Director will lead these three teams in a unified manner, infusing fundraising best practices with creative efforts that are tailored to the LA Phil’s unique structure and culture.

The Senior Director will balance staff management with the management of a personal portfolio of donors and prospects across giving categories, regularly engaging with them at concerts, events, and external meetings.

Essential Functions :

• Lead a team of 16 full-time staff, with 4 direct reports, toward the achievement of budgeted operating revenue goals plus special fundraising initiatives for capital projects and endowment growth.
• Manage a portfolio of 50-75 donors and prospects, setting strategies for cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Partner with the Chief Philanthropy Officer and Vice President, Philanthropy, on departmental strategic planning and goal setting, including plans for a comprehensive campaign.

Relationships :

Reports To: Chief Philanthropy Officer

Director, Institutional Giving (3 direct reports)

Director, Gift Planning (3 direct reports)

Interacts With: Individual and Institutional Donors at all levels

Professional Requirements and Characteristics

• 10+ years of experience in senior fundraising roles at larger nonprofit organizations ($50M+ operating budgets), including at least one extended tenure (5+ years).
• 5+ years of experience managing a large staff (10+ members, a balance of established and early-career professionals).
• Demonstrated leadership style built on trust, candor, clear communication.
• Solid foundation of fundraising best practices, but with flexibility to conceive of and welcome creative new ideas.
• Impeccable writing, communication, and organizational skills.
• Experience with major CRM platforms and demonstrated commitment to making full use of them.
• Ability and willingness to regularly work nights and weekends to engage with donors.
• Passion for, or interest in, the performing arts and arts education, and a respect and appreciation for the value of arts organizations to their communities.
• B.A. or equivalent experience.

Created September 2025

The Los Angeles Philharmonic Association will consider for employment qualified Applicants with Criminal Histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the FCIHO.

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

It is the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association’s policy to provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. The Association does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and religious grooming), sex (including pregnancy, perceived pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental…