Vice President Development

Join the Oregon Symphony Team as our Vice President for Development!

As our Vice President for Development, you will serve as a key strategic leader and ambassador for the Oregon Symphony’s philanthropic vision. Reporting directly to the President & CEO, you will guide and inspire a comprehensive fundraising program that fuels our artistic excellence, community impact, and long-term sustainability.

Here’s how you’ll make a difference:

• Develop and lead a bold, multi-year fundraising strategy aligned with the Symphony’s mission, vision, and strategic plan.
• Drive major gifts, annual giving, institutional support, planned giving, and campaign initiatives with clarity, confidence, and measurable results.
• Partner closely with the President & CEO and Board leadership to cultivate and secure transformational six- and seven-figure gifts.
• Lead and complete our current campaign while shaping long-term strategy for future endowment growth.
• Personally manage a portfolio of high-capacity donors, building meaningful, high-touch relationships throughout Portland and the region.
• Elevate donor engagement through inspiring experiences that connect supporters directly to the artistic mission and impact of the Symphony.
• Serve as staff liaison to the Board Development Committee, providing strategic insight and empowering trustees as philanthropic ambassadors.
• Foster a culture of philanthropy across the organization, collaborating seamlessly with artistic, operational, and community-facing teams.
• Lead, mentor, and strengthen a talented development team, investing in professional growth, performance metrics, and a culture of accountability and excellence.
• Strengthen development infrastructure, including prospect management systems, reporting tools, stewardship protocols, and budget oversight.

This role is pivotal in shaping the Symphony’s future. If you are a strategic, relationship-driven leader who thrives on building community through philanthropy, we invite you to help conduct the next chapter of our growth.

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive leadership in fundraising, with demonstrated success setting and exceeding ambitious goals.
• Proven track record in major gifts fundraising and campaign leadership, including direct solicitation at the six- and seven-figure level.
• Deep knowledge of best practices in annual, major, institutional, and planned giving.
• Strategic, metrics-driven thinker with the ability to design and execute comprehensive fundraising initiatives.
• Strong leadership experience managing and motivating high-performing teams.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust among trustees, donors, staff, and community stakeholders.
• High degree of integrity, discretion, and professionalism.
• Familiarity with CRM systems (Tessitura preferred) and proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Valid driver’s license and access to a personal vehicle.
• Availability to work evenings and weekends as needed.
• Passion for the arts; knowledge of classical music is a strong plus.

• A senior leadership role within a respected and mission-driven arts organization.
• The opportunity to shape the philanthropic future of a leading cultural institution.
• A collaborative, values-driven team environment where strategic leadership is deeply valued.
• The ability to make a lasting impact on the artistic and cultural life of our region.

$160–$180k

Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, long-term disability insurance, and a 403(b) retirement plan.

The Oregon Symphony is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, or national origin. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

If you’re ready to lead with vision, strategy, and heart, we would love to hear from you.

careers with “Vice President for Development” in the subject line.