Director of Development

Classics Northwest (legal name, Connoisseur Concerts Association)

Location:

Spokane, WA (some regional travel required)

Salary Range: $70,000 – $85,000 DOE

Benefits Package:
Currently under development; details provided during interview process

Status:
Full-Time, 100% FTE, Permanent, Exempt

Start Date:

Open Until Filled

Reports To:

Gertrude Harvey, Executive Director

Classics Northwest, home of multi-Grammy winning cellist and Artistic Director Zuill Bailey, is searching for an entrepreneurial, relationship-driven Director of Development to build and lead a thriving fundraising program from the ground up. Under the artistic leadership of world-renowned Zuill Bailey, we present exceptional classical music experiences while deepening our “In Concert. In Community.” commitment through education, outreach, and accessible programming across the Inland Northwest.

This is a rare, career-defining role for a relationship-driven fundraiser who thrives on autonomy, loves (or is eager to deeply engage with) classical music, and wants to shape donor strategy, systems, and culture alongside an exceptional Artistic Director and Executive Director. You will have significant ownership in a small, mission-driven organization with loyal audiences and growing potential.

Classics Northwest presents the Pacific Northwest's premier classical music festival experience. We reach 3,500+ active email subscribers and a base of 6,000 individual and household contacts, a strong, loyal foundation ready to grow into deeper philanthropic investment. This role is the catalyst that takes us to the next level, expanding our reach while sustaining the world-class artistic excellence our region has come to expect.

As the organization’s sole dedicated development professional, you will design and execute a comprehensive annual fundraising plan, build and manage a portfolio of 200–300 donors (including 125–150+ active relationships), achieve an initial annual fundraising goal of $400,000–$500,000. Key priorities include securing 3–6 major underwriting gifts of $20,000–$50,000 annually, 6–10 sponsorship gifts of $5,000–$10,000 with signed agreements, and growing the Annual Fund through at least three general solicitations annually (targeting $20,000+ within the first three years).

Simultaneously, the Director will begin building a planned giving program by identifying legacy giving prospects, cultivating conversations around charitable estate planning, and developing strategies to encourage bequests, beneficiary designations, and other deferred gifts that strengthen the long‑term sustainability of Classics Northwest.

You will lead the selection and implementation of a modern donor CRM, migrate and segment existing records, and establish the foundational systems, processes, and donor relationships that sustain long‑term growth. This role requires a self‑starter who can operate with significant autonomy while working in close partnership with the Executive Director, providing regular progress reports, fundraising updates, strategic recommendations, and collaborating with the Artistic Director.

Donor Cultivation, Solicitation & Stewardship (Primary Focus)

Build and manage a portfolio of 200–300 donors with a focus on personalized, high‑touch cultivation and solicitation.

Identify, cultivate, and close 3–6 major underwriting gifts annually ($20k–$50k range) and 6–10 sponsorship/underwriting gifts ($5k–$10k) with signed agreements.

Plan and execute a minimum of three annual general solicitations to grow the Annual Fund.

Prepare timely, compelling proposals, contact reports, and development materials.

Facilitate donor pledge fulfillments, including Board giving, and ensure…