Primary Function

The Chief Development Officer (CDO) for the Columbus Symphony Orchestra (CSO) is responsible for conceptualizing, organizing, and implementing a strategic fundraising program in support of the CSO’s mission and vision for the future. The CDO builds a sustainable culture of philanthropy and cultivates major gifts to ensure fundraising goals are met across the entire organization, including Annual Fund, Endowment, and the ongoing Capital Campaign for a new concert hall. As a key member of the leadership team, the CDO will implement strategies to build relationships to create a robust financial future. This is a full-time, salaried position that reports to the Chief Executive Officer. This position has direct reports that include the Director of Development Operations, Director of Development, and the Capital Campaign Director.

Duties and Responsibilities

Institutional Advancement

• Promote and facilitate a donor-focused culture of prospect development that is data-driven, transformative, and collaborative with all other departments in the organization.
• Provide vision and leadership in creating and implementing an infrastructure that enhances fundraising efforts through individual gifts, federal and state grants, special events, and corporate and foundation support.
• Lead stewardship of major individuals, corporate, and foundation support to cultivate deeper ties with donors.
• Oversee and supervise the Annual Fund program, including goal setting, solicitation plans, key calls, and materials generation.
• Develop and champion strategic plan with leadership staff and the Board; translate priority objectives into appropriate messaging to acquire financial support for the organization.
• Serve as the staff lead and liaison for the Development and Gala Committees of the Board of Trustees.

• Lead communications as writer and editor for development related materials, including but not limited to solicitations and appeals, acknowledgement letters, stewardship communications, and event invitations.
• Lead special events for development, including the Conductor’s Circle, Legacy Society, donor rehearsals, and other events that enhance fundraising efforts, in addition to the annual Benefit Concert and Gala.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Campaign Planning and Execution

• Develop and facilitate best-practice campaign planning that integrates existing strategic plan and Annual Fund strategies to inform campaign priorities, financial goals, and engagement.
• Liaise with Campaign Committee of the Board of Trustees on assessment of campaign feasibility and capacity analysis; manage integration of internal and external analysis to produce a comprehensive assessment of probable campaign goals and corresponding benchmarks.
• Coordinate an effective, strategic communications plan inclusive of Capital Campaign, Annual Fund, and Endowment Fund; integrate planning activities with Annual Fund and Endowment strategies.
• With Development team, review current engagement opportunities, recognition programs, and make strategic recommendations for moving forward.

Administration

• Lead and manage the staff of the Development Department, including hiring, mentoring, performance management, and payroll duties.
• Evaluate and implement best practice use of Tessitura donor database and accounting reports to ensure open exchange of information; establish and update gift processing and acceptance policies, procedures, and systems to ensure accordance with taxation rules and regulations.
• Oversee departmental expense budget and ensure strategic budgeting.
• Engage with affinity volunteer groups to promote a cohesive message that aligns with the CSO’s strategic plan and key values.
• With Development staff, coordinate consistent reporting on fundraising and engagement metrics for management objectives and for reporting out to key constituencies (CEO, CFO, Development Committee and Board of Trustees, etc.)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Proven track record of effectively interacting with diverse populations within the community.
• Knowledge of planning and leading strategic initiative, data analysis, and budget management.
• Sensitivity to the demands of and ability to participate in a highly intellectual work environment.
• Ability to manage and collaborate with others.
• Impeccable interpersonal communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Comfortable meeting with stakeholders and representing the Columbus Symphony.
• Exceptional leadership and project management skills.
• Creative problem-solving skills and highly developed analytic skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced organization.
• Knowledge of CRM software.
• Ability to consistently support the Columbus Symphony’s values.

Credentials and Experience

• Proven experience in the planning and execution of a comprehensive campaign.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field is required; an advanced degree is preferred, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Minimum 7+ years of professional experience.
• 10+ years of fundraising or related work experience.
• Experience working on major capital campaigns, including stewarding and soliciting major gifts.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule to accommodate the needs of the organization.

Salary Range

$150,000 - $175,000