Chief Advancement Officer

League of American Orchestras; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 180,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

The Phoenix Symphony is seeking a senior philanthropic leader to serve as Chief Advancement Officer, reporting to the President and CEO. The CAO will oversee annual giving, major gifts, planned giving, corporate and foundation relations, and special events, guiding a $60 million campaign.

The role requires at least ten years in fundraising leadership, a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, and a demonstrated ability to inspire donors, build partnerships, and lead a large development team in-person

Qualifications

• At least ten years of progressively responsible fundraising leadership experience.
• Proven track record of securing significant philanthropic investment.
• Experience leading a comprehensive philanthropy program and donors across multiple channels.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all contributed revenue: annual giving, major gifts, planned giving, corporate and foundation relations, and special events.
• Lead the Crescendo: The Campaign for The Phoenix Symphony, and guide the organization’s philanthropic strategy and donor engagement.
• Collaborate with President/CEO, Board, and volunteers; represent the Symphony at donor events and concerts.

Skills

Fundraising leadership

Donor relations

Strategic leadership

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

ZRG Aspen Leadership Group is proud to partner with The Phoenix Symphony in their search for the Laura R. Grafman Chief Advancement Officer.

Reporting to the President and CEO, the Laura R. Grafman Chief Advancement Officer serves as The Phoenix Symphony's senior philanthropic leader and a key member of the executive leadership team. The CAO provides strategic leadership for all contributed revenue, including annual giving, major and principal gifts, planned giving, corporate and foundation relations, and special events, while fostering a culture of philanthropy across the organization.

The CAO will lead CRESCENDO: The Campaign for The Phoenix Symphony, the organization's landmark $60 million comprehensive campaign, which has already surpassed 25% of its goal. Working in close partnership with the President and CEO, Board of Directors, Campaign Cabinet, and dedicated volunteers, the CAO will inspire transformational philanthropy, deepen relationships with the Symphony's most significant donors and prospects, and help secure the resources that will shape the organization's future. For an ambitious fundraising leader, this is a rare opportunity to guide a defining campaign, strengthen one of Arizona's premier cultural institutions, and leave a lasting philanthropic legacy.

This is a full-time, in-person position based in downtown Phoenix. The position requires an active presence at select concerts and donor events, including some evening and weekend commitments.

The Phoenix Symphony is Arizona's largest performing arts organization and one of the state's most significant cultural institutions. Beyond presenting a dynamic range of classical and contemporary repertoire in Symphony Hall and throughout the Valley, the Symphony extends its impact through robust community engagement, made possible by the generous support of foundations, corporations, and individual donors. Its artistic excellence is reflected in collaborations with internationally acclaimed guest conductors, virtuoso soloists, Tony Award-winning composers, Broadway performers, jazz artists, and internationally recognized musicians from across the classical and popular music worlds. Together, these artistic partnerships and community investments reinforce the Symphony's role as a cultural cornerstone for Arizona and a leading force in shaping the region's artistic future.

The Phoenix Symphony's impact extends far beyond the concert hall through the work of the Community Engagement & Education Programs, which serves more than 125,000 students, families, educators, and community members each year. Its innovative education and engagement initiatives include school-based performances, a cross-cultural music residency with the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, and nationally recognized professional development programs that equip teachers and Symphony musicians to integrate music with STEM learning. Through its Health & Wellness Initiative, Symphony musicians also bring the transformative power of live music to healthcare settings and homeless outreach centers. The Symphony further enriches Arizona's cultural landscape through collaborative partnerships with many of the state's leading arts, education, and community organizations, including Ballet Arizona, AZ Science Center, Arizona Theatre Company, Heard Museum, Phoenix Art Museum, Phoenix Bach Choir and Boys Choir, and Arizona State University.

The successful candidate will bring at least ten years of progressively responsible fundraising leadership experience, including direct accountability for a comprehensive philanthropy program and a record of securing significant philanthropic investment. A bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience is strongly preferred.

While experience in an orchestra, performing arts organization, or other major cultural institution is preferred, The Phoenix Symphony will consider candidates from a broad range of nonprofit organizations whose leadership, fundraising expertise, and commitment to mission position them for success in this role.

The Phoenix Symphony is committed to the inclusion of all qualified candidates.

If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, or participating in the selection process, please contact Christopher Wingert at [e-mail].