Chief Development Officer, Arts Fundraising & Growth

Seattle Symphony Orchestra; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 225,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

Seattle Symphony Orchestra & Benaroya Hall is seeking an innovative fundraising strategist and executive to drive contributed revenue and capitalization for one of America's premier orchestras. The role leads donor cultivation, major gifts, and campaigns, reporting to the President/CEO and interfacing with the Board.

The CDO will oversee a sixteen-member team, manage endowment and capital campaigns, and expand donor networks across individuals, corporations, foundations, and government entities.

Qualifications

• Substantial fundraising experience at a large arts institution with capital, endowment, annual fund, events and membership elements.
• Proven ability to raise principal or major gifts from individuals and institutions.
• Excellent written and oral communication; energetic, engaging, and collaborative.
• Ability to recruit and cultivate new board members and lead a development team.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement fundraising plans including donor segmentation, annual, endowment, capital, and planned giving objectives.
• Collaborate with CEO, CFO and board to prepare operating plans and budgets with fundraising projections.
• personally engage in solicitation and stewardship alongside senior leaders.
• Recruit and retain a high-performing development team; establish goals and professional development opportunities.
• Advance donor cultivation strategies and a donor recognition program to sustain long-term relationships.
• Support recruitment of new board members in consultation with CEO and Board leadership.
• Represent the organization at events and in the community to expand donor base.

Skills

Fundraising leadership

Major gifts

Donor cultivation

Strategic planning

Communication

Team leadership

Board recruitment

Project management

Tools

CRM systems

Donor databases

Job description

Seattle Symphony Orchestra & Benaroya Hall is seeking an innovative fundraising strategist and executive to drive contributed revenue and capitalization for one of America's premier orchestras. The role leads donor cultivation, major gifts, and campaigns, reporting to the President/CEO and interfacing with the Board.

The CDO will oversee a sixteen-member team, manage endowment and capital campaigns, and expand donor networks across individuals, corporations, foundations, and government entities.