Director of Development

Lone Star Wind Orchestra Group; Dallas (TX); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Lone Star Wind Orchestra Group in Dallas is seeking a Director of Development to oversee all fundraising and corporate partnership initiatives. This full-time role requires a strong background in nonprofit development, especially in major donor cultivation and grant proposal writing.

You will be responsible for leading multiple fundraising campaigns and ensuring the engagement of donors while supporting an approximate annual budget of $400,000. A bachelor's degree is required, along with 3+ years of relevant experience.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3+ years of experience in nonprofit development.
• Proven track record of successful fundraising and grant acquisition.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all fundraising and corporate partnership initiatives.
• Plan and lead major annual individual fundraising campaigns.
• Ensure financial and in-kind contributions are acknowledged promptly.

Skills

Major Donor Cultivation

Philanthropy Management

Grant Proposal Writing

Leadership

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in music, arts administration, business administration, or related field

Advanced degree (MBA, MAM, or similar) preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

CRM Systems

Job description

Job Overview

Reports To: LSWO Board of Trustees through the Board Executive Committee

Supervises: Administrative Assistant (in conjunction with Chair and other staff executives), consultants and volunteers

Works closely with: Board Chair, Director of Artistic Operations, and Director of Marketing

Position type: Full-time, permanent position (expected 40-45 hours per week) in a hybrid setting, working remotely from time to time, but will be expected to be in the office 3-4 times a week.

Experience: Minimum of 3+ years of work experience with Major Donor Cultivation, philanthropy management and Grant Proposal Writing.

Compensation: Commensurate with experience

Job Summary

The Lone Star Wind Orchestra (LSWO) is a world‑class music organization committed to three core objectives: creating exceptional musical experiences, serving the community, and reaching underserved populations. Guided by its vision, Music Changing Lives, LSWO believes in the power of music to inspire, create meaningful impact, and drive positive change within communities. The organization fulfills this mission through masterful performances, commissioned works, music education programs for both at‑risk and high‑achieving students, scholarship opportunities, and innovative outreach initiatives—including free ticket programs, transportation access, and pop‑up performances in underserved areas.

The Director of Development provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for all fundraising and corporate partnership initiatives. This role is responsible for managing and growing LSWO’s philanthropic efforts, including overseeing donor database systems, coordinating major fundraising campaigns, preparing grant proposals and reports, and conducting donor and foundation research.

Supporting an annual fundraising budget of approximately $400,000 across three primary campaigns, the Director of Development plays a critical role in ensuring the sustainability and growth of the organization. This position works closely with the Board of Trustees, Development Committee Chair, staff leadership, volunteers, and donors, and is responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive, results‑driven philanthropy strategy that advances LSWO’s mission and long‑term impact.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Fundraising

• Plan and lead three (3) major annual individual fundraising campaigns:
  North Texas Giving Day (September), Give a Gift—Change a Life (November/December), and Music Changing Lives (Spring).
• Develop and implement a Major Gifts Program targeting donors contributing $1,000 or more.
• Research, prepare, and submit grant proposals and required reports to foundations, corporations, government agencies, and other funding entities.
• Design and execute a comprehensive Sponsorship Program focused on institutional and corporate partners.
• Partner with the Board’s Development Committee to support all fundraising initiatives, including individual giving, corporate sponsorships, special events, endowment campaigns, planned giving, and donor cultivation.

Donor Relations and Stewardship

• Ensure all financial and in‑kind contributions are acknowledged promptly and in compliance with legal and organizational requirements.
• Maintain consistent and meaningful communication with donors and prospects to strengthen engagement and deepen understanding of LSWO’s mission and impact.
• Plan and execute donor appreciation events as appropriate.
• Maintain accurate and complete donor and contribution records.
• Manage special initiatives and projects that support the development team’s overall goals.

Communications

• Develop and implement a philanthropic marketing strategy aligned with LSWO’s mission and fundraising objectives.
• Oversee development and distribution of a quarterly newsletter for musicians, staff, board members, and current and prospective donors.
• Manage website content and social media storytelling to support fundraising, stewardship, and overall brand visibility.
• In collaboration with the Board, build and maintain strong relationships with media partners; secure feature stories and coverage highlighting the orchestra’s mission and impact.

Planning

• Contribute to the development and execution of the organization’s five‑year strategic plan and annual operating plan.
• Support long‑term administrative and staffing planning to ensure organizational effectiveness and sustainability.

Board of Trustees Support

• Serve as staff liaison to the Development Committee; ensure meetings are documented and records maintained.
• Attend Board and Executive Committee meetings (except executive sessions); prepare and present regular fundraising and communications reports.
• Collaborate with the Nominating Committee to identify and recruit prospective board members; assist with onboarding and development orientation for new directors.

Finance and Administration

• In partnership with leadership, prepare and manage the annual Development budget for Board approval.
• Ensure all grant funds are utilized in accordance with guidelines and reporting requirements.
• Respond to patron correspondence, including inquiries, suggestions, and concerns, in a timely and professional manner.
• Supervise development‑related responsibilities of the Administrative Assistant, including gift processing and acknowledgments.
• Maintain and optimize standard operating procedures (SOPs) for databases and systems supporting fundraising, membership programs, outreach, and promotions.

Key Success Factors (Experience & Skills)

• Bachelor’s degree required (music, arts administration, business administration, or related field preferred); advanced degree (MBA, MAM, or similar) is a plus.
• Minimum of 3+ years of experience in nonprofit development, including major gifts cultivation, grant writing, and fundraising—preferably within an arts or orchestra organization.
• Demonstrated leadership ability with strong interpersonal, communication, and team‑building skills.
• Proven track record of successful fundraising and grant acquisition.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messaging to diverse audiences and clearly convey ideas and objectives.
• Strong financial acumen, including budgeting and resource management; proficiency in Microsoft Office and familiarity with CRM systems preferred.
• Highly detail‑oriented with a commitment to accuracy and quality.
• Proactive, solutions‑oriented thinker who anticipates organizational needs, identifies challenges, and implements effective strategies.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills, with a proven ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.