Director of Development

Acadiana Symphony; Lafayette (LA); On-site; USD 27,000 - 33,000; Part time

Job summary

Acadiana Symphony is seeking a part-time Director of Development to expand fundraising, secure corporate sponsorships, pursue grants, strengthen individual giving, and support overall fundraising initiatives.

Working with the Executive Director, Marketing Manager, and Board, you will lead sponsorships, grant applications, donor relations, and event-driven funding to sustain ASO's mission in the Acadiana region.

Qualifications

• Experience in nonprofit development, fundraising, corporate sponsorships, grant writing, business development, or related field.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with ability to develop proposals and funding applications.

Responsibilities

• Identify, cultivate, and secure corporate sponsorships for concerts, education programs, events, and initiatives.
• Build and maintain relationships with businesses, partners, and community stakeholders.

Job description

Position Type:Part-Time | Approximately 20 Hours per Week

Reports To:Executive Director/CEO

Compensation:$30,000 annualized base compensation, plus eligibility for performance-based bonuses

Initial Appointment:Six months, with a 90-day performance review and opportunity for renewal

Acadiana Symphony Orchestra is committed to fostering an inclusive, collaborative environment and welcomes applicants from a variety of professional backgrounds.

About Acadiana Symphony Orchestra

The Acadiana Symphony Orchestra (ASO) enriches our community through exceptional musical performances, educational programming, and meaningful cultural experiences. From symphonic concerts and community collaborations to youth orchestras and music education, ASO believes in the power of music to connect, inspire, and strengthen Acadiana.

We are seeking a motivated, relationship-driven professional to expand our fundraising efforts and build lasting partnerships that support our mission.

Position Overview

The Director of Development plays a key role in advancing ASO's financial sustainability and long‑term growth.

Working closely with the Executive Director/CEO, Marketing Manager, Board of Directors, and community partners, this individual will lead efforts to secure corporate sponsorships, pursue grant funding, strengthen individual giving, and support fundraising initiatives.

The ideal candidate is a proactive self‑starter who enjoys building relationships, identifying opportunities, and delivering measurable results within a small, mission‑driven team.

Key Responsibilities

Corporate Sponsorships & Partnerships

• Identify, cultivate, and secure corporate sponsorships for concerts, education programs, special events, and other initiatives.
• Build and maintain relationships with businesses, corporate partners, and community stakeholders.
• Develop customized sponsorship proposals in collaboration with the Executive Director and Marketing Manager.
• Manage sponsor relationships, renewals, partnership commitments, and prospective sponsor pipelines.
• Research local, state, federal, and private foundation funding opportunities.
• Prepare and submit compelling grant applications aligned with ASO's mission and programming.
• Maintain grant calendars, deadlines, award documentation, and reporting requirements.
• Coordinate with staff to gather financial data, program information, and supporting materials.

Individual Giving & Donor Engagement

• Collaborate with the Marketing Manager on annual giving campaigns, fundraising appeals, and donor communications.
• Develop strategies to attract new donors and increase support from existing contributors.
• Assist with donor cultivation, recognition, stewardship, and major gift prospect development.
• Maintain accurate donor records and fundraising reports.

Fundraising Events & Financial Planning

• Collaborate with the Executive Director, Women's League, and event committees to establish fundraising goals and event budgets.
• Identify sponsorship and underwriting opportunities to maximize event revenue.
• Monitor fundraising progress, expenses, and profitability.
• Evaluate financial outcomes and recommend improvements for future initiatives.
• Work with the Executive Director to develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy with measurable goals.
• Track sponsorship revenue, grant activity, donor contributions, and overall fundraising performance.
• Provide regular progress reports and identify new revenue opportunities.
• Engage Board members, volunteers, and community partners in expanding ASO's network of supporters.

Qualifications & Experience

Preferred qualifications include:

• Experience in nonprofit development, fundraising, corporate sponsorships, grant writing, business development, or a related field.
• Demonstrated ability to cultivate relationships and secure financial support.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, particularly in developing proposals and funding applications.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple deadlines.
• Experience with budgeting, revenue tracking, and fundraising reporting.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office or Google Workspace; CRM experience is a plus.
• Established relationships within Acadiana's business and philanthropic community are highly desirable.

The ideal candidate will be:

• Familiar with arts administration and the operational structure of performing arts organizations, including programming, production logistics, musician coordination, and budgeting.
• Results‑oriented, proactive, and self‑motivated.
• An engaging communicator who enjoys connecting with people and building relationships.
• Creative and resourceful in identifying funding opportunities.
• Comfortable working independently and collaborating with a small team.
• Passionate about community engagement, arts education, and Acadiana's cultural vitality.

A background in music or the performing arts is welcome but not required. We value transferable experience, relationship‑building skills, and demonstrated results.

Schedule & Compensation

This part‑time position requires approximately 20 hours per week with scheduling flexibility. Responsibilities include independent work, in‑person donor and community meetings, and occasional evening or weekend ASO events.

Compensation includes a guaranteed base equivalent to $30,000 annually, plus eligibility for performance‑based bonuses tied to established development and organizational goals.

The initial appointment is six months, with a formal 90‑day performance review.