Director of Development

American Composers Orchestra; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 130,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and vision coverage

Generous paid time off

403(b) plan with employer matching

Flexible work environment

Visa sponsorship available

Job summary

American Composers Orchestra (ACO) seeks a strategic Director of Development to lead all fundraising efforts, shaping donor strategy and growth. You will manage top relationships, oversee institutional giving, and collaborate with senior leadership to advance artistic programs and community impact.

The role requires NYC-area presence for donor meetings and events, with a flexible, remote-friendly environment. A passionate advocate for new music and equity is essential.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree or equivalent work experience.
• At least 5 years of progressive fundraising experience.
• Proven track record securing major gifts.
• Deep knowledge of donor cultivation, moves management, and fundraising best practices.
• Experience managing board relationships and supporting board-led fundraising initiatives.
• Experience budgeting aligned with organizational priorities.
• Creative, strategic mindset to expand fundraising capacity.
• Strong organizational and written/oral communication skills.
• Willingness to attend weekend/evening events.
• Knowledge of NYC philanthropy is an asset.
• Experience with donor management software; Salesforce is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategy and implementation for all fundraising activities.
• Manage a portfolio of high-value donor relationships and major gifts.
• Oversee Gala and Creative Catalyst Awards fundraising efforts.
• Supervise the Director of Institutional Giving and coordinate with governance committees.
• Plan and monitor contributed income budgets; report via Salesforce.
• Collaborate across teams and support board development initiatives.

Skills

Fundraising strategy

Donor relations

Moves management

Board relationships

Budget management

Team leadership

Event planning

Grant writing

Communication

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

Salesforce

Job description

Description

Reports to: President & CEO
Supervises: Director of Institutional Giving, Senior Development Associate

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the President & CEO, the Director of Development leads strategy and implementation of ACO’s fundraising activities and manages a portfolio of ACO’s highest value donor relationships. This role manages the Director of Institutional Giving and Senior Development Associate. The department is also supported by two interns. The Director of Development will plan, manage, implement, and evaluate all aspects of fundraising to serve the financial needs and goals of American Composers Orchestra (ACO).

ABOUT ACO

American Composers Orchestra (ACO) is dedicated to the creation, celebration, performance, and promotion of orchestral music by composers from across the Americas. With commitment to artistry, creativity, community, and equity, ACO produces concerts, pre-college and college education programs, and emerging composer professional development to foster a community of creators, audience, performers, collaborators, and funders. More information at www.americancomposers.org.

ACO provides a flexible work environment for team members. ACO’s team works remotely. For this role, candidates should be based in the New York City area and able to attend in-person donor cultivation meetings as well as evening and weekend events. Accommodations are readily available for team members with disabilities and neurodivergent team members.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

We strongly encourage applications from members of historically marginalized communities and backgrounds currently underrepresented in the orchestra field. We are seeking an organized, thoughtful, imaginative, and creative individual to lead all fundraising efforts. ACO’s staff is a small and dedicated team who share responsibilities and support each other’s roles. We offer opportunities for learning and growth. As a mission-driven organization, we are seeking a team member who has a passion for new music, and shares our values of artistry, creativity, community, and equity.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategy and planning:

• Provide strategic leadership for the planning, implementation, evaluation, and administration of all fundraising activities
• Design gift opportunities such as artist and event sponsorships, planned giving, and multi-year campaign commitments
• Establish/maintain fundraising policies and procedures to ensure financial accountability with all laws and regulations

Manage a portfolio of ACO’s highest value donor relationships, leading engagement, cultivation, and solicitation:

• Maintain relationships with board members, soliciting and stewarding annual gifts and extraordinary multi-year pledges
• Develop fundraising strategy for ACO’s annual Gala & Creative Catalyst Awards
• Provide oversight to Director of Institutional Giving in prospecting and preparing proposals to foundation, government, and corporate funders
• Steward relationships with foundation program officers
• Liaise with government relations consultants

Collaborate with Senior Development Associate to:

• Plan special events including Commission Club previews
• Deliver Annual Fund and Commission Club campaigns
• Ensure timely stewardship and acknowledgement of gifts
• Prepare and monitor contributed income and expense budget and Salesforce CRM; liaise with bookkeepers to provide regular reports to President and Board of Directors
• Liaise with bookkeepers to provide documentation for annual audit process and final audit
• Serve as liaison to the Development, and Nominating and Governance committees; support cultivation of new board members

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

• Candidates must have completed an undergraduate degree, or equivalent work experience.
• A minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in fundraising
• Proven track record of managing a portfolio of high-level donor relationships and securing major gifts
• Deep knowledge of fundraising best practices, donor cultivation, moves management techniques, team leadership, event planning, and grant writing
• Experience managing board relationships, including providing support to advance board-led fundraising initiatives
• Experience developing budgets in alignment with organizational strategic priorities.
• A creative and strategic mindset that will develop fresh and innovative ways to expand fundraising capacity
• Detail oriented and highly organized, with excellent oral and written communications skills.
• A willingness to collaborate and take initiative
• Ability to think creatively and strategically
• Flexibility to attend weekend and evening performances, rehearsals, and events
• A strong knowledge and connection to the philanthropic communities in New York City, New York State, and beyond is an asset
• Familiarity with the New Music scene is an asset
• Experience with donor management software is required; Salesforce experience is a plus
• Self-directed, with a strong work ethic and collaborative skills?

COMPENSATION

• Expected salary range between $130,000-$140,000
• Benefits include:
  
  • Health and vision coverage
  • Generous paid time off, including annual, personal, medical, and family leave
  • 403(b) plan (Roth and traditional) with employer matching
  • Flexible work environment
• Visa sponsorship available (O-1, O-1B, others on a case-by-case basis)

ACO is an equal opportunity employer. ACO does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations.