VP of Development - Arts Fundraising & Campaign Leader

Fort Wayne Philharmonic; Fort Wayne (IN); On-site; USD 110,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The Fort Wayne Philharmonic seeks a dynamic Vice President of Development to lead its fundraising program and advance its artistic and community goals. Reporting to the President & CEO, this role directs annual giving, major gifts, campaigns, sponsorships, and donor stewardship, while building a high-impact development team.

The successful candidate will cultivate transformational relationships with individuals, corporations, foundations, and community leaders, and serve as a key member of the

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or CFRE preferred.
• Minimum 7+ years of progressive fundraising leadership experience, ideally in the performing arts or nonprofit sector.
• Demonstrated success in major gifts, corporate sponsorship, capital campaigns, and special events.
• Proven ability to manage and inspire teams and lead through change.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.
• High emotional intelligence and a collaborative spirit.
• Experience with CRM systems (e.g., Tessitura, Raiser’s Edge) and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends at concerts and events.
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel as needed within the region.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy including capital campaigns, annual fund, major gifts, corporate sponsorships, and special events.
• Lead the strategy and operations for multi-year capital campaigns aligned with the Philharmonic’s downtown facility and institutional growth.
• Design fundraising timelines, goals, performance metrics, and reporting tools to evaluate progress and inform future planning.
• Identify, cultivate, and solicit new prospects using donor research, prospect screening, board referrals, and audience engagement data.
• Create and lead a year-round calendar of cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship events and activities that deepen donor involvement.
• Ensure all donor engagement is meaningful, personalized, and reflects the Philharmonic’s artistic mission and community impact.
• Develop tailored solicitation strategies based on a donor’s experience and giving capacity.
• Oversee strategies to move annual donors, subscribers, and attendees into major gift portfolios.
• Educate and engage the Board of Directors, executive leadership, and staff in development strategy and activity.
• Report regularly on development progress and goals to internal stakeholders and the Board.
• Manage a high-performing Development team through thoughtful goal-setting, coaching, performance evaluation, and mentorship.
• Oversee donor database (CRM) strategy and execution in collaboration with the Director of Consumer Engagement to ensure accurate records, segmentation, and analytics.
• Partner with Marketing and Sales teams to co-create and promote fundraising events and campaigns that drive visibility and support.
• Represent the Philharmonic at performances, civic events, donor functions, and community activities to build relationships and support.

Skills

Fundraising leadership

Major gifts

Capital campaigns

Donor engagement

Board governance

Team management

CRM systems

Event planning

Public speaking

Education

Bachelor's degree

CFRE preferred

Tools

Tessitura

Raiser’s Edge

Job description

The Fort Wayne Philharmonic seeks a dynamic Vice President of Development to lead its fundraising program and advance its artistic and community goals. Reporting to the President & CEO, this role directs annual giving, major gifts, campaigns, sponsorships, and donor stewardship, while building a high-impact development team.

The successful candidate will cultivate transformational relationships with individuals, corporations, foundations, and community leaders, and serve as a key member of the