Director of Advancement

Position: Director of Advancement

Type of Employment: Salaried, Exempt

Salary Range: $110,000 – $120,000

Benefits: Health and dental insurance, 403b with company match, and paid vacation days.

Reports to: President and Artistic Director

Important Staff Relationships: Chief Financial Officer, Marketing and PR Manager, Director of Patron Engagement, Music Director

Direct Reports: Development Manager, Development Events Manager, Advancement Operations Coordinator and Board Liaison

Central Role:

Provide strategic leadership for the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of individual donors, foundations, and corporations with a focus on fundraising capacity and securing major gifts. Partner closely with the President and Artistic Director to develop and implement innovative strategies that increase support from both existing AVA donors and new prospects. This position is crucial to achieving AVA’s annual fundraising goal of approximately $2.0 million. In addition, as AVA embarks on a capital campaign, the Director of Advancement will play a pivotal leadership role in planning and execution, working in close coordination with the campaign consultant.

Responsibilities:

• Direct the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship at all levels.
• Lead the development and growth of a strong portfolio of 50+ current and prospective high net worth donors capable of making gifts of $50,000+.
• Develop strategies for multi-year giving.
• Lead and direct active participation in all phases of the organization’s capital campaign, including strategy development, donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Meet monthly and analyze annual benchmarks for giving through an active meeting schedule.
• Spearhead the Annual Campaign efforts twice annually through a combination of mailings, e-appeals, and online platforms.
• Guide strategy for foundation, corporate, and government funding.
• Maintain accurate and up to date portfolio files for donors in Tessitura with contact reports and next steps.
• Oversee advancement-related communications to ensure compelling and consistent messaging.
• Partner with marketing/communications to align fundraising with brand strategy.
• Lead, mentor, and grow the advancement team.
• Coordinate with Development Events Manager on the execution, seating, and other logistics for the annual AVA Gala along with all cultivation and donor events.
• Maintain donor lists in coordination with the Development Coordinator.
• Actively engage with and manage the Development Committee of the Board of Directors as well as all Board Directors to identify prospects, strategize, and solicit contributions.
• Prepare and present the Institutional Advancement report for all Board Meetings.
• Produce monthly strategy reports for gift renewals of existing donors.
• Attend performances, events, and other AVA activities.
• Identify and cultivate possible new prospects for the Helen Corning Warden Society for legacy gifts.

Skills Desired and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree required.
• 7-10 years of front-line fundraising experience preferred with demonstrated experience in creating and executing a successful cultivation and solicitation strategy.
• Demonstrated success in securing five and six-figure gifts as well as annual fund appeals.
• Experience working with donor databases and wealth research software, especially Tessitura and WealthEngine.
• High level of proficiency with Microsoft Office suite.

Specialized Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of opera or classical music is an asset.
• Familiarity with Philadelphia’s philanthropic network a plus.
• Capital Campaign experience a plus.
• Ability to thrive in a small, collaborative, creative organization.
• Outstanding interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Familiarity with and adherence to the Association of Fundraising Professionals Code of Ethical Standards and the Association of Professional Researchers for Advancement’s Statement of Ethics.
• Results oriented, motivated, and energetic with the ability to work independently.
• Ability to work nights and weekends as required.

An equal opportunity employer, the Academy of Vocal Arts is committed to fostering an environment in which employees from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive.