Reports to: President and CEO (interim); transitioning to the Laura R. Grafman Senior Vice President and Chief Advancement Officer upon appointment
Classification: Regular full-time exempt
The Phoenix Symphony is Arizona's largest performing arts organization and a cornerstone of the state's cultural life. As the Symphony advances CRESCENDO: The Campaign for The Phoenix Symphony and prepares for its next chapter under Music Director Designate Paolo Bortolameolli, this is a defining opportunity to help lead the philanthropic effort that will sustain and strengthen one of Arizona's most important cultural institutions.
Position Summary
The Assistant Vice President of Development is a senior leader within The Phoenix Symphony's Philanthropy department and a close partner to the Chief Advancement Officer at a pivotal time for the institution. The AVP advances the Symphony's contributed revenue effort across annual giving, major and principal gifts, institutional partnerships, donor stewardship, and CRESCENDO: The Campaign for The Phoenix Symphony, and carries a personal portfolio of major and principal gift prospects and donors.
The scope of the position may evolve with the needs of the department. This is not an individual contributor role. It requires a seasoned development professional who is equally effective as a front-line fundraiser and as a leader of philanthropy staff and programs.
Key Responsibilities
Major Gifts and Principal Gift Cultivation
- Personally cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of major and principal gift prospects and donors.
- Develop individualized cultivation and solicitation strategies for high-capacity donors.
- Prepare gift proposals, donor briefings, and stewardship materials.
- Partner with the President and CEO on donor visits, cultivation events, and solicitation strategy.
- Support Board members and volunteer leadership in their fundraising activity.
Institutional Giving and Annual Support
- Manage the Symphony's grant program, including corporate, foundation, and government sources.
- Oversee annual fund performance and donor retention initiatives.
- Manage institutional donor relationships and reporting requirements.
- Identify and pursue new institutional partnerships aligned with the Symphony's mission.
CRESCENDO Campaign
- Advance CRESCENDO: The Campaign for The Phoenix Symphony as a senior member of the Philanthropy leadership team, including through personal solicitation of campaign gifts.
- Support Campaign Cabinet engagement and coordination with campaign counsel.
Donor Engagement and Stewardship
- Oversee donor recognition, stewardship touchpoints, and giving society management.
- Support the annual gala and other cultivation and stewardship events.
- Ensure timely, accurate, and impact-focused donor communications.
- Partner with Marketing and Communications on philanthropy-related materials.
Team and Department Leadership
- Directly supervise assigned members of the Philanthropy team, including setting performance expectations, conducting performance reviews, and providing coaching and professional development.
- Participate in recruitment, hiring, and onboarding of Philanthropy staff as the department evolves.
- Contribute to prospect pipeline management and moves management practices across the department.
- Oversee gift processing, donor data integrity, CRM management, and gift administration.
- Support development and monitoring of the department's annual budget.
- Foster a collaborative, high-performing team culture across the Philanthropy department and in partnership with other functions of the Symphony.
Qualifications
Required
- Seven or more years of progressive development experience, including direct major gift solicitation.
- Documented track record of closing five- and six-figure gifts, with experience contributing to seven-figure solicitations.
- Campaign experience, including capital or comprehensive campaigns.
- Demonstrated ability to manage staff and multiple complex programs simultaneously.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including proposals, briefings, and Board-level reporting.
- Proficiency with donor CRM systems and moves management practices.
- Bachelor's degree required.
Preferred
- Experience in an orchestra, performing arts, or major cultural institution.
- Advanced degree or CFRE certification.
- Experience working closely with a CEO, Board of Directors, and high-capacity volunteer leadership.
Work Environment and Physical Requirements
This position operates in a standard office environment and requires the ability to use typical office equipment, to read printed and on-screen materials, to communicate effectively in person and by phone, and occasionally to lift and carry materials up to 10 pounds.
Compensation, Benefits, and Location
The Phoenix Symphony offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, paid time off, retirement contributions, and support for professional development. This is a full-time, in-person position based in downtown Phoenix. The Assistant Vice President of Development is expected to maintain an active presence at select concerts and donor events, which will include some evening and weekend commitments.
Applications, Nominations, and Inquiries
Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Interested candidates are asked to submit a resume and cover letter to [email protected]. Nominations and inquiries are welcome and will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality.
Please note: We are only accepting applications from individuals seeking employment for themselves. Applications, inquiries, or submissions from third-party recruiters, staffing agencies, or other representatives will not be considered unless specifically requested.
The Phoenix Symphony is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
If an accommodation is needed to support your participation in the application or interview process, please contact [email protected].
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
