VP of Development
Full Time / Exempt
Position Summary
The Fort Wayne Philharmonic seeks a dynamic, results-driven Vice President of Development to lead its comprehensive fundraising program and contribute to the strategic growth and sustainability of one of Indiana’s premier performing arts organizations. The ideal candidate is a visionary leader and accomplished fundraiser with a passion for the arts and a proven record of cultivating transformational relationships with individuals, corporations, and community leaders.
Reporting to the President & CEO and serving as a key member of the Philharmonic’s senior leadership team, the Vice President of Development will lead a department responsible for annual giving, major gifts, capital and endowment campaigns, corporate sponsorship, foundation relations, planned giving, and donor stewardship. The Vice President will inspire and manage a talented team of development professionals and play an integral role in realizing the Philharmonic’s ambitious artistic, educational, and community goals.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
Strategic Fundraising & Campaign Leadership
- Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy including capital campaigns, annual fund, major gifts, planned giving, corporate sponsorships, and special events.
- Lead the strategy and operations for multi-year capital campaigns aligned with the Philharmonic’s historic 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.
Donor Engagement and Relationship Management
- Create and lead a year-round calendar of cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship events and activities (visits, calls, letters, and presentations) 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 with the Philharmonic and their giving capacity.
- Oversee strategies to move annual donors, subscribers, and attendees into major gift portfolios.
Board & Staff Management
- Educate and engage the Board of Directors, executive leadership, and staff in development strategy and activity, empowering them as ambassadors and fundraisers.
- Report regularly on development progress and goals to internal stakeholders and the Board.
Collaborative Leadership & Management
- 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 both visibility and support.
- Represent the Philharmonic at performances, civic events, donor functions, and community activities to build relationships and represent the organization.
Additional Details
- Create and deliver compelling in-person presentations to high-level audiences in support of Philharmonic projects and priorities.
- Stay informed on national trends in philanthropy, arts fundraising, and donor engagement.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the CEO to advance the Philharmonic’s mission and values.
Requirements
- 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
Organization Description
Now in its 83rd season, the Fort Wayne Philharmonic is one of the most exciting performing arts organizations in Indiana. The Philharmonic’s mission is to inspire and foster a lifelong love of classical music through performance and education. Led by Music Director Andrew Constantine, the Philharmonic performances reach more than 200,000 people every season at the majestic Embassy Theatre, the Auer Concert Hall, and at various venues throughout the community, including schools, nursing homes, community centers, and churches.
The Fort Wayne Philharmonic is truly an orchestra of the future, with bold plans to reach deeply into the fabric of the community with exciting, entertaining and meaningful offerings. The Philharmonic reaches more than 39,000 young people and families through its extensive education and community engagement programs, including Ensembles in the Schools, Young People’s Concerts, and Club Orchestra - a novel El Sistema modeled collaborative program with 3 Fort Wayne Community Schools - inspiring and motivating young citizens of the future. Regional touring, donor cultivation, and board activities round out a busy performance schedule for the orchestra.
