Stamford, CT. Office based with flexibility for virtual working. Travel expected to predominantly within Fairfield County and surrounding areas Type
Regular full-time, exempt position with required evenings and weekend hours Reports to
President and CEO Manages
Grants Manager (part time independent contractor handling government, sponsorship, and foundation giving) and volunteer support for clerical assistance Salary
In the range $95,000-$120,000 more may be available for an exceptional candidate, plus a 2% contribution to a retirement account Vacation
The Orchestra offers four weeks of paid holiday in addition to which the office is closed between Christmas and New Year and on Fridays from July 4 to Labor Day.
The organization is mindful of ensuring a good work/life balance with great flexibility for personal issues and time off as required.
Submit your resume and cover letter supporting your application as soon as possible to Orchestra Lumos President and CEO Russell Jones at rjones@orchestralumos.org
Context of the post
Formerly the Stamford Symphony, Orchestra Lumos was the outcome of a re-imagining and rebranding exercise to reflect a new vision for the Orchestra through which it will seek to engage with everyone in the Fairfield County community, with a particular emphasis on new and diverse audiences.
The Orchestra provides:
High quality classical concerts under Music Director Michael Stern at its home The Palace Theatre in Stamford, with artists such as Joshua Bell, Midori, Alisa Weilerstein, Pinchas Zukerman, Gil Shaham, and Awadagin Pratt
Ten Small Space (chamber music) presentations offered in churches, libraries, and nature centers from Greenwich to Bridgeport
A comprehensive education and community engagement program established under Nicolas Gonzalez, the Orchestra’s first full time Director of Learning and Community Engagement who formerly served with the Chicago Symphony
A new pops season for 2023/24 including a Holiday Concert and the showing of Bugs Bunny at the Symphony, presented with the Orchestra playing the soundtrack live
The Orchestra’s budget has grown from $1.5m in 2019/20 to $2.1 for the 23/24 season. This growth has been funded by the Crescendo Campaign for the Future of Orchestra Lumos which to date has raised $4m in multi-year pledges of which $2m is new money.
In deep collaboration with the President and CEO, a former full time fundraiser, this new management position will be instrumental in achieving the next objective of the Campaign to add an additional $400,000 per year to the organization’s budget, principally from individuals, and make Orchestra Lumos a model of what a 21st century orchestra can be for its community.
The VP, Development (VP) is responsible for the conception, management, implementation, and evaluation of a fundraising program capable of raising $1.5M annually. The VP will plan and execute all annual, sponsorship, and planned giving programs, fundraising events, donor benefits, and is responsible for overseeing the research and grant applications to government, foundation, and corporate entities. The VP will recommend fundraising strategies, policies, and procedures to the CEO and relevant Board committees; will ensure that goals and objectives are met, and will call on prospects and donors in order to cultivate, solicit, and honor their support, regularly involving Board members, volunteers, the Music Director, and the CEO.
On a regular basis, the VP will be in contact with the Orchestra’s entire constituency: stewardship and relationship building with current and potential donors, Board, musicians, vendors, and the public at large will be of paramount importance.
The position allows for great flexibility for the right candidate to be successful. The Orchestra will look favorably on innovation in fundraising methods and seeks an individual with entrepreneurial flair.
Plan, manage, and implement all phases of the annual fund campaign including cultivation, direct solicitation of key donors (in collaboration with the CEO and other key volunteers) and acknowledgement process.
Ongoing identification, acquisition, and cultivation of donors and prospective donors
Oversee the institutional giving program, including research activities and preparations of grant applications to for corporations, foundations, and government agencies, including post-award grant management reporting
Plan and execute all donor patron receptions, special fundraising events, galas, and benefits, overseeing revenue and expense budget preparation in order to maximize revenue
Work with VP, Revenue and Customer Experience who coordinates Communications PR in the development and production of all materials used to support the Orchestra’s fundraising campaigns and events
Attend all subscription and Small Spaceconcerts, and other presentations as required
Manage Grants Manager, and volunteers to execute all fundraising campaigns and events
Ensure all sponsorship benefits and responsibilities to sponsors are met
Establish and maintain all donor files and records, develop and administer all donor benefits programs in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws
Report regularly to CEO on all campaigns and events
With the VP, Revenue and Customer Engagement oversee preparation, as needed, of all reports and donor recognition lists
In consultation with the Treasurer and Finance Director, establish procedures for processing contributions and sponsorships that meet proper accounting and reporting requirements
Accurately account for and acknowledge all contributions in a timely manner
Establish and maintain accurate contributor files
Establish and maintain prospect profiles
Identify sources, solicit, and manage trade and/or in-kind agreements with vendors
Develop and maintain internal and external contacts in order to optimize fundraising efforts
Be familiar with fundraising best practices within the orchestra industry and also across arts and other non-profit organizations in Fairfield County to ensure that we remain competitive
Maintain ongoing contact with contributors, corporate sponsors, foundation leaders, business and community leaders, and government funders
Maintain professional growth and development through seminars, workshops and professional affiliations
Attend civic and cultural events in the community, represent the Orchestra by speaking at public events as assigned and/or requested
Demonstrate knowledge of and comply with Orchestra Lumos policies, procedures, regulations, goals and mission
Five to seven years of successful, demonstratable person-to-person and business-to-business fundraising success required – arts environment preferred
Significant experience with annual giving, major gifts and special events
Familiarity with planned giving is desirable
Must possess the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships, excellent organization skills, attention to detail, and the ability to inspire volunteer leadership
Must have excellent communication skills (written, verbal and interpersonal) and possess the ability to function effectively in a fast-paced environment with multiple demands/deadlines as well as an appreciation of the artistic and financial goals of Orchestra Lumos
Passion for the arts and desire to further the appreciation of music in the community
Ability to communicate with a high level of diplomacy in varied settings
Excellent computer literacy with the following programs: excel, word, Google applications and major CRM software, Orchestra Lumos operates Spektrix
Initiative and strong problem resolution skills
Ability to lift 30 pounds as well as stand, walk, carry and reach, operate a motor vehicle and work both indoors and outdoors
