Director of Development

Reports to: President & CEO

Supervises: Development Associate, Development Intern

POSITION SUMMARY  

Reporting to the President & CEO, the Director of Development leads strategy and implementation of ACO’s fundraising activities and manages a portfolio of ACO’s highest value donor relationships. This role manages a part-time Development Associate, Development Intern, and Grants Writer. The Director of Development will plan, manage, implement, and evaluate all aspects of fundraising to serve the financial needs and goals of American Composers Orchestra (ACO). 

ABOUT ACO  

American Composers Orchestra (ACO) is dedicated to the creation, celebration, performance, and promotion of orchestral music by composers from across the Americas. With commitment to artistry, creativity, community, and equity, ACO produces concerts, pre-college and college education programs, and emerging composer professional development to foster a community of creators, audience, performers, collaborators, and funders. More information at www.americancomposers.org.

ACO provides a flexible work environment for team members. ACO’s team works remotely. For this role, candidates should be based in the New York City area and able to attend in-person donor cultivation meetings as well as evening and weekend events. Accommodations are readily available for team members with disabilities and neurodivergent team members. 

CANDIDATE PROFILE 

We strongly encourage applications from members of historically marginalized communities and backgrounds currently underrepresented in the orchestra field. We are seeking an organized, thoughtful, imaginative, and creative individual to lead all fundraising efforts. ACO’s staff is a small and dedicated team who share responsibilities and support each other’s roles. We offer opportunities for learning and growth. As a mission-driven organization, we are seeking a team member who has a passion for new music, and shares our values of artistry, creativity, community, and equity.  

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES  

Strategy and planning:

• Provide strategic leadership for the planning, implementation, evaluation, and administration of all fundraising activities
• Design gift opportunities such as artist and event sponsorships, planned giving, and multi-year campaign commitments  
• Establish/maintain fundraising policies and procedures to ensure financial accountability with all laws and regulations

Manage a portfolio of ACO’s highest value donor relationships, leading engagement, cultivation, and solicitation:

• Maintain relationships with board members, soliciting and stewarding annual gifts and extraordinary multi-year pledges
• Collaborate with Executive Producer to develop fundraising strategy for ACO’s annual Gala & Creative Catalyst Awards 
• Provide oversight to grant writer in prospecting and preparing proposals to foundation, government, and corporate funders
• Steward relationships with foundation program officers
• Liaise with capital campaign and government relations consultants

Collaborate with Development Associate to:

• Plan special events including Commission Club previews
• Deliver Annual Fund and Commission Club campaigns
• Ensure timely stewardship and acknowledgement of gifts
• Prepare and monitor contributed income and expense budget and Salesforce CRM; liaise with bookkeepers to provide regular reports to President and board of directors
• Liaise with bookkeepers to provide documentation for annual audit process and final audit
• Serve as liaison to the Development, and Nominating and Governance committees; support cultivation of new board members

QUALIFICATIONS  

• Candidates must have completed an undergraduate degree, or equivalent work experience. 
• A minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in fundraising
• Proven track record of managing a portfolio of high-level donor relationships and securing major gifts
• Deep knowledge of fundraising best practices, donor cultivation, moves management techniques, team leadership, event planning, and grant writing
• Experience managing board relationships, including providing support to advance board-led fundraising initiatives
• Experience developing budgets in alignment with organizational strategic priorities.
• A creative and strategic mindset that will develop fresh and innovative ways to expand fundraising capacity
• Detail oriented and highly organized, with excellent oral and written communications skills. 
• A willingness to collaborate and take initiative
• Ability to think creatively and strategically
• Flexibility to attend weekend and evening performances, rehearsals, and events
• A strong knowledge and connection to the philanthropic communities in New York City, New York State, and beyond is an asset
• Familiarity with the New Music scene is an asset
• Experience with donor management software is required; Salesforce experience is a plus
• Self-directed, with a strong work ethic and collaborative skills 

TO APPLY  

Please visit https://www.americancomposers.org/open-positions-career/director-of-development to submit a cover letter and resume. We are  seeking to fill this position immediately.  

ACO is an equal opportunity employer. ACO does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of  race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status,  sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. 

05/30/2025