Position Purpose

The Development Director (DD) is a senior leadership position with the Grand Junction Symphony Orchestra and has a leadership role with the Grand Junction Symphony Foundation. They are responsible for advancing contributed revenue through strategic fundraising, donor stewardship, and long-term philanthropic planning. The DD will cultivate major gifts, build a robust planned and legacy giving program, and ensure that donor relationships are coordinated, consistent, and mission-aligned. While the position is housed within the Symphony, it is generously supported through a partnership with the Grand Junction Symphony Foundation.

This role is central to securing both short-term operational sustainability and long-term financial stability for the organizations.

Organizational Allocation & Time Tracking

The DD is an employee of the Grand Junction Symphony Orchestra and reports to the Executive Director. Allocation of the DD’s time and effort is 60% Symphony / 40% Foundation. The DD shall maintain records of time allocation, including time reports, calendars, activity summaries, and other records demonstrating allocation of effort. This position requires the ability to effectively manage multiple projects and priorities.

Because fundraising activities fluctuate seasonally and according to donor schedules, exact weekly time allocation may vary; the intent is that time allocation reflect shared organizational benefit over the course of the year.

Primary Responsibilities

1. Fundraising Strategy & Leadership

● Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy encompassing major gifts, mid-level gifts, and planned/legacy giving.
● Align annual fundraising goals with the Symphony's strategic and artistic priorities and the Foundation's long-term sustainability objectives.
● Serve as a strategic advisor to the Executive Director, Symphony leadership, and Foundation leadership on philanthropic trends, donor strategy, and long-term revenue planning.
● Prepare and present fundraising reports, forecasts, and performance metrics to both the Symphony Board and the Foundation Board.

2. Major & Mid-Level Donor Cultivation

● Manage a portfolio of mid-level and major donors and prospects.
● Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors capable of significant philanthropic investment.
● Work in collaboration with the Patron Relations Manager, the Executive Director, and the Foundation Board to transition small-gift donors into sustained mid-level and major giving relationships.
● Conduct donor meetings, prepare proposals, and coordinate leadership or board involvement in solicitations when appropriate.

3. Planned & Legacy Giving Leadership

● Design, implement, and manage a donor-centered approach to the Symphony's and Foundation's planned and legacy giving programs.
● Identify and cultivate prospective legacy donors and endowment supporters.
● Develop planned giving materials, recognition structures, and stewardship practices.
● Maintain relationships with donors, professional advisors, and Foundation leadership to support long-term commitments.

4. Stewardship, Donor Experience & Communication

● Ensure timely, meaningful, and mission-driven stewardship for all major, mid-level, and legacy donors.
● Collaborate with marketing staff and Foundation board to produce donor impact reports, recognition materials, and fundraising messaging.
● Plan and support donor cultivation and stewardship events.

5. Data, Systems & Accountability

● Oversee donor tracking and CRM accuracy
● Maintain clean, reliable data to support forecasting, reporting, and strategic decision-making.
● Ensure compliance with ethical fundraising standards and donor intent.

6. Collaboration with Boards & Leadership

● Support the Symphony Board and Foundation Board in fulfilling their fundraising and stewardship responsibilities.
● Engage board members in donor cultivation and solicitation as appropriate.
● Provide clear communication to ensure alignment between organizational operations and long-term financial strategy.

7. Other Duties

● Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Director consistent with the strategic fundraising goals of the Symphony and Foundation.

Organizational Accountability Measures

Symphony-Facing Measures

Examples may include:
● Annual contributed revenue growth
● Major gift activity
● Mid-level donor upgrades
● Donor retention
● Campaign performance
● Stewardship effectiveness
● Compliance with donor intent or restrictions

Foundation-Facing Measures

Examples may include:

● Planned giving conversations initiated
● Documented legacy commitments
● Endowment donor cultivation and communication
● Major gift activity
● Board engagement
● Growth of long-term donor pipeline
● Growth of the endowment attributed to donations
● Foundation donor engagement and appreciation activity
● Time and services allocation
● Compliance with donor intent or restrictions

Qualifications

Required
● Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, arts administration, business, or a related field
● Minimum of two years of progressive nonprofit fundraising experience
● Demonstrated success in major gift cultivation and solicitation
● Strong interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills
● Experience with donor databases and CRM systems
● High ethical standards and commitment to donor intent
● Willingness to learn and grow in the position
● Willingness to be a positive team player

Preferred
● Experience in planned or legacy giving
● CFRE or similar professional certification
● Experience in performing arts or cultural organizations
● Master's degree in a related field
● Some knowledge of estate planning and tax law

Pay: $68,000.00 - $72,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 403(b) matching
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Relocation assistance

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Application Question(s):

• Are you able to work some nights and weekends as needed for events?

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• Fundraising: 2 years (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Grand Junction, CO 81501: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person