Director of Major Gifts and Legacy - Pacific Symphony

At a glance

Pacific Symphony, based in Irvine, CA, is seeking a Director of Major Gifts and Legacy to join its celebratory development team. This is a pivotal moment to join one of the largest and most innovative orchestras in the U.S., just ahead of its 50th Anniversary and following the exciting announcement of its next Artistic and Music Director! Pacific Symphony is celebrated for its artistic excellence, dynamic community engagement, and over 100 performances each year. In this role, you'll lead a high-impact portfolio of $25K donors, help drive an $80M campaign, and collaborate with the CEO, Music Director, and board to grow the Symphony’s legacy giving program and steward its dedicated donor society. You’ll steward a loyal donor society and enjoy VIP access to concerts, events, and community experiences- shape the future of the performing arts in Southern California and beyond!

Description: What you'll be doing

Another Source’s client, Pacific Symphony, is recruiting a Director of Major Gifts and Legacy to join their team on-site in beautiful Irvine, California. 

Here’s some more about Pacific Symphony: 

Pacific Symphony led by Music Director, Carl St. Clair, and President, John Forsyte, is a dynamic and innovative orchestra based in Orange County, California. Recognized for its artistic excellence and community engagement, the Symphony presents over 100 concerts annually and serves nearly 300,000 community members through performances and education programs. Are you ready to transition your fundraising experience to change lives and advance the performing arts in Southern California? Take a look at what’s happening here: https://www.facebook.com/PacificSymphony 

Learn more about Pacific Symphony here:  https://www.pacificsymphony.org/history 

About the role:  

In a new and reimagined role, the Director of Major Gifts and Legacy planning will play a pivotal role in preparing to celebrate Pacific Symphony’s 50th Anniversary with an ambitious $80 million campaign to strengthen both programmatic innovation and endowment growth. The team is a tight-knit community with both long-tenured team members and new talent in the organization. You won’t be starting from scratch either, there’s a large, engaged donor base that’s waiting for you to get started! If you’re ready to grow your career and shape the future of performing arts at one of America’s leading orchestras at a transformational moment in its history- it's your time to take center stage. 

How you will be spending your time: 

• Fundraising & Donor Relations 

• Qualify, cultivate, solicit, secure, and steward major and planned gifts from a portfolio of 120–150 donors and prospects capable of giving $25,000 annually, as well as long-term planned gifts. 

• Build and nurture relationships that foster a culture of philanthropy among board members, patrons, community leaders, and other stakeholders. 

• Develop and present personalized proposals, benefit packages, and gift agreements that inspire giving. 

• Conduct a high volume of personalized outreach, including electronic, phone, and in-person visits, to ensure consistent engagement with prospects and donors. 

• Legacy Planning 

• Expand the Symphony’s planned giving program by identifying, cultivating, and soliciting donors capable of making bequests, charitable trusts, and other legacy gifts. 

• Provide donors and their advisors with detailed information on planned gift vehicles and guide them through the estate planning process to ensure compliance with IRS regulations and the Symphony’s gift acceptance policies. 

Collaborate with other development team members to integrate planned giving strategies into broader fundraising efforts. 

Oversee the implementation of the Legacy Planning marketing program, including maintaining a legacy giving website, developing donor stewardship communications, design events for the Marcy Mulville Legacy Society, and establish a network of advisors with whom the DMGLP maintains strong relationships. 

• Strategic Leadership 

• Supervise and mentor the Director of Individual Giving and Governing Members, providing clear goals, actionable feedback, and professional development opportunities. 

• Partner with senior leadership, board members, and the Music Director to deploy them strategically in cultivation and solicitation efforts. 

• Work with prospect research and stewardship teams to ensure thorough briefing materials, tailored cultivation plans, and thoughtful donor acknowledgment. 

• Stewardship Management 

• Lead and participate in donor cultivation events, both small-scale and large-scale, to deepen relationships with major and planned giving prospects. 

• Work collaboratively to ensure seamless follow-up and stewardship after events. 

• Data & Budget Management 

• Maintain meticulous records in the Symphony’s CRM system (e.g., Tessitura) to track donor interactions, manage moves management plans, and ensure accurate reporting. 

• Manage a personal travel and cultivation budget, ensuring funds are used strategically and in alignment with the Symphony’s goals. 

Experience: 

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred, or equivalent experience in fundraising, donor engagement, or nonprofit leadership; CFRE certification is a plus. 

• A minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible fundraising experience, preferably in the performing arts or a comparable nonprofit environment, with a proven track record of securing six- and seven-figure gifts. 

• Familiarity with planned giving principles and interest in growing expertise. Experience working alongside donors on legacy gift planning.  

What’s in it for you:  

Salary Range: $120,000 - $125,000  

Benefits: A real “wow” about this opportunity with Pacific Symphony is the full access to performances for friends and family! What better way to share your passion for the arts with loved ones, than letting them see the direct impact of your work on the community? 

Relocation assistance is not offered for this role. 

Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination:  

Pacific Symphony values diversity in its workforce and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, class, religion, country of origin, political belief, (dis)ability, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, or any factor protected by law. 

Another Source works with their clients, on a retained project basis. We are committed to building inclusive candidate pools as we partner with hiring teams. Veterans, women, people of color, LGBTQIA , and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. As you read through the job posting and review the list of qualifications (required and/or preferred), please do not self-select out if you feel you do not meet every qualification. No one is 100% qualified. We encourage you to apply and share your story with us. 

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Salary : $120,000 - $125,000