Manager of Development Operations

About the Institute of Music for Children:

The Institute of Music for Children engages children and youth in artistic expression and the creative process. The Institute is building a community of high-achieving citizens who are arts lovers and arts makers through professional instruction, mentorship, and family engagement, serving more than 1,000 young people annually. Through four core programs, the Institute offers a diverse range of over 30 “classical” and culturally relevant art forms.

The Institute of Music is a robust, BIPOC-led, and growing organization that values teamwork, community, creativity, and encourages personal and professional development. We foster a dynamic work environment of care and support, driving our collective success, delivering transformational impact and facilitating community-level change.

It’s an exciting time for the Institute. As new property owners of our three-acre campus, we are embarking on a Three-Phased Master Campus Plan that includes a new build in FY26. With our $15 million Imagine 2026! Campaign underway, we are positioned for continued growth as we solidify our role as an anchor institution in the region and state.

Position Summary:

A key role in a growing development department, the Manager of Development Operations (MDO) will create and execute new policies and procedures to maintain quality, efficiency and organizational values. MDO is responsible for Grants Tracking and Compliance, Database Administration, Stewardship and Cultivation Support, and Events Logistics. The Development Department raises just over $1.1 million of our $1.87 million budget annually with a diverse revenue mix of contributed income including City, County, State and Federal Grants (45%), Foundation Grants (38%), Corporate Funding (7%), Special Events (5%) and Individual Giving (5%). Development Manager will also support capital campaign.

In addition to the MDO, one Americorps VISTA Member and one part-time grantwriter support the Development team.

Primary Responsibilities: 

Grants Tracking and Compliance (50%)

• Manage government contracts, including application and reporting processes
• Track awarded grants to ensure compliance with budget, milestones and outcomes
• Manage development and delivery of grant reports

Database Administration (20%)

• Oversee data management, acknowledgements and departmental processes
• Analyze and report on giving trends, donor activity and constituent demographics for organizational reporting to donors and the public.
• Ensure data integrity

Stewardship and Cultivation Support (20%)

• Schedule meetings and other activities for Development Department, Executive Leadership and Board Members
• Reporting on giving trends, donor activity and constituent demographics for organizational reporting to donors and the public.
• Data segmentation management for mailings, appeals, events and other communications
• Representing the Institute at events when necessary

Event Logistics (10%)

• Support special events for up to 300 people with responsibility for event logistics, RSVP and attendee tracking, delivery of sponsor benefits, and post-event follow-up and reporting
• Collaborating Collaborate on building individual and corporate giving programs, including working with staff and Board of Directors on special events

Desired Skillset and Attributes:

We are looking for a candidate that is highly detail-oriented, with a combination of education and experience that includes:

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent volunteer or professional experience
• 3-5 years of direct work supporting a variety of fundraising activities
• Familiarity with development operations and contract management
• Comfort with budgets and detailed financial reporting
• Tech savvy with experience in Microsoft Office Suite and other administrative tools
• Strong time management skills and attention to detail
• People person who is passionate about using the arts within a social justice context

Additional attributes of value:

• A person of color or member of other underrepresented group including all gender expressions, sexual preferences, races, religions, ethnic backgrounds, physical disabilities or learning attributes
• Advanced knowledge of Salesforce and other fundraising solutions
• Comfort and skill networking and public speaking
• Experience with all aspects of special event management
• Strong writer, editor and proofreader
• Bilingual (Spanish)

Status

• This is an exempt, full-time position. Hybrid work arrangements will be negotiated with some work expected on site in Elizabeth, NJ, which is a half mile from a New Jersey Transit Train Station. 

The Institute of Music for Children is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to having the rich diversity of our community reflected in our workforce. If you’re passionate about contributing your skills and enthusiasm to help us, we want to hear from you!

To apply, craft a thoughtful cover letter that includes the professional and/or lived experience that you believe make you a uniquely qualified candidate for the role. Send your cover letter and resume to Jennifer North via email (jnorth@instituteofmusic.org).