Director of Development

Job Title: Director of Development

Reporting to the Executive Director and working closely with both the Music Director and Board of Directors, the Director of Development will oversee and manage all aspects of the WSO’s fundraising efforts. The Director of Development must think strategically and practically to implement a comprehensive and results-oriented development plan. The Director of Development will drive the work cultivating key relationships with individuals, community and corporate leaders, and institutional partners to achieve organizational fundraising goals. Acting as a public advocate of the WSO, the Director of Development should be a dynamic, engaging, and inspirational leader who promotes the Symphony through personal visibility and involvement in our community.

This is a full-time, on-site, exempt position. Salary range starting at $60,000 and commensurate with experience. Paid leave, health insurance, and retirement benefits.

For 95 years, the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra has been at the heart of our community’s performing arts scene. Nationally recognized for artistic excellence, championing living American composers, innovative programming, and deep commitment to music education, the Symphony continues to thrive as a cultural leader, enriching lives and fostering connections across our community. In conjunction with RSC Associates, the Wheeling Symphony developed a robust three-year strategic plan (2025-2028) that will propel the organization forward from its impressive 95 year beginning to sustainability and stability for generations to come. The annual operating budget for the WSO is approximately $1.7 million.

To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to resumes@wheelingsymphony.com. Application deadline is March 31, 2025.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Intiatives

• Develop and implement comprehensive short- and long-term integrated development plans to meet established goals and objectives for individual, corporate, institutional and planned giving.
• Meet regularly with the Executive Director regarding program goals, initiatives, timelines, and budgets, and routinely report to the Board of Directors and appropriate committees.
• Work collaboratively and creatively with the Executive Director, Director of Foundation & Government Relations, and Marketing & Communications Manager to appropriately position development opportunities and integrate messages in publications, grant submissions, reports, and collateral materials for cultivating and stewarding donors.
• Serve as a campaign director and provide direct daily management of specifically focused initiatives to secure major gifts and leadership gifts in support of campaign goals.
• Manage prospect research and cultivation initiatives with a special emphasis on pursuing strategies to secure and increase giving from donors and sponsors.
• Develop strategies for existing donors to effectively move them through a meaningful and tiered cycle of giving.
• Develop and implement a Planned Giving Program.

Engagement, Cultivation, and Solicitation

• Build, strengthen and maintain relationships with current and potential individual donors through intentional, consistent and personalized engagement:
• Determine the cadence and style of engagement to effectively build relationships with donors, including regular email communications, phone calls, donor visits, and presentations.
• Meet with donors frequently to maintain growth and connection.
• Track and record all donor prospect interaction activity.
• Process gifts and donor acknowledgements effectively, thoroughly and in a timely manner.
• Manage CRM database (Bloomerang) of donor contacts with detailed notes about donor interests, relationships, ideas, and concerns.
• Create and implement comprehensive proposals for select individuals that include annual fund, concert sponsorship, planned giving and endowment contributions.
• Utilize the Executive Director, Music Director, and musicians effectively for solicitations.
• Attend key community events as a representative of the WSO.
• Enlist the Board of Directors and other volunteers to participate in and grow the development program, as appropriate.

Fundraising Events

• In collaboration with the Executive Director, Board Events Committee and Auxiliary, create and execute successful fundraising events such as Opening Night Galas.
• Create a calendar of fundraising events designed to engage a diverse group of patrons including events such as Conductor’s Circle, open rehearsals, pre-or post-concert receptions. Oversee total execution of all events from planning to thanking.
• Work collaboratively to create and implement patron engagement programing using mission-based experiences that deepen the relationship with the orchestra.

Corporate Sponsorhip and Community Partnerships

• Cultivate and deepen relationships with corporate and community partners
• Secure and support meetings with potential funders, providing talking points, presentations, and materials as needed.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director to develop effective strategies to solicit and steward sponsorships and partnerships.
• Manage a portfolio of corporate and community partners:
• Update and keep accurate records.
• Schedule frequent meetings with existing and prospective corporate and community partners, sufficient for relationship stewardship and prospecting to meet our revenue goals.
• Update marketing team on developments with sponsors and partners.
• Maintain regular and appropriate contact with sponsors and partners.
• Research and secure trade or in-kind agreements with partners that can support operational expenses.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Responsible for managing the CRM (Bloomerang): keeping donor data secure, up to date, and thoroughly documenting interactions for future reference.
• Prepare reports from the CRM (Bloomerang) as needed or requested by the Executive Director, Music Director or Board of Directors, including financial reports, donor listings, etc.
• Prepare and monitor fundraising budget ensuring all revenue and expense projections are achieved.
• Prepare all direct appeal mailings, gift acknowledgments, tax letters and thank you notes
• Oversee volunteer management utilizing members of the Auxiliary and Board of Directors.
• · Complete other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Executive Director.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred (Arts Administration, Non-Profit Management, Business Administration, Communications, or a related field).
• 5–7 years of experience in development, fundraising, or related roles, preferably in the nonprofit or arts sector.
• Proven success in securing major gifts and sponsorships.
• Experience in planning and executing fundraising campaigns and events.
• Familiarity with donor databases and fundraising software (Bloomerang, DonorPerfect, or similar).

Leadership and Strategy:

• Strong leadership and team-building abilities, with experience managing and mentoring staff and volunteers.
• Ability to create and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy aligned with the organization’s mission and goals.
• Experience working with board members, volunteers, and senior leadership to cultivate relationships and grow donor networks.
• Understanding of the vital role of the arts in vibrant community

Communication and Relationship Management:

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present to a variety of stakeholders.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to build and maintain relationships with donors, board members, partners, and community leaders.
• Proven ability to engage with high-net-worth individuals, corporations, and foundations to secure donations and sponsorships.
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team.

Fundraising Knowledge:

• Deep understanding of fundraising principles, donor stewardship, and the various forms of fundraising (major gifts, annual giving, planned giving, corporate sponsorships, etc.).
• Experience managing and growing donor portfolios and implementing successful donor cultivation strategies.
• Working knowledge of tax laws related to charitable contributions and planned giving

Financial and Data Management:

• Experience with budgeting and financial management as related to fundraising activities and campaigns.
• Proficiency in analyzing donor data and using it to inform strategy and improve fundraising outcomes.
• Ability to prepare financial reports, track progress toward goals, and assess program effectiveness.

Fundraising Event Planning and Management:

• Experience organizing and managing fundraising events (galas, auctions, donor luncheons, etc.).
• Ability to oversee event logistics, coordinate with vendors, and ensure smooth execution.

Professionalism and Discretion:

• Strong ethical standards, confidentiality, and professionalism in dealing with sensitive donor information and organizational matters.
• Ability to represent the organization effectively in high-profile settings and maintain the organization's reputation.

Travel and Flexibility:

• Willingness to travel locally and if necessary, regionally for donor meetings and events.
• Must be willing and able to work at all performances and patron events. This requires work on weekends and evenings outside of regular office hours during the concert season.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $60,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Schedule:

• Evenings as needed
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Ability to Commute:

• Wheeling, WV 26003 (Preferred)

Ability to Relocate:

• Wheeling, WV 26003: Relocate before starting work (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $60,000