Senior Vice President for Philanthropy and Special Advisor to the President

The Aspen Leadership Group is proud to partner with the New York Philharmonic in the search for a Senior Vice President for Philanthropy and Special Advisor to the President.

Reporting to the Executive Director and working closely with the President and Chief Executive Officer, the Senior Vice President will oversee all aspects of the New York Philharmonic’s development efforts, recruiting, retaining, managing, and inspiring a high-performing team focused on meeting the short- and long-term fundraising goals of the organization. The Senior Vice President will work closely with administrative and board leadership to inspire philanthropy that supports the Philharmonic’s vision and secure resources to meet strategic objectives. The Senior Vice President will join New York Philharmonic’s senior leadership team at an exciting moment in the Philharmonic’s history, as the organization completes an ambitious campaign and prepares to reopen a transformed David Geffen Hall.

The New York Philharmonic plays a leading cultural role in New York City, the United States, and the world, and has built a tradition of innovation that has allowed it to adapt and thrive over more than 178 years. Each season the Orchestra connects with up to 50 million music lovers through live concerts in New York and around the world, broadcasts, recordings, and education programs. The 2019–20 began with Music Director Jaap van Zweden and the Philharmonic reaffirming their vital commitments to serving as New York’s orchestra and to championing new music through the kick-off of Project 19, which is marking the centennial of the 19th Amendment with commissioned works by 19 women composers. In collaboration with Lincoln Center, Inc., the Orchestra announced plans for the renovation of David Geffen Hall as one of the world’s most vibrant concert halls and a hub for dynamic community engagement.

The New York Philharmonic responded to the cancellation of concerts due to the COVID-19 pandemic with a determination to connect with audiences, and to reconceive the concert experience. Within two weeks of the last live concert in March 2020, the Orchestra created a free portal, sharing video and audio of performances. That was followed in August by the launch of NY Phil Bandwagon, the series of free, outdoor, “pull-up” concerts featuring a customized pick-up truck and ensembles of Philharmonic musicians that brought live music back to New York City, an initiative that has been emulated across America.

Behind the scenes, the organization forged new agreements with the members of the Orchestra to establish a solid foundation in the face of lost ticket revenue, and to cultivate an even more impactful future. Salaries were reduced to address the budget impact of lost ticket sales, and orchestral services were redefined to empower the Philharmonic to set new standards in serving its community.

A bachelor's degree is required for this position as is at least ten years of progressively responsible fundraising experience in a major arts-related institution, non-profit organization, educational institution or other environment of similar complexity with multiple stakeholders, including a record of successful solicitation and stewardship of transformational gifts. All applications must be accompanied by a cover letter and résumé. Cover letters should be responsive to the mission and vision of the New York Philharmonic.