Campaign Director for one of the World's Preeminent Orchestras

The Philadelphia Orchestra is one of the world’s preeminent orchestras. It strives to share the transformative power of music with the widest possible audience, and to create joy, connection, and excitement through music in the Philadelphia region, across the country, and around the world. Through innovative programming, robust educational initiatives, and commitment to the community, the ensemble is on a path to create an expansive future for classical music, and to further the place of the arts in an open and democratic society.

Yannick Nézet-Séguin is now in his tenth season as the eighth music director of The Philadelphia Orchestra. Under his superb guidance The Philadelphia Orchestra has represented an unwavering standard of excellence in the world of classical music—and it continues to do so today.

The Orchestra transformed itself during the COVID-19 crisis and civil unrest. The Orchestra’s emerging narrative is one of adaptation and inclusion. In a remarkable show of institutional agility, the Orchestra quickly launched the Virtual Philadelphia Orchestra, providing a vast suite of musical and education content through digital formats. In response to the recent civic unrest, the Orchestra led the classical music industry by programming HearTOGETHER: A Healing Conversation in Music and Words. Last autumn, the Orchestra launched a full Digital Stage season of newly recorded and digitally released concert programs. Most recently, the Orchestra launched a new series of free online concerts—Our City, Your Orchestra—which highlight Black-owned businesses and iconic cultural locations throughout the Philadelphia region.

On June 17, 2021, the Orchestra announced an exciting new partnership with the Kimmel Center, its home since 2001. A new entity will be established in November 2021 – The Philadelphia Orchestra and Kimmel Center, Inc. – and will be led by President and CEO Matías Tarnopolsky. This partnership will usher in a new era for the performing arts ecosystem in Philadelphia, promising to serve artists and audiences in new and inclusive ways. Please click here for more information about the Orchestra’s history and impact.

FUNDING: The Orchestra’s annual operating budget for the current FY22 is approximately $52 million, with $18.5 million expected from all philanthropic sources. In FY21, the Orchestra received contributed gifts and pledges that totaled $18.6 million. The endowment has a current market value of approximately $250 million.

THE OPPORTUNITY: The Campaign Director is a senior member of the Orchestra’s Development Department and is the principal administrator of the campaign. Together with the Vice President, Development, the Campaign Director will help create and oversee the implementation of the strategy for the comprehensive campaign, including extensive work with the Campaign Committee, Orchestra staff and Board leadership, outside consultants, and staff colleagues. The Campaign Director is also a frontline fundraiser and will manage a portfolio of principal and major gift prospects.

The Campaign Director reports to the Vice President, Development, Mitch Bassion. The Development team of 18 is anticipated to grow as the Orchestra advances with the campaign. The Campaign Director will be responsible for recruiting and managing future new positions specifically for campaign work.

IDEAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum of ten (10) years of experience in fundraising, preferably with a major cultural organization, including experience working on a comprehensive fundraising campaign.
• Success in cultivating and soliciting principal gift prospects capable of gifts at seven-figure and above levels.
• Experience managing a large, comprehensive fundraising campaign in a sophisticated and complex environment.
• Strong leadership presence with a style and personality that resonates positively with staff, donors, and volunteers.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and diplomatic abilities.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Outstanding communication skills—written, verbal, and presentational.
• Strong management and organization skills with the ability to work successfully in a fast-paced environment while managing multiple assignments and priorities.
• A passion for and interest in classical music and/or the performing arts is strongly desired, as is an appreciation for the importance of the arts to civic life.
• Proficient in MS Office and donor database software (Tessitura preferred).
• Personal commitment to the values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and access.
• Willing and available to attend concerts and events regularly on nights and weekends.
• Ability to travel, as needed.
• Bachelor’s degree required.

Howe-Lewis International is excited to partner with Philadelphia Orchestra on this important search. Please click here to apply via the Howe-Lewis Talent Portal. You may also email your resume and letter of interest to kirk@howe-lewis.com