Director of Advancement

Organization

The American Pianists Association (APA) is a (501)(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Indianapolis, Indiana, with the mission to discover, promote, and advance the careers or young, American, world-class classical and jazz pianists.

APA was founded in 1979 in New York City as the Beethoven Foundation by Victor Borge, a Danish-American pianist and comedian, Tony Habig of Kimball International, and Julius Bloom, Executive Director of Carnegie Hall from 1960–1979.  The organization moved to Indianapolis in 1982, and in 1989 changed its name to the American Pianists Association.

The APA’s core program is the biennial American Pianists Awards, a 14-month-long competition that alternates between classical and jazz piano every two years.  Open to American citizens ages 18–30, the competition provides a unique platform for the national community of piano educators, performers, presenters, agents, critics, and executives to identify and nominate the best of young, upcoming American piano talent.  The winner receives career support valued at more than $200,000 over two years, which includes a cash prize, a recording contract, an artist residency, and performance engagements both nationally and abroad, making it the largest award in the world available to American pianists.

Each competition cycle includes a series of non-adjudicated education and outreach events, such as residencies with local high school orchestras and jazz bands known as Concerto Curriculum and a hospital concert series produced in partnership with Eskenazi Health.  In off-competition seasons APA produces a piano recital series in Indianapolis known as Grand Encounters.

APA is governed by a 22-member board of directors, led by Chairman William C. Sando, MD.  Peter Mraz serves as APA’s President and CEO, leading a full-time staff of seven employees.  The organization has experienced significant growth in the last few years.  Its biennial budget for fiscal years 2022 and 2023 assumes total revenue at $2.2 million, with 53% from contributed income.

For more information about APA and its programs, please visit www.americanpianists.org. 

Position summary

The Director of Advancement (DoA) will report to the President/CEO and serve as a key member of the senior management team responsible for driving all contributed revenue efforts of the American Pianists Association, including but not limited to Annual Fund, major gifts, planned and deferred giving, grants, sponsorships, campaigns, and special events.  Working closely with the President/CEO and collaborating with the Board of Directors, DoA will play a critical role in expanding the fundraising capacity of APA and advancing a culture of philanthropy that prioritizes fund development throughout the organization.  Using ongoing planning and evaluation, DoA will develop effective programs and strategies for prospect identification, donor cultivation, and stewardship that will help position APA for future growth and sustainability.  Occasional evening and weekend work will be required.

Duties and Responsibilities

Fundraising Strategy and Leadership

• In collaboration with President/CEO, develop, manage, and implement a multi-year strategic fundraising plan including Annual Fund, major gifts, corporate and foundation giving, events, planned and deferred giving, endowed assets, and campaigns as appropriate
• Review existing donor societies and associated benefits to maximize the Annual Fund potential
• Create strategies to grow a portfolio of major gifts donors, including the development and implementation of personalized solicitation plans
• Explore capacity of and suggest approaches to digital/online fundraising strategies
• Conduct ongoing research and build and regularly update a pipeline of new major individual, corporate, and foundation donors at local and national levels
• Develop planned and deferred giving initiatives and recognition programs that magnify APA’s legacy
• Create strategies for developing endowed assets to ensure APA’s long-term sustainability

Institutional Advancement

• Advise President/CEO on matters related to institutional development and support Board leadership capacity to ensure exemplary Board governance and oversight
• Recommend best practices and support procedures that empower Board members to better support their community ambassadorship and fundraising roles
• Assist the Governance Committee, Board Chair, and President/CEO in identifying, cultivating, recruiting, and onboarding new Directors
• Research and advise on compliance with all government and investor gift policy requirements
• Attend quarterly Board meetings, prepare regular reports as required
• Plan and oversee the work of the Development Committee
• In partnership with President/CEO, serve as a visible advocate for the mission and vision of APA
• Attend local and national events and convenings to increase APA’s visibility and develop new supporters

Development Operations and Ongoing Campaigns

• Develop, implement, and track progress of an annual Development budget to meet financial goals
• Manage APA donor tracking and acknowledgement systems to ensure accurate records, gift processing, and timely communication
• Develop narratives and impact stories for all fundraising communications, including Annual Fund, grant applications, sponsorship proposals, campaigns, and fundraising collateral materials
• Personally cultivate and solicit major gifts from existing and potential new donors
• Oversee and administer a schedule of local, state, and federal grant applications and reporting
• Manage ad-hoc committees and partner with APA staff on the planning and delivery of donor events to increase engagement and revenue generation, including follow-up and evaluation
• Identify and recruit volunteer leaders for fundraising initiatives and campaigns, create the necessary structures and training to support them in the delivery of compelling and personalized messages
• Develop benchmarks to evaluate fundraising appeals and donor relationship growth over time
• Research donor interests, involvement, and relationships outside of APA to inform strategies
• Provide oversight of all policies and procedures related to fundraising
• Supervise and mentor Development Associate and work collaboratively with all APA staff members
• Embrace other administration and management responsibilities as needed

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (master’s preferred)
• Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive fundraising experience in the non-profit sector
• Proven ability to plan and execute successful multi-year fundraising strategies
• Demonstrable experience meeting Annual Fund goals and securing major gifts from individuals, corporations, foundations, and other revenue sources, as well as developing high-quality grant applications, reports, sponsorship proposals, and fundraising collateral
• Experience working with top executive and Board leadership
• Superb analytical and research skills
• Supervisory experience
• Knowledge of current trends, strategies, and best practices in philanthropy
• Proficiency in all Microsoft Office programs
• Experience with Raiser’s Edge database software would be an advantage
• Advanced training or certification (CFRE, CAP, etc.) would be an advantage
• Prior experience working in a national organization would be an advantage

Traits and Characteristics

• Exceptional interpersonal and relationship building skills with high cultural competency to build authentic relationships with stakeholders from diverse backgrounds
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, both written and spoken
• Positive and pro-active attitude, ability to work as part of a small team
• Passion for and dedication to the mission of the American Pianists Association
• Energetic, diligent, and creative self-starter
• Driven by results and dedicated to fostering an organizational culture that values excellence and high performance based on measurable outcomes
• Disciplined and organized with strong time management skills and a high level of integrity
• Committed to ethical practices in fundraising

Compensation and Benefits

APA offers a competitive salary expected to be in the range of $85,000 – $105,000, negotiable and commensurate with experience, and a superior benefits package that includes fully subsidized individual health, vision, and dental insurance, a 403(b) retirement plan (with up to 10% employer match after one year of employment), 10 paid holidays, paid time off, and flexible working arrangements.

Applications and Inquiries

Please submit a cover letter, 3-5 professional references, and resume with a summary of demonstrable accomplishments to Joanne Bennett, APA General Manager, at: joanne@americanpianists.org by 3:00 PM (EST) on Monday February 28, 2022.  All application materials should be submitted electronically in PDF format.  Serious inquiries may be directed to Peter Mraz at: peter@americanpianists.org.  The position is available from April 2022 and will remain open until filled. 

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American Pianists Association seeks to provide employment opportunities that are equitable and a working environment that is inclusive for all employees.  All qualified candidates will receive equal consideration without regard to race, gender, age, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by law.  We especially encourage applications from women, people of color, LGBTQ, trans and non-binary people, and people with disabilities.