Vice President & Chief Development Officer

The Aspen Leadership Group is proud to partner with Gateways Music Festival in the search for a Vice President & Chief Development Officer.

Reporting to the President & Artistic Director, the Vice President & Chief Development Officer will plan, organize, and direct all of Gateways Music Festival’s fundraising activities, including the major gifts program, annual fund, institutional giving, special events, planned giving, and capital and endowment campaigns. The Vice President & Chief Development Officer will prepare the annual fundraising goals and budget for review and approval by the President & Artistic Director and the Development Committee of the Board of Directors.

Gateways Music Festival’s mission is to connect and support professional classical musicians of African descent and enlighten and inspire communities through the power of performance. The Festival aspires to 1) raise the visibility of classical musicians of African descent and heighten public awareness of their contributions to classical music; 2) bring musicians of African descent together to perform, exchange ideas, and revitalize their musical energy; and 3) engage audiences in meaningful ways and establish role models for young musicians. Gateways is proud to be the only organization in the United States devoted primarily to strengthening the community of professional classical musicians of African descent. Since its founding, Gateways Music Festival has had more than 500 musicians participate in its programs–since many return year after year–and has a growing database of nearly 1,000 professional classical musicians of African descent.

At the most recent Festival in April 2022, the Gateways Orchestra performed before a sold-out audience at Carnegie Hall, preceded by six days of chamber music performances and public programs in preeminent venues in Rochester, New York and New York City.  The Gateways Orchestra was the first all-Black classical symphony orchestra presented by Carnegie Hall in its 130-year history.  A combined live audience of more than 8,000 and a live broadcast audience of more than 100,000 enjoyed 2022 Gateways Music Festival events.

A bachelor's degree is required for this position as is at least four years of fundraising experience in a leadership capacity or an equivalent combination of education and experience. A music-related degree is desirable, but not required. All applications must be accompanied by a cover letter and resume. Cover letters should be responsive to the mission of Gateways Music Festival as well as the responsibilities and qualifications stated in the position prospectus.

The offices of the Gateways Music Festival are located in Rochester, New York. Gateways Music Festival is open to a flexible work environment and will consider a remote arrangement.

The Gateways Music Festival and the University of Rochester are equal opportunity employers. All candidates are considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristics.