Advancement Director

Advancement Director

Location: Option for remote work, with regular travel and a required summer residency in Marlboro, Vermont.

Marlboro Music, a world-renowned center for developing new musical leaders, is seeking an experienced and dynamic professional to join our leadership team as Advancement Director. This pivotal role will lead the charge in building and diversifying funding streams, growing our annual fund to support expanding needs, and advancing the visibility of our institution, summer program, and campus. The Advancement Director will strengthen relationships with audiences, alumni, trustees, community members, and government stakeholders, and play a key role in leading future capital campaigns, including the upcoming 75th Anniversary campaign in 2026.

Location Requirements

Marlboro Music’s primary administrative office is based in Philadelphia, but the Advancement Director will work remotely from either Vermont or elsewhere in the Northeast. However, the role requires the Director to spend each summer in residence at our Vermont campus (with housing and meals provided). The Director will also need to travel frequently to Marlboro, Vermont, and to other locations such as Boston, New York, and Philadelphia as necessary.

About Marlboro Music

Each summer since 1951, Marlboro Music has fostered an international community of musicians for a season of intensive mentoring and collaboration in southeastern Vermont. Founded by legendary pianist Rudolf Serkin and his colleagues, Marlboro is described by Alex Ross of The New Yorker as “the classical world’s most coveted retreat.” The program is centered on chamber music and community, exemplifying the benefits of civil discourse, cooperation, and inclusivity.

In 2019, Marlboro Music purchased its 560-acre campus from Marlboro College, which disbanded at that time. This acquisition provides significant opportunities to support Marlboro’s artistic, community, promotional, and financial goals, while also presenting new challenges in terms of fundraising and stewardship.

Finances

Marlboro Music relies heavily on donations and endowment income, with earned income comprising less than 10% of the budget. Recently, the Board of Trustees assessed the organization’s financial needs and determined that increased revenue streams and stronger fundraising efforts are crucial to maintaining Marlboro’s leadership in the music world.

Responsibilities

The Advancement Director will:

• Lead the development and execution of the 75th Anniversary fundraising campaign in 2026, setting the stage for future capital campaigns.
• Collaborate closely with Marlboro Music’s officers, trustees, and staff to advance the organization’s mission and goals.
• Advocate for support of Marlboro’s mission, programs, and campus, ensuring alignment with Marlboro’s ideals.
• Develop and implement fundraising strategies, identifying new funding sources and cultivating new donor relationships.
• Facilitate donor relations between the board, staff, and external stakeholders.
• Organize meetings, events, and initiatives aligned with Marlboro's summer concerts and tours.
• Explore and develop off-season uses for the campus to help achieve fundraising goals.
• Diversify and expand funding streams, including the annual fund, major gifts, grants, and corporate partnerships.
• Strengthen relationships with audiences, alumni, trustees, community leaders, and government stakeholders.
• Promote Marlboro Music’s mission, programs, and campus, particularly the summer program.
• Oversee donor cultivation and stewardship, ensuring a thriving, sustainable fundraising operation.
• Report on fundraising progress at committee and board meetings.

Staffing

The Advancement Director will work closely with a dedicated team, including Marlboro Music’s Administrators, Development Director, Communications Director, Box Office Manager, Operations Director, and other staff members.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in identifying, soliciting, and stewarding high-capacity donors.
• Strong experience working with boards and managing high-performing advancement programs.
• Demonstrated leadership, budgeting, and management skills.
• Exceptional communication, writing, and engagement abilities.
• Knowledge of and experience in classical music, with an understanding of the Marlboro Music program and ethos.
• Familiarity with philanthropy in the arts, particularly in Boston and New York.
• Experience in event planning and brand marketing.

Compensation & Application Details

The salary range for this position is $100,000 to $125,000, based on experience, along with a comprehensive benefits package. To apply, please submit an online application that includes your C.V., a writing sample, and references.