Director of Development

Position Summary: The Director of Development is responsible for the conception, management, implementation, and evaluation of a fundraising program capable of raising $1.5M annually. The Director manages staff and volunteers in planning and executing all annual, sponsorship and planned giving programs, fundraising events, donor benefits, and is responsible for overseeing the research and applications to government, foundation, and corporate entities. The Director will recommend fundraising strategies, policies, and procedures to the CEO and relevant Board committees; will ensure that goals and objectives are met; and will call on prospects and donors in order to cultivate, solicit, and honor their support, regularly involving Board members, volunteers, the Music Director, and CEO.

On a regular basis, the Director of Development is in contact with the KSO’s entire constituency: all current and potential donors and patrons, Board and League volunteers, musicians, vendors, and the public at large. 

Classification: This is a regular full-time, exempt position with required evenings and weekend hours, reporting directly to the CEO.

How to Apply: Submit your resume and cover letter to KSO CEO Rachel Ford at rford@knoxvillesymphony.com.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Fund Raising:
• Plan, manage, and implement all phases of the annual fund campaign including cultivation, direct solicitation of key donors (in collaboration with the CEO and other key
volunteers) and acknowledgment process. The KSO has an annual budget of $4.5 Million of which 40% is contributed income.
• Ongoing identification, acquisition and cultivation of donors and prospective donors
• Establish and maintain donor records
• Establish donor benefits consistent with IRS guidelines
• Develop a comprehensive annual support plan with goals and timelines for all funding categories
• Develop and implement corporate sponsorship program, including sponsorship benefits and delivery
• Supervise research activities and preparations of grant applications for corporations, foundations, and government agencies, including post-award grant management services
• Work with volunteers to plan and execute all donor patron receptions, special fundraising events, galas and benefits, overseeing revenue and expense budget preparation in order to maximize revenue to the KSO
• Work with Director of Communications in the development and production of all materials used to support the KSO’s fundraising campaigns and events
• Attend many subscription and special event concerts

Budgeting and Planning:
• Develop annual fundraising goals for all KSO campaigns and special events, and achieve budgeted revenue goals
• Develop and oversee annual departmental expense budgets
• As appropriate, review donor levels and benefits structure and recommend changes
• Identify research needs and recommend plans to fill those needs
• Assist in long-range planning, including revenue and expense projections

Board of Directors and Volunteer Associations:
• Provide staff support to the Development Committee and to other volunteers in the development program
• Regularly report the progress of all fundraising campaigns and events
• Develop and recommend fundraising strategies, policies, and procedures with the specific goal of maximizing revenue to the KSO
• Attend all Board and committee meetings as assigned
• As necessary, attend League meetings and functions to facilitate communication and cooperation

Administrative:
• Manage staff and volunteers to execute all fundraising campaigns and events
• Ensure all sponsorship benefits and responsibilities to sponsors are met
• Establish and maintain all donor files and records, develop and administer all donor benefits programs in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws
• Report regularly to CEO on all campaigns and events
• Oversee preparation, as needed, of all reports and donor recognition lists
• In consultation with CFO, establish procedures for processing contributions and sponsorships that meet proper accounting and reporting requirements
• Accurately account for and acknowledge all contributions in a timely manner
• Establish and maintain accurate contributor files
• Establish and maintain prospect profiles
• Identify sources, solicit, and manage trade and/or in-kind agreements with vendors

Other:
• Develop and maintain internal and external contacts in order to optimize fundraising efforts
• Maintain ongoing contact with contributors, corporate sponsors, foundation leaders, business and community leaders, and government funders
• Maintain professional growth and development through seminars, workshops and professional affiliations.
• Attend civic and cultural events in the community, represent the KSO by speaking at public events as assigned and/or requested
• Demonstrate knowledge of and comply with Knoxville Symphony Society policies, procedures, regulations, goals and mission.
• Performs other duties as necessary or assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS
• Bachelor’s Degree preferably in business, marketing, public relations or communications. Previous experience in fundraising may substitute for education.
• Five years of successful, demonstratable person-to-person and business-to-business fundraising success required– arts environment a plus.
• CFRE preferred.
• Familiarity with annual giving, special events, major gifts, and planned giving.
• Must possess ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships, excellent organization skills, attention to detail, and the ability to inspire volunteer leadership.
• Must have excellent communication skills (written, verbal and interpersonal) and possess the ability to function effectively in a fast-paced environment with multiple demands/deadlines as well as an appreciation of the KSO’s artistic and financial goals.
• Passion for the arts and desire to further love of music in the community
• Ability to communicate with high level of diplomacy in varied settings.
• Excellent computer literary with the following programs: excel, word, Raiser’s Edge, and Google applications.
• Must demonstrate initiative and strong problem resolution skills.
• Ability to lift 30 pounds as well as stand, walk, carry and reach, operate a motor vehicle and work both indoors and outdoors.