Description

Reporting to the Chief Philanthropy Officer, the Deputy Director of Development (DDD) is a key strategic leader and the second most senior position on the San Francisco Symphony’s (the Symphony) Development Team. Serving as a senior partner and designated proxy to the Chief Philanthropy Officer, the DDD plays a central leadership role in departmental strategy, contributed revenue growth, team performance, and organizational planning across the Symphony’s philanthropy operation. Together, they help lead a comprehensive philanthropy program that generates approximately $35 million annually. 

The DDD provides leadership for the Symphony’s frontline fundraising efforts, the largest fundraising vertical within the Development department, and oversees a team of nine development professionals, including senior fundraising leaders responsible for major gifts, leadership annual giving, new philanthropy, and foundation and government support. Through this leadership structure, the DDD guides strategy, performance, and contributed revenue growth across a broad portfolio of fundraising activity and donor engagement initiatives. 

Working closely with the Chief Philanthropy Officer, Board leadership, fundraising volunteers, and senior institutional leadership, the DDD helps advance the Symphony’s philanthropic priorities and fosters a culture of ambitious, relationship-driven fundraising across the organization.

As a senior frontline fundraiser, the DDD personally manages a select portfolio of approximately 45 to 50 leadership and major gift households and prospects, with annual fundraising responsibility of approximately $3 million to $5 million in support of the Annual Fund and broader institutional priorities. 

The Symphony operates on a hybrid schedule, requiring a minimum of two days per week in the office. The Deputy Director of Development is expected to maintain an active presence at select concerts, donor events, and other organizational activities throughout the year, including some evenings and weekends.

Requirements

A minimum of seven to 10 years of proven organizational, supervisory, and fundraising leadership experience is essential. Relative experience outside the nonprofit environment working with high-net worth individuals will be considered. A successful record of conceptualizing and executing fundraising plans across donor categories (individual giving, foundation and government support) is required. Proven success in cultivating, stewarding, and soliciting prospects at the $100,000+ level is required. Ability to successfully manage a team in a sophisticated, fast paced, and complex fundraising environment is essential. Strong organizational skills, ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities, and meet deadlines in a high-volume, fast-paced environment is needed. The ability to lead and mentor an experienced team is essential. Experience leading and developing fundraising leaders and high-performing teams is required. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, especially regarding the Symphony and its mission, vision, and values are essential. Ability to professionally and diplomatically communicate and interact with a wide variety of internal and external stakeholders. Familiarity with and/or passion for orchestral music is a plus, and experience working in the arts is highly desired. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and donor database software is needed; Tessitura experience is preferred.