The 2008-9 Season marked the Spokane Symphony's first full year of Classics concerts in the orchestra's new home, the Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox. The newly renovated Fox Theater is an exciting regional performing arts center that blends 1930's ambience with 21st century technology and acoustics. Owned and operated by Fox Theater Spokane, a related entity, the 1,600-seat theater is also home to the Spokane Youth Symphony, the Spokane String Quartet, Gonzaga University's Fine Arts Department, and the Spokane Opera.

The Spokane Symphony will perform more than 60 concerts during the 2009/10 season, featuring a 10-program Classics series, three Casual Classics, six SuperPops performances, two family concerts, and a four-concert Youth Exploration Series (Yes!) at The Fox. In addition, the Symphony offers two series of chamber ensemble performances and a popular contemporary series, Symphony on the Edge. The Symphony presents free outdoor parks concerts and each summer participates in the Festival at Sandpoint in neighboring Idaho.

The educational activities of the Spokane Symphony include performances and coaching by Symphony musicians in area public schools. Free music education resources and concert tickets are made available to schools and community centers. A lunchtime and pre-concert series of discussions with guest artists is designed to foster both appreciation and enthusiasm for classical music.

The Spokane Symphony is governed by the 30-member volunteer Board of Trustees and enjoys the support of more than 300 members of the Spokane Symphony Associates. The orchestra has an annual operating budget of $4.3 million and a staff of 23. Eckart Preu is Music Director of the Spokane Symphony; Brenda Nienhouse is Executive Director.

The Position

The Development Director is responsible and accountable for the development, implementation, management, and evaluation of an overall fundraising program, consistent with the needs and goals of the Spokane Symphony Society and its affiliates. To that end, the Development Director manages the staff and volunteers in planning and executing all annual, sponsorship, capital, endowment, and planned giving programs, as well as fundraising events and benefits.

The Development Director provides impetus and support to the fundraising efforts of the Board and the Executive Director. S/he staffs the Development Committee of the Board and other groups and committees responsible for fundraising. S/he provides timely and accurate reports to the Executive Director and the Board.

The Development Director designs and implements strategies to achieve or exceed annual fundraising goals, currently at $1.6 million. S/he manages the application and reporting processes for all government, corporate and foundation grants. S/he ensures proper record-keeping and stewardship of all gifts from individuals and institutions.

The Development Director is part of the senior management team that reports to the Executive Director. S/he supervises a development team of three. The Development Director develops and monitors budgets for all events and campaigns and maintains a master calendar of fundraising events and campaigns in coordination with the Symphony's concert schedule.

Candidate Profile

The successful candidate will have at least five years' professional fundraising experience with not-for-profit organizations, and a track record for achieving or exceeding income goals. S/he will have demonstrated success with both annual and capital fundraising. Experience working with an orchestra or other performing arts organization is preferred. Enthusiasm for orchestras and orchestral music is essential.

The successful candidate will have a proven record with team building, management, and retention. S/he will also have a record of success in recruiting, training, and motivating volunteers. S/he will be experienced in project and special events management.

The successful candidate will have excellent writing ability and will be skilled at delivering both written and oral presentations. S/he will have a record of success with grant writing. S/he will have strong financial and data management skills. Knowledge of Raiser's Edge is preferred.

The successful candidate will be an enthusiastic fundraiser with a deep respect for philanthropy. S/he will be a person of integrity, maturity, high ethical standards, sound judgment, and good common sense. S/he will have excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with the many and diverse stakeholders of the Spokane Symphony.

Compensation

Compensation, including benefits, is competitive and will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Applications

Please send a letter that addresses specific interest in the position of Development Director with the Spokane Symphony and outlines qualifications. This letter will also serve as a writing sample. Include a resume, salary history or requirements, and the names of three professional references. References will not be contacted without the applicant's knowledge. Send to:

Spokane Symphony Development Search
c/o Catherine French Group
2500 Q Street, NW, Suite 623
Washington, DC 20007
Email: cfrenchgroup@aol.com

(MS Word or Adobe Acrobat attachments only, please.)

Contact Information: