Director of Development

ORGANIZATION

Founded in 1984, Portland Baroque Orchestra (PBO) is one of the oldest period performance orchestras in the United States. PBO specializes in works of the Baroque and Classical eras, but also explores the musical world outside of those time constraints, performing with period instruments or replicas of instruments that were available when the music was composed. This means that our concerts feature familiar instruments that may look or sound a little different (for example, violins with gut strings or flutes made of wood and bone) as well as instruments that are no longer a part of the modern orchestra (like the theorbo). The orchestra thrives on spontaneity, playfulness, and extraordinary artistry. PBO seeks to recreate the soundscapes of history by presenting the highest level of music performance in intimate venues.

In a full season, PBO offers approximately 35-40 events to the public, including concerts, education events, donor engagement events, and more, although that number is currently down as we continue rebuilding from the COVID-19 pandemic. We maintain a high standard for customer service, and we believe that this customer-focused culture engages audiences while attracting and retaining subscribers and donors. PBO’s team of 4 full-time and 1 part-time employees provides a creative, nimble, positive work environment with a corporate culture that values innovation, problem-solving, collegiality, mutual respect, and support.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of Development (DD) is responsible for planning and implementing a comprehensive and strategic fundraising program which meets PBO’s goals for contributed income. The DD, in collaboration with the Executive Director, leads all aspects of PBO’s fundraising activities, including major, annual, and planned giving; corporate and institutional gifts; and foundation and government grant requests and reports. This position also manages the planning and production of benefit events and donor receptions, maintains pledge and bequest documentation, and oversees upkeep of donor records.

REPORTS TO: Executive Director (ED)

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Create and implement a multi-year organizational development plan to meet strategic goals, leveraging data for forecasting, activity tracking, and accountability.
• Craft a compelling case for supporting PBO and its programs, engaging the community for philanthropic support through individual, foundation, corporate, and government support.
• Create and execute major donor strategies based on donor capacity and readiness to contribute, overseeing all stages of the gift cycle and nurturing donor relationships through meaningful interaction.
• Serve as lead grant writer for project requests and reports submitted to foundation, corporate, and government funders.
• Develop and implement a holistic planned giving strategy.
• Oversee planning and execution of PBO fundraising events in collaboration with ED, other staff, and board-appointed committees.
• Manage development budgeting, including future projections, expense tracking, and regular reconciliations against the general budget, with periodic progress reporting.
• Maintain accurate donor records through PatronManager (Salesforce) and utilize them to measure success of giving initiatives.
• Develop and maintain an effective system for donor acknowledgement, recognition, and stewardship.
• Develop print, digital, and video fundraising materials with support of Marketing Manager, including annual fund campaigns and mail/email/social media appeals.
• Foster a philanthropic culture by educating staff, volunteers, and board members on fundraising importance and impact, enhancing engagement strategies for donor cultivation.
• Provide training and guidance related to creation and management of donor records.
• Prepare regular written reports for PBO Board of Directors.
• Attend and assist as need at PBO performances, events, and activities.

TRAITS AND CHARACTERISTICS

The ideal Director of Development candidate will be an experienced fundraising professional who thrives on meeting the challenges of a mid-sized arts organization. They will be:

• a strategic, creative thinker with strong analytical, organizational, time management, and communication skills who demonstrates enthusiasm and commitment to PBO’s mission.
• an experienced fundraiser with a strong knowledge of current philanthropic best practices and a proven track record in fundraising from a variety of sources.
• a highly skilled communicator with the ability to relate well to a diverse body of constituents.
• a person who works well within a small, close-knit team.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 3-5 years of experience in a senior development role, ideally within an arts environment, with a successful track record in individual (major giving and annual fund), corporate, foundation, and government fundraising.
• Experience planning and executing special events from small receptions and house parties to benefits and galas.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the expert ability to establish and build strong relationships in a variety of settings, including business professionals, volunteers, patrons, donors, and other staff.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a strong attention to detail.
• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects effectively and within strict timelines.
• Positive, effective problem solver, with high empathy and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of classical music and the community that supports and consumes it.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion within your personal and work life. You are open to learning and growing and challenging those around you to do the same.
• Experience with complex CRM systems (ideally PatronManager or another Salesforce product), with expertise in prospect research methods and understanding data.
• Experience with Mailchimp or similar e-marketing platform.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

• Work hours: this position works in the downtown Portland PBO office, which is open 9:30am-5pm Monday through Friday.
• Work environment: office, concert venues, locations outside of the office for appointments with donors, prospects, board members, community leaders, and other community events/meetings.
• Potential for remote work once a week based on schedule and workload.
• Must be comfortable working in an environment in which directions and priorities can change rapidly.
• Physical requirements: prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at a time. Ability to lift and carry boxes/other items and set up tables, easels, and banner stands.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Salary for this full-time, exempt role is $70-$78,000 annually, commensurate with qualifications and experience. Eligible for a standard benefits package including health/dental insurance and FSA; life insurance; 401(k) match and contribution; paid vacation, personal, and sick leave; 8 annual paid holidays; commuter benefits; flexible work schedule; and the joys of a work environment with a great deal of camaraderie and opportunity for professional development.

APPLICATIONS AND INQUIRIES

To apply, please submit a letter and resumé referencing “Director of Development” in the subject line. Applicants may also supply up to three pages of portfolio content (imagery, links, campaign materials, etc.). Submissions will be screened as they are received, and interview candidates will be selected and notified. Employment is contingent upon eligibility to work in the United States. No phone calls please. 

Portland Baroque Orchestra is committed to supporting a diverse workforce. PBO does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations.

PBO is an equal opportunity employer.