Job DescriptionDirector of DevelopmentStatus: Full-time, exempt Reports to: President Supervises: Assistant Director of Individual Giving, Assistant Director of Institutional Giving & Development Operations, Graduate Fellows as assigned The Director of Development is ambitious, charismatic, and creative with solid fundraising and leadership experience. They are responsible for a primary revenue line for the school. As the head of the Development team, they help ensure the school raises funds for strategic initiatives, scholarships, endowment, general operations, and more. They play a key role in ensuring that Longy's commitment to equity, welcoming, and belonging are featured in all fundraising activities. The Director of Development has a passion for the expansion and democratization of music education. While expertise in music is not required, this person deeply believes in its power to transform communities and individuals alike. They love fundraising from all channels - individuals, foundations, capital campaigns, special events - and constantly generate new ideas and carry them to fruition. They know how to engage prospective and current donors to raise money for its core degree programs and multiple non-degree programs, as well as recognize and capitalize on the possibilities presented by its exciting future. Responsibilities:
- Oversee development and fundraising to support Longy's goal of being recognized as the conservatory that most prepares students for a meaningful life in music.
- Set the strategy for achieving ambitious financial goals and lead the team to carry out said strategy.
- Grow the fundraising base by increasing the donor pool and increasing gifts year over year.
- Create and implement an annual fundraising plan, supported by the Assistant Director of Individual Giving, to meet Longy's budgeted revenue requirements.
- Set milestone goals, to be approved by the President, and provide regular reports on progress.
- Oversee grant writing and proposals, supported by the Assistant Director of Institutional Giving.
- Staff the Governance & Development Committee of the Board to support board members' efforts to recruit new members and generate significant gifts.
- Ensure that key prospective and current donors are actively stewarded with face-to-face-meetings, phone calls, special events, and other methods of contact on a frequent and regular basis, and by the appropriate solicitor (e.g, the President, a program officer, or a board member).
- Support cultivation efforts through briefings, background information, and talking points.
- Collaborate with the Artistic team to ensure concerts are appropriately attended by Development staff and prospective donors are welcomed.
- Work with the development and marketing teams to create new methods for communication with existing and prospective patrons.
- Prepare compelling, personalized proposals that appeal to benefactors.
- Direct the event production and fundraising planning of the annual gala; ensure the Development team brings the event to fruition, supported by multiple departments and staff.
- Staff the Gala Committee, recruit members annually, and be a primary solicitor of gifts from key stakeholders.
- Design, manage, and direct other fundraising events throughout the calendar year.
- Be a leader withing the team that inspires creativity, collaboration, outstanding work ethic, and joy on the job.
- Thrive on constant change, be self-motivated and an independent thinker who can meet deadlines, resolve conflicting priorities and have outstanding interpersonal skills.
- Other duties as assigned.
Requirements:
- At least five years' experience in leadership/major gifts, campaign, or annual fundraising, preferably in higher education or the arts.
- A track record of achieving ambitious goals by identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and closing major gifts from individuals.
- During periods of high volume and major events, work after hours and on weekends is not uncommon and will be required.
- Familiarity with development software and reporting; Raiser's Edge preferred.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Excellent writing ability and organizational skills.
- Obvious commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.
- Occasional travel is required to attend conferences and workshops.
- Energetic with an exceptional work ethic.
- Proven ability to cultivate positive, authentic relationships.
- COVID vaccination required of all Longy employees.
Compensation Longy offers a competitive salary plus an Open Time Off Policy (OPTO), which includes a generous Family Medical Leave policy of 12 paid weeks. Longy also offers discounts on tuition at Longy, enrollment in Longy's defined contribution retirement plan, group health and dental plans, life and long-term disability insurance, flexible spending account and qualified transportation programs. To Apply Please submit cover letter, resume and two writing samples through Longy's ADP Career Portal. Applicants who do not address the specific Longy mission and vision in their cover letter will not be considered. About Longy Because the world needs music now more than ever, Longy has reimagined conservatory education. We are leading the seismic shift, by centering music as social change, expanding the world's understanding of what a life in music can mean. We prepare you to engage new audiences, teach anyone, anywhere - and make a difference with your music. Longy is a degree-granting institution that serves over 300 undergraduate and graduate students from over 35 states and 25 countries at its Conservatory campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Founded as Longy School of Music in 1915 by renowned oboist Georges Longy, Longy is a conservatory with a social imperative, providing for all students a distinguished faculty that promotes profound musical understanding and technical prowess, encourages growth of imagination, and fosters inquiry about the role of music and the musician in society. Longy's mission is to prepare musicians to make a difference in the world. Longy School of Music of Bard College is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, gender or gender identity, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, marital or veteran status, or age. Longy values the diversity of its community.