Development Manager

The New Haven Symphony Orchestra (NHSO) is seeking a Development Manager to join our team. This is a hands-on fundraising position for someone who enjoys building relationships, asking for support, and creating meaningful experiences that connect donors to the Symphony.

The Development Manager will play a key role in the NHSO’s individual giving program, with primary responsibility for fundraising campaigns; individual donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship; and the planning and management of donor events including the Symphony’s annual Gala. 

The ideal candidate is someone who can move comfortably between relationship-building and managing the details of executing a successful fundraising campaign or event. Experience and comfort with direct solicitation are important qualifications for this position. At least three years of fundraising experience, with a demonstrated track record of individual gift solicitation and success meeting fundraising goals, is preferred.  

Familiarity with Bloomerang or another donor CRM is a plus; the Symphony will provide training. We strongly encourage candidates with diverse and non-traditional backgrounds to apply, and fluency or proficiency in a second language is highly valued. A positive attitude and collaborative spirit are essential.

The Development Manager will report to the Development Director and will have the following responsibilities:

Individual Giving & Direct Solicitation

• Develop and implement strategies to increase individual giving and achieve annual revenue goals.
• Manage an assigned portfolio of donors and prospects through identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Build strong, personal relationships with donors and make direct gift solicitations through in-person meetings, phone calls, written communications, and other appropriate channels.
• Develop individualized cultivation, stewardship, and solicitation strategies; make timely and appropriate asks; and follow up consistently to secure gifts and renew and increase donor support.
• Identify and provide targeted donor and prospect lists for the Development Director and CEO to support high-level cultivation and solicitation efforts.
• Track activity and results in the CRM and work collaboratively with the Development Director to maximize donor engagement and revenue.
• Maintain accurate records of gifts, pledges, solicitations, and donor interactions.

Direct Mail Campaign Management

• Plan and manage the NHSO’s annual direct mail fundraising campaigns.
• Work with the Development Director and other staff to develop compelling fundraising messages and appeals.
• Monitor campaign results; track revenue and response rates; and use results to inform future campaigns.
• Support integration of direct mail with email, online fundraising, and other development communications.

Donor Events & Cultivation

• Plan and manage three donor cultivation events throughout the year.
• Plan and manage the NHSO’s annual Gala fundraiser.
• Duties include coordinating timelines, vendors, invitations, guest lists, logistics, sponsorship and donor benefits, day-of event execution, and post-event follow-up. 
• Track event-related expenses and work within approved budgets.
• Working with development staff, CEO, and other departments as appropriate to ensure successful events. 

Other Development Responsibilities

• Collaborate with members of the development, marketing, artistic, and administrative teams on fundraising initiatives and special projects.
• Support the Development Director and development team with other development activities as needed.

Position Details

This is a full-time position. A hybrid work schedule is possible. Evening and weekend hours are sometimes required to attend NHSO concerts, donor events, and other community activities. 

Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. Benefits include health insurance, generous paid time off, and a flexible, family-friendly work environment. Dental, vision, and retirement plan options are also available.

Prospective candidates are encouraged to submit a cover letter and resume to Charity Clark, Director of Development, at donors@newhavensymphony.org.

The NHSO is an equal opportunity employer and encourages candidates from diverse backgrounds and with non-traditional career paths to apply.

About the New Haven Symphony Orchestra

The New Haven Symphony Orchestra enriches Connecticut’s cultural landscape through exceptional performances and education programs that are accessible to everyone. We inspire deeper audience engagement and meaningful educational collaborations across the region through innovative and relevant programming. Commitments to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging connect the Symphony with the richly diverse communities we serve.

The Symphony regularly reaches more than 25,000 residents across Connecticut, including thousands of children and families, through concerts, education programs, and community partnerships.