Director of Institutional Giving

About the role

The Director of Institutional Giving oversees and manages all institutional fundraising activities from corporate, foundation, and government entities for the New Jersey Symphony, including contributions, sponsorships, and events. Works closely with the Vice President of Development and the President & CEO to build strong relationships throughout the community—including the business community— to instill confidence that the Symphony is a sound investment and help build the organization’s long-term financial stability.

Department: Development

Status: Full-Time, Exempt

Reports To: Vice President of Development

Supervises: 1 staff member

Salary Range: $85,000 - $90,000

Core Responsibilities

• Meet annual corporate, foundation, and government revenue goals—$4 million in addition to special projects, events, and comprehensive campaigns.
• With VP of Development, plan goals and strategies to increase corporate, foundation, and government giving.
• Maintain and cultivate relationships with a portfolio of institutional and government donors and prospects.
• Identify new prospects, initiate relationships, solicit contributions, and steward donors.
• Develop partner-specific fundraising and cultivation strategies.
• Craft tailored solicitations/sponsorship packages.
• Manage expense budget for the corporate, foundation, and government giving area.
• Design and implement a progressive donor recognition/benefits program.
• Prepare proposals, LOI’s, and reports and manage their timely completion.
• Utilize volunteer leaders and committee members effectively.
• Provide appropriate, accurate, and timely reports to staff, board, and volunteer leadership.
• Develop a thorough understanding of the impact of the Symphony’s programs, both artistic and educational, and close professional relationships with other Symphony staff.
• Interface professionally and effectively with business community.
• Represent the Symphony at concerts and events.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (preferred) or comparable experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional fundraising, marketing, or related business experience.
• Documented track record of successful fundraising, specifically in corporate gifts or sponsorships.

Preferred Skills

• Proficient in MS Office programs and CRM databases such as Tessitura or Raiser’s Edge, along with comfort with virtual meeting platforms and scheduling systems.
• Managerial experience preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced, results-driven environment where multi-tasking is essential.
• Knowledge of the institutional funding landscape in NJ, with an emphasis on Hudson County.
• Experience in an arts organization fundraising setting.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communications skills.
• Demonstrate a high level of professionalism.
• Possess exceptional attention to detail with the ability to think critically about tasks at hand.
• Independent worker who has a collaborative mindset to engage multiple stakeholders.

Other Info

• Must be authorized to work in the US without sponsorship.
• Hours are full-time, Monday through Friday. Employees will work a hybrid schedule with three days in the office (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) and the other days remote.
• Must be able to physically work in our Newark, NJ, with a move to Jersey City, NJ scheduled for 2026.
• Additional evenings and weekends will be required, specifically for working at concerts and events in multiple locations throughout northern and central New Jersey. Comp time is provided for hours worked for night and evening events.
• Must have reliable transportation to multiple NJ Symphony performances and event venues and donor meetings.

Benefits: Include medical, dental, and vision healthcare insurance, 403(b) employee contribution, discretionary Board-defined retirement plan (eligible after 2 years of employment), Flexible Spending Account (FSA) contributions, paid time off, paid parking, or partial transit reimbursement.