Development Manager

Full-time, exempt

Reports to: Executive Director

The Symphony of Northwest Arkansas is seeking candidates for a new Development Manager position. The ideal candidate will be a highly organized and self-motivated professional with significant experience in non-profit fundraising and a passion for music, arts, and culture.

To apply please send cover letter and resume to riley@sonamusic.org with “Development Manager” in the title of the email.

SUMMARY

The Symphony of Northwest Arkansas is looking for an experienced, passionate development professional to manage and coordinate the day-to-day fundraising activities for all SoNA development endeavors, as well as work closely with the Executive Director to design and implement corporate, major gifts, annual gifts, and foundational giving development plans. Additionally, the Development Manager will work closely with the Executive Director to design and execute special events including the annual gala, and other donor cultivation events.

This is a new position for the organization, created to help SoNA realize its new vision and strategic plan. Currently, SoNA manages a 1.2 million operating budget, approximately 2/3rds of which is contributed income, supported in part by a 1.4 million endowment. To bring SoNA’s new strategic plan to life, the new Development Manager will work closely with the Executive

Director to find new contributed revenue streams, identify and cultivate new and diverse donor networks, and deepen existing donor relationship.

SoNA’s new vision is:

SoNA will be recognized as a trailblazing orchestra as it:

• Expands the possibilities of what an orchestra can be.

• Changes lives by increasing interest and equity in the arts through outreach, education, collaboration and performance.

• Creatively honors the past, present and future of our artform, fostering the highest levels of artistic expression.

This full-time position is a Northwest Arkansas based, hybrid work-from-home position with some in-office hours and meetings. SoNA offices are in Fayetteville, AR at SoNA’s 217 E. Dickson St. office. Hours are flexible.

Hours: ~ 40 hours per week, including some evenings and weekends.

Compensation: salaried at $45,000 - $50,000 per year depending on experience. Benefits include QSEHRA health plan, retirement benefits, 2 weeks paid vacation, and paid professional development opportunities.

JOB DUTIES

Responsibilities include:

• Plan and execute the annual membership and annual fund campaigns, including designing the campaign, procuring materials, executing a mail and e-mail campaign.

• Effectively write and edit high-quality donor communications that demonstrate deep knowledge of our programs and mission.

• Maintain the stewardship of donors under $2,000.

• Maintain the donor database and execute prompt acknowledgement of donations.

• Conduct research on high-net-worth donors and prospects and maintain a prospect list.

• Plan and execute the organization’s annual gala and assist with the planning and execution of other fundraising events and public programs, ensuring necessary follow-up after fundraising events.

• Support and interface with the Board Development and Special Events Committees as needed.

• Assist with institutional and foundation fundraising efforts, including grant research and writing, maintain a grants calendar, compile reports, and prepare organizational documents for foundation submission, as directed by the Executive Director.

• Compile donor lists for the annual report and participate in the creation of the annual report as needed.

• Attendance as a SoNA representative at most organizational performances, and important regional/ organizational partner events.

• Other responsibilities as assigned. 

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent; at least two or more years of related experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience. The ideal candidate will possess excellent written and verbal communication skills, be self-directed, and demonstrate a strong ability to work well with a wide range of individuals and groups. Proficiency with donor databases and prior experience with foundational and individual giving is highly desirable. Applicants should possess the ability to exercise independent judgment and take initiative. Experience/familiarity with classical music and arts & culture a plus. A deep interest and understanding of workplace and organizational equity, diversity, and inclusion highly desired. 

ORGANIZATIONAL INCLUSION

SoNA welcomes individuals of all ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, religious beliefs, and backgrounds to apply to join our team, and strives to be an equitable and pleasant workplace for all. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demand described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. SoNA encourages neuro-diverse and individuals with disabilities to apply. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand and reach with hand and arms. The employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk and sit. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.