Development Manager

Position Title: Development Manager
Location: McAllen, TX
Reports to: Executive Director
Compensation: Commensurate with experience
Benefits: 100% employer-paid individual health insurance, paid vacation, paid sick leave. Cell phone stipend. Vision, dental, and other voluntary benefits are available through provider.

Position Overview:
The Valley Symphony Orchestra (VSO) seeks a Development Manager to become an integral member of the organization’s entrepreneurial management team, supporting the Music Director and an ensemble of 75+ musicians, plus a dedicated Board of Directors and other key constituents. The role is responsible for managing and implementing fundraising initiatives that support the financial sustainability and growth of the organization. Critical functions include building and maintaining relationships with a broad range of stakeholders, including major donors, corporate sponsors, foundations, grantmakers, community members, and more. This position will also lead efforts for special fundraising events, such as the annual gala, working in close collaboration with a committee plus board and staff.

This opportunity comes at a very exciting time in the history of the organization; Maestro Peter Dabrowski’s 25th Anniversary in the upcoming season followed by the Symphony’s 75th Anniversary in 2026/27. Both milestones will assist in guiding development and fundraising strategies to maximize growth potential over the next couple of years and beyond.

Preferred Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, or similar educational background.
• Minimum of three to five years of fundraising or development experience (or related field) with a proven track record of researching, engaging, soliciting, and maintaining relationships with stakeholders.
• Administrative or marketing support in the nonprofit, entertainment, or performing arts industry, along with event production or event management.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, etc), Google Workspace, and other related database or CMS software, particularly in the donor management space.
• Basic to intermediate level graphic design and layout skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, attention to detail, and a friendly, positive, and customer service oriented spirit that can effectively interact with a diverse range of personalities.
• Ability to work independently and in collaboration with other team members, manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as required for concerts, events, or meetings.
• Reliable means of transportation including car, valid driver's license, and auto insurance.
• Strong passion for the arts in the Rio Grande Valley and beyond.
• Fluency or a high level of oral and written Spanish is a bonus.

Essential duties and responsibilities:

• Donor & Sponsor Relations: Manage and build a portfolio of donors, sponsors, partners, and more, ensuring effective cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship to achieve annual and multi-year goals. Implement donor/sponsor acknowledgement and recognition programs to foster long term support.
• Annual Fund Campaigns: Develop and execute annual fund campaigns, including direct mail, email, and digital/online giving strategies to achieve annual and multi-year goals. Monitor and analyze the success of campaigns and make data-driven recommendations for improvement.
• Special Events: Plan and executive major fundraising events, such as our annual Bravo! VSO Gala. Coordinate event logistics, manage event committees and 3rd party vendors, and ensure fundraising goals are met while adhering to budget and expense allocations.
• Grants: Lead the effort to write and submit grant proposals and manage the grant application process, including reporting and compliance. Coordinate the identification, research, and application process for grants from foundations, corporations, and governmental agencies.
• Database Management & Reporting: Maintain accurate records in the donor database, ensuring all interactions and contributions are recorded with proper acknowledgement and receipts issued. Generate reports and analyze data to inform fundraising strategy and track progress towards goals.
• Community Networking: Represent the VSO at community events and networking functions to build relationships and increase organizational visibility. Foster partnerships with like minded community organizations to enhance outreach and impact.
• Collaboration: Work closely with the Executive Director and other team members as needed to ensure cohesive and aligned fundraising efforts.
• Other duties as assigned.

How to apply:
Interested candidates should send a cover letter (no longer than one page), resume, list of three professional references, and desired annual salary to jobs@valleysymphony.org with the subject line: VSO Development Manager Application.

Position opens for applications on April 28, 2025 and will be open until filled. Ideal start date of June or July 2025.

Organizational overview:
The Valley Symphony Orchestra (VSO), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in McAllen, TX, celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2021-22 and is now entering its 74th year of live symphonic performances. The VSO staff is responsible for the marketing, producing, fundraising, financial management, and administration of the organization. Under the baton of Dr. Carl Seale, the orchestra was established as a student and community ensemble at the University of Texas - Pan American, a legacy institution of the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, and has since developed into an all professional ensemble under the direction of Maestro Peter Dabrowski. Historically, VSO performances have provided the only consistent symphonic outlet available in South Texas and have been met with enthusiastic community support and appreciation. The Valley Symphony Orchestra is a resident ensemble at the McAllen Performing Arts Center, the City’s state-of-the-art performance hall that opened in 2017. Annually, the VSO presents five to six masterworks concerts, educational concerts, several special chamber and community events, plus Bravo! VSO, their annual fundraising gala.

The Valley Symphony Orchestra is an equal opportunity employer.