REPORTS TO: President and CEO

DIRECT REPORTS: Associate Vice President, Philanthropy and Senior Director, Campaign and Stewardship

POSITION SUMMARY

The Vice President and Chief Philanthropy Officer (CPO) serves as a key leadership team member and an active participant in making strategic decisions affecting the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra (SLSO). The CPO will create and sustain a culture of philanthropy, serving as a key partner and thought leader with the CEO to engage the Board and Advisory Council, and lead the staff and volunteers in the implementation of a near and long-term fund development strategy that advances the SLSO in delivering on its mission.

The CPO will excel in forging relationships that build the organization’s visibility, impact, and financial resources. The CPO will design and manage a comprehensive plan that aligns and leverages staff and volunteer relationships with current and prospective donors, deepening relationships and driving philanthropic revenues.   They will lead and manage the comprehensive philanthropy strategy, using research and metrics to engage new foundations, corporations, and individual donors, and to secure increased investment from current donors. The CPO will lead all donor communications strategies, crafting a compelling case for support, in alignment with the SLSO brand, and enforcing consistent messaging across all donor communication platforms.

The CPO will have primary responsibility for establishing and implementing the infrastructure needed to support a $32M budget, grow the $8M Annual Fund and oversee a Capital Campaign effort to renovate and expand Powell Hall, the SLSO’s home in Grand Center. The SLSO Philanthropy program engages a comprehensive range of development activities including the solicitation of leadership and major gifts, annual giving, legacy giving, corporate and foundation support and sponsorship, government- based grants, and special events. The CPO will excel in attracting, retaining and mentoring a high-performing staff team to achieve ambitious fundraising goals, to build development systems, policies and processes that support best practices in all aspects of fund solicitation and donor stewardship.

This position reports to the CEO, supervises all philanthropy team staff through two direct reports (Associate VP, Philanthropy and Senior Director, Stewardship and Campaign) and serves as a development resource throughout the organization. This position requires a creative, collaborative and results-oriented leader whose passion for the SLSO and music is matched with strong leadership, outstanding interpersonal skills, crisp decision-making in the face of complex challenges, and a proven track record of non-profit fundraising.

SCOPE OF POSITION

Leadership:

·       Formulate short- and long-term goals driving the fundraising needs of the organization. Develop actionable strategies for meeting and exceeding fundraising goals for annual giving, campaign, and legacy giving efforts through individual support and through foundation, corporate, and public sector investment.

·       Working with the President and CEO, Orchestra Board leadership and the executive team, provide strategy, leadership and analysis to support the future success of the SLSO.

·       Develop philanthropy strategies and oversee all SLSO fundraising programs and stewardship efforts, as well as the Symphony Volunteer Association (SVA), the Campaign Task Force and Cabinet, the Philanthropy Committee and all board committees and task forces formed in support of philanthropic goals.

·       Manage, organize, and direct the development team to best approach a comprehensive philanthropic program.

Management:

·       Analyze revenue and fundraising trends to build a progressively successful philanthropic program. Discover new and potentially promising revenue sources.

·       Cultivate and steward major donor relationships through responsive communication, updates and invitations.

·       Exercise exceptional time management skills and meet fundraising deadlines.

·       Demonstrate exceptional communication and relationship-development skills. Motivate staff and volunteer teams to cohesive, results-oriented action.

·       Establish budget-related performance measures, monitor results, and evaluate and improve the fund development program.

·       Assure design and accuracy of philanthropic database records, gift management systems, and informational reports.

Community Impact:

·       Work with a wide variety of potential donors and supporters, relying on strong interpersonal skills.

·       Speak publicly as a key SLSO representative and increase awareness through outreach efforts in support of SLSO’s media relation efforts.

·       Help identify, cultivate, recruit, train, and develop fundraising volunteers and leadership.

Organization/Board Resource Development:

·       Maintain accountability and ensure compliance with all regulations and laws, as well as the code of ethics for fundraising professionals.

·       Ensure that all philanthropy and fund development activities align with the organization’s values, mission, vision, and plans.

·       Participate with the CEO, staff and board in charting the organization’s course in fund development and governance. Lead the efforts of the Philanthropy Committee, the Leadership Circle Committee, the Campaign Task Force and Cabinet and all other board committees and task forces created in support of philanthropic efforts.

·       Keep informed of developments in philanthropy and fund development as well as management and the not-for-profit sector; recommend policy positions concerning fund development.

POSITION QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

·       Bachelor’s degree in a related field. Advanced degree preferred.

·       10 years of direct experience and a proven track record in the leadership of a major, comprehensive fund development program. At least 7 years of supervisory experience, with a proven track record of successful management and retention of employees and experience establishing goals and metrics to evaluate strategies and team effectiveness.

·       Knowledge of orchestral music and performing arts is preferred.

·       Strategic thinker and proven fundraiser with strong organizational and budgeting skills.

·       Ability to engender the trust and confidence of the CEO, board members, senior leadership team, staff, and donors in achieving fully integrated philanthropy across the organization.

·       Display a proven ability to lead staff through a department transition, including planning and organizing, evaluation and analysis, effective decision-making, motivating and supervising staff. Exemplary ability to delegate assignments to subordinate staff. Ability to work in a collaborative setting with a strong senior management team.

·       Ability to perform difficult, highly complex, or highly technical projects. Requires broad conceptual judgment and initiative and to work with extremely sensitive and confidential data of major importance where utmost integrity is required.

·       Exceptional skills in written and verbal communications and the ability to convey ideas that motivate and inspire others to action.

·       Proficiency in the use of computer-based fundraising management tools, Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint. Tessitura proficiency strongly preferred. Ability to embrace new technology.

APPLICATION PROCESS:
Along with your resume, please include a letter of interest that details your background leading major fund development programs, philanthropic strategies, and large groups of people. This position includes a competitive salary commensurate with experience and generous benefit package. Please include your salary expectations in your letter.

About the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra

Celebrated as one of today’s most exciting and enduring orchestras, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra is the second-oldest orchestra in the country, marking its 144th year with the 2023/2024 season and its fifth with Stéphane Denève, The Joseph and Emily Rauh Pulitzer Music Director. Widely considered one of the leading American orchestras, the Grammy® Award-winning SLSO maintains its commitment to artistic excellence, educational impact, and community collaborations—all in service to its mission of enriching lives through the power of music. 

The core of the SLSO’s artistic foundation is its dynamic partnership with Denève, whose energetic musicianship, visionary storytelling, and collaborative spirit have created stronger connections with local and visiting artists, as well as advanced the SLSO’s role as a leader in music education. The SLSO musical family also includes two resident choruses: the St. Louis Symphony Chorus, founded in 1976, performs choral-orchestral music from the Baroque era to today; and the St. Louis Symphony IN UNISON Chorus, founded in 1994, focuses on the performance and preservation of music from the African diaspora. The St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra, founded by Conductor Laureate Leonard Slatkin in 1970, is the region’s premiere training orchestra for high school and college students.

In March 2023, the SLSO broke ground on a 65,000-square foot expansion and renovation of the orchestra’s home, Powell Hall—the first major renovation project at the historic Grand Center building since it became the SLSO's permanent home in 1968. Led by the internationally acclaimed architecture firm Snøhetta, the project will transform the audience and artistic experience while protecting Powell Hall's historic character and celebrated acoustics, creating a state-of-the art center for community, innovation, and powerful music experiences. While construction is underway, the SLSO will perform throughout the community. The revitalized Powell Hall will open in 2025 to coincide with the building's centennial.

An integral part of the vibrant St. Louis community, the SLSO enjoys a long history of robust and enduring artistic collaborations with individuals and organizations locally and around the world. Orchestra musicians share dozens of education and community performances throughout the region each year at medical facilities, places of worship, community centers, and schools. For 20 years, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra: Live at the Pulitzer?series has highlighted today’s leading musical voices through innovative performances in collaboration with, and reaction to the exhibitions at, the Pulitzer Arts Foundation. The SLSO has served as the resident orchestra for Opera Theatre of Saint Louis for more than 45 years. The orchestra also continues to foster new artistic collaborations, including a chamber music collaboration with The Sheldon in 2023/2024, as well as regular partnerships with The Muny, The Big Muddy Dance Company, the Saint Louis Art Museum, and others. Beyond the St. Louis region, the SLSO's impact is realized through Saturday night concert broadcasts on St. Louis Public Radio and Classic 107.3, acclaimed recordings, regular touring activity, and a digital portfolio that includes a robust online education platform with curriculum materials, interactive programs, activities, and learning opportunities for all ages.

Since the arrival of Marie-Hélène Bernard as President and CEO in 2015, the SLSO has aligned its mission to make music more accessible, while fostering a culture welcoming to all. Building on its momentum, the SLSO serves as a convener of individuals, creators, and ideas, and is committed to building community through compelling and inclusive musical experiences. As it continues its longstanding focus on equity, diversity, inclusion, and access, the SLSO embraces its strengths as a responsive, nimble organization, while investing in partnerships locally and elevating its presence globally. For more information, visit slso.org.