Director of Corporate Giving & Sponsorships

Director of Corporate Giving & Sponsorships

Immediate Opening January 2025

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Director of Corporate Giving & Sponsorships is responsible for securing and increasing corporate gifts and sponsorships for the North Carolina Symphony’s artistic and educational programming, special events, and special campaigns. The Director develops and executes the overall strategy and plan for corporate giving, manages a portfolio of current and prospective corporate donors, and is responsible for meeting annual corporate revenue goals, currently at $800,000. This position reports to the Vice President of Philanthropy.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Secure a minimum of $800,000 in contributed revenue annually, and provide strategic direction and leadership for long-term growth of the Symphony’s corporate giving program, in collaboration with the Vice President of Philanthropy
• Develop and implement comprehensive annual giving and fulfillment plans for the Symphony’s corporate donors, including identifying, qualifying, cultivating, soliciting, closing gifts, recognizing, and stewarding corporations statewide, to achieve annual revenue goals and strengthen the prospect pipeline
• Manage a portfolio of corporate donors for renewal and prospects for support

• Establish and maintain strategic relationships with corporate donors through calls, visits, and hosting at concerts, music education programs, and special events
• Establish and meet goals for face-to-face contacts, solicitations, and gifts closed
• Identify, track, and leverage trustee linkages to corporate donors, prospects, and other influential individuals
• Collaborate with and involve the President & CEO, Vice President of Philanthropy, trustees, and members of local chapter boards in strategy development, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records on contact reports, solicitations, follow-up, stewardship, reporting, and research, in the database and electronic and hard files

• Implement a robust calendar of internal and external deadlines for research and discovery, tailored sponsorship proposals and applications, interim and final reports, and recognition and benefits
  • Plan and achieve monthly and quarterly revenue targets; track progress toward goals; and provide status updates to the Vice President of Philanthropy and the President & CEO
• Serve as an ambassador for the North Carolina Symphony in business, civic, and philanthropic communities
• Based on industry best practices and data, develop, design, and test strategies to increase corporate support

• Work collaboratively with the President & CEO, the Vice President of Philanthropy, and the Philanthropy team to set fundraising goals, develop overall fundraising strategies and spending plans, and manage outcomes for success

• Attend concerts and events, and perform concert duty and other responsibilities or assignments as required

QUALIFICATIONS:

• At least 3 to 5 years of progressively responsible nonprofit fundraising or related experience, with a confirmed record of success, preferably with a performing arts or cultural institution
• Demonstrated success in identifying, qualifying, cultivating, soliciting, closing gifts, and stewarding corporate donors and prospects, and a track record of success in personally achieving or exceeding annual fundraising goals of at least $500,000
• Knowledge of current corporate giving landscape and trends
• Demonstrated success partnering with trustees and community leaders to achieve fundraising goals
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal), strong organizational skills, and experienced in research and analysis
• Desire to work in a fast-paced, collaborative, and supportive work environment where innovation and initiative are valued
• Must be able to support and implement the mission, vision, and values of the North Carolina Symphony; knowledge of and interest in orchestral music
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs, Zoom, and donor databases
• Ability to travel in North Carolina and work outside traditional office hours
• Bachelor’s degree required

OTHER CONISDERATIONS: 

• Applicants must be authorized to legally work in the U.S. and independently maintain such authorization.  The NCS is unable to sponsor or to assume sponsorship of an employment Visa.
• Because driving between worksites and to various locations may be a central function of the position, administrative staff must maintain a valid driver’s license and have reliable transportation.

The North Carolina Symphony values diversity in backgrounds and experiences. Individuals are encouraged to apply even if they do not meet every requirement.  We expect that the ideal candidate will exhibit many of the listed requirements, skills, and competencies.  We also consider a combination of experience, proficiency, and transferrable skills when considering a position submission.