Associate Director of Individual Giving

Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras (Positively Partners)

Job Description

THE POSITION

Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras (BYSO) firmly believes in the power of high-quality classical music experiences to change lives. At BYSO, students receive a transformative music education through our nationally renowned orchestras and outreach programs- an education that is rooted in excellence develops life-long skills such as self-confidence, team-work, and leadership.

To support these efforts, BYSO is seeking a motivated, experienced fundraiser to carry out the organization’s robust annual giving program (including annual fund and leadership gifts), alumni relations plan, parent engagement strategy- as donors and as fundraisers, and planned giving initiatives. This position will also oversee the team that develops and executes all individual donor events, including BSYO’s annual gala. As our Associate Director of Individual Giving, you will be a part of a growing team of fundraisers that support BYSO’s expanding operations. You will report to BYSO’s Director of Development and manage a small team of full and part-time employees.

We seek candidates with an in-depth knowledge of the non-profit sector, understanding of the cycle of donor research, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship, who have experience building and managing a donor plan, and will be comfortable and confident with face to face solicitations of $1,000+. We seek creative energy that will manifest in ideas and thoughtful strategy--and the skills to ensure successful implementation.

The BYSO is a positive, dynamic, inclusive and nurturing environment for both our student population and our staff. With very rigorous fundraising goals and an open mind about how to reach them, the BYSO offers a tremendous opportunity for a motivated fundraiser. Knowing its importance to the success of our work, BYSO is committed to diversity and inclusion, and we aspire to build a diverse staff team and community. We strongly encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Lead BYSO’s Annual Fund strategy including identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of individual donors under $5,000 (includes BYSO parents, alumni, ticket buyers, friends)
  • Manage Portfolio of 40-50 Leadership Donors ($1,000-$5,000) including identification, research, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship
  • Actively pursue all prospects and make qualification visits to identify and engage new individuals capable of making a gift to BYSO
  • Oversee donor stewardship, including the thank you/acknowledgment process, stewardship events and other donor communications
  • Create and execute the Annual Fund Plan which includes working closely with volunteers, committees and staff members to raise $400,000 annually, managing all written and online communication and overseeing the expense tracking and budgeting associated with the fund
  • Organize and activate key volunteer groups such as the BYSO Council and Alumni Ambassadors
  • Supervise the day to day work of the Development Associate, the Senior Development Manager (and all direct reports) and their critical work to support the carrying out of the Annual Fund Plan and donor event management
  • Enhance BYSO’s Planned Giving strategy and work with Director of Development to implement it
  • Develop and maintain familiarity with BYSO programs, participants and priorities to develop written, digital, video and social media content


QUALIFICATIONS & MINDSET

There are innumerable ways to learn, grow and excel professionally. We respect this when we review applications and take a broad look at the experience of each applicant. We want to get to know you and the unique strengths you will bring to the work. This said, we are most likely to be interested in your candidacy if you can demonstrate the majority of the qualifications and experiences listed below:

  • 5+ years of professional experience in development, stewardship, advancement services or relatedSignificant experience working with annual fund management and individual giving
  • Strong sales-orientation; proven ability to prospect as well as close funding opportunities
  • Strategic thinking skills with an ability to use data to make decisions and translate strategy to action
  • Superior verbal and written communication skills with an ability to articulate a clear and compelling vision and lead others to implement it, appropriately manage sensitive and confidential information
  • Exceptional interpersonal skills, enthusiasm for developing productive working relationships across a wide variety of individuals and groups, both internally and externally
  • Flexible and nimble approach to creating fundraising opportunities and developing strategy
  • Proficient (or highly adaptable) in using Raiser’s Edge or similar donor database software
  • Experience prioritizing and managing multiple, diverse and on-going projects, ability to focus on big picture ideas as well as the many details of project management and staff supervision
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Word, Excel and PowerPoint
  • Ability and willingness to occasionally work evenings or weekends for events, donor meetings, etc.
  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution strongly preferred; significant experience and an outstanding level of success in fundraising from individual donors may be considered in lieu of degree
 

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

The salary for this role is $75,000-$85,000 annual. BYSO offers a compensation package that is commensurate with experience and includes benefits such as a health insurance stipend and generous vacation and sick time. Full benefits information is listed here.

 

MAKING THE DECISION TO APPLY

 To apply for this role, please submit a resume and thoughtful cover letter using the application portal run by our recruiting partner, Positively Partners.


This is a full time, hybrid remote role located at the Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras’ headquarters on the Boston University campus in Allston, MA. BYSO takes health precautions seriously and adjusts to a fully remote model when necessary. The expectation is that the Associate Director of Individual Giving will be in the office two or more days per week when safety and circumstances allow. BYSO requires all employees to have received a COVID vaccination and booster if eligible in accordance with guidelines set by Boston University. You can find the most up to date information on current policies here.

 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

BYSO is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, height, weight, or marital status in employment or the provision of services. Knowing its importance to the success of our work, BYSO is committed to diversity and inclusion, and we aspire to build a diverse staff team and community.