Description: The Vermont Symphony Orchestra Development Director is responsible for the contributed revenue of this $2.2M statewide arts organization, now in its 90th season. This position creates and implements a strategic plan to generate contributed revenue, all fundraising research, relationships, events, and reporting, and serves as a public-facing representative of the organization. The position includes a competitive salary ($80-$90K p/a), paid holiday, personal, and sick leave, single payer health insurance, short- and long-term disability, life and AD&D insurance, retirement contribution match, and parking in downtown Burlington.
The successful candidate will need to be based within reasonable driving distance of Burlington, VT.
The VSO’s next Development Director has worked in philanthropy for at least five years. This person is self-motivated, professional, and an excellent communicator who is excited to connect donors with the VSO’s music and education programs. The ideal candidate will have a successful track record of major gift solicitations, corporate relations, and grant writing with volunteer management as a plus.
VSO’s next Development Director is a collaborative professional with fastidious attention to detail, the ability to follow through on plans, take ownership of projects and is a long-range thinker who can creatively match VSO’s work with donor desires. They have a basic familiarity with classical music but love music of all kinds. They exemplify strong project management skills, are motivated by working in a small statewide arts environment and demonstrate discretion. A strong cultural understanding of Vermont is a plus, and a working knowledge of Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, WordPress, Constant Contact, Canva and Neon (or similar donor software program) is helpful.
Working conditions and physical demands: VSO administrative offices in downtown Burlington, VT are only accessible by stairs. Essential job functions include working both indoors and outdoors at a wide variety of venues with different levels of accessibility, the ability to lift at least 20 lbs., and the ability to drive a car (with ownership of/access to a reliable vehicle and possession of a valid drivers license).
Now in its 90th year, the Vermont Symphony Orchestra is based in Burlington, Vermont with year-round concerts and education programs statewide. The VSO appointed its fifth Music Director, Andrew Crust, in 2023 and the organization is staffed by four full time and four part time positions, with a contracted union musician base of 54. The VSO is overseen by a 17-member Board of Directors. More information can be found at www.vso.org.
