Director of Development Jobs

About This Music Career

The Director of Development has the tough task of motivating people to donate money to the orchestra. They can do this in a number of ways including coordinating annual giving activities and capital campaigns for donors and potential donors. With this, the Director of Development will develop special events and programs to financially support the orchestra. Such events include direct mail campaigns, telephone and telethon fund-raisers, balls, dinners, or cocktail parties.

Heavy research in the form of questionnaires and surveys is also involved so the Director of Development can reach those who are interested in fund-raisers. To have the best opportunity to raise funds, the Director of Development should have strong public contacts. On a daily basis, the Director works closely with the Director of Public Relations and the Orchestra's Manager. In terms of who works for who, the Director of Development usually reports to either the Orchestra Manager or the Managing Director, while also sometimes being responsible to the Board of Directors. Acting as a liaison, the Director of Development connects donors to orchestra management, making sure to inform management of anything that might be impacting donations.

It is also common for the Director of Development to work with volunteers, attempting to involve them in fund raising activities like auctions, dinners, dances and other benefits held by the orchestra. Also, word of mouth isn't enough, as the Director of Development creates printed fund-raising literature including brochure, pamphlets and programs. Audio visual formats are also created by the Director of Development, as they attempt to spread the word through slide shows, films and other things.

Aside from donations, a large amount of money is raised through grants, foundations, and endowments for the arts. Thus, the Director of Development must remain knowledgeable on such opportunities. He or she should know how to apply for grants and write proposals, and must know how to follow up. In terms of other skills, he or she must be enthusiastic for the orchestra's cause.

Salaries
The orchestra's size and fund-raising goals usually dictate how much the Director of Development is paid. Those working for smaller orchestras will usually start out earning $25,000 per year, while Directors of larger orchestras will have greater responsibilities and will probably earn up to $90,000 or more.

Employment
Due to large turnover in the field, Directors of Development who produce results are usually in demand. With that said, there is turnover due to failure by many to satisfy the goal of the Board of Directors - many boards are impatient and don't realize that it takes time to get results.

Advancement
Because it is difficult to get results, those who can, will move ahead to a Development position with a more prestigious orchestra. Also, he or she may also try to advance by moving into an Orchestra Manager position.

Education and Training

Directors of Development are not always required to hold college or music school degrees, but they are often preferred. Degrees in arts administration or management are usually the most useful, and plenty of colleges offer such programs. Courses that help include marketing, public relations, and business.

Experience, Skills, and Personality
Many get their start in fund-raising by acting as a club or organization chairperson. These individuals are enthusiastic about fundraising, and look for careers that involve fundraising. Directors of Development need to be persuasive, but not offensive or overly aggressive. They know the methods bring in potential donations, and they know how to motivate others to volunteer.

Unions and Associations
The American Symphony Orchestra League (ASOL) is the union most Directors would belong to. In addition, there is the Associated Council of the Arts, and/or local arts councils.

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