Description

MANAGED BY  Executive Director
RESPONSIBLE FOR Current and Potential Contributed Income 

SALARY    Competitive and commensurate with experience

ABOUT THE SUZUKI SCHOOLS

The Suzuki Music Schools is a nonprofit 501c3 organization with locations in Westport and Orange. It offers a rounded music curriculum for all ages (birth through adult) rooted in the philosophy and techniques of Dr. Shinichi Suzuki. It promotes arts and culture, maintaining a community calendar of performances as well as educational and charity events. Financial aid is given to promote a diverse student profile. The school collaborates with other regional nonprofits to promote education and immersion in the arts.

OVERVIEW OF POSITION

The Development Officer is part of the Suzuki Schools of Westport and Orange’s (the School) Leadership Team. Reporting to and in partnership with the Executive Director (ED), the Development Officer will spearhead development efforts, working directly with the ED and an engaged Board of Directors (Board) to manage the school’s networking and fundraising capabilities and increase its contributed income. As a new role in the organization, the Development Officer will have the opportunity to build new development systems and expand the fundraising  function of a dynamic and growing organization over time by:

Initially setting up operational infrastructure for new internal development function; then
expanding individual giving, foundation support, and corporate partnerships;
driving strategy across annual giving, major gifts, grants, and sponsorships;
partnering closely with leadership and the Board to unlock new opportunities; and
helping position the Suzuki Schools of Westport and Orange for long-term sustainability and growth, surpassing national standards for comparable community schools of the arts.

Requirements

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Operations & Team Leadership
Strategize and build a new donor management infrastructure that supports long-term growth
During infrastructure build, and once operational, oversee and optimize development and development-related knowledge management workstreams , including processing donations, tracking data, donor and donation reporting, acknowledgment letters, fulfillment of stakeholder information requests, and other key operational responsibilities, including reporting internally and to Board on agreed metrics

Strategic Fundraising Leadership
In partnership with the ED and the Board, design and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy aligned with organizational priorities
Partner with the ED and Board on cultivation and solicitation
Serve as a visible ambassador for the School at events and in the wider community
Actively help shape long-range development planning and upcoming Capital Campaign process

Donor Engagement
Build and grow a portfolio of major individual donors
Ensure that donors and prospects have a personalized and meaningful stewardship experience
Lead annual giving efforts, including appeals

Grants & Institutional Support
Identify and secure funding from private and public foundations and institutional partners, working with Leadership Team to create new grant strategy, manage nascent pipeline, and submit grant applications
Track and complete all grant reporting requirements

Events & Partnerships
Oversee and elevate a portfolio of high-profile fundraising events, including Annual Gala, donor thank you and cultivation events, including events hosted by Board members where required
Drive corporate sponsorship strategy and execution, expanding sponsorship and underwriting opportunities across programs and events

Board Partnership
Work closely with the Board of Directors and Development Committee, Finance Committee, Finance Committee, and future Campaign subcommittee
Support Board engagement and participation in fundraising

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

BA (required) with MA and/or management/leadership experience preferred
Five+ years experience in development, including front-facing role with major donors
Demonstrated excellence in organizational, managerial, and communication skills
Excellent writing skills, including demonstrated experience with grant-writing and reporting
Proficient knowledge of Raiser's Edge, Hubspot, and/or equivalent CMS system
Demonstrated event planning capabilities
Experience with music and education organizations beneficial
Familiarity with AI tools and workflows is a plus