Director of Development and Advancement

Position Description

The Choir School of Delaware (CSD) provides a lifeline for Wilmington students and their families. More than just a choir, the Choir School serves as “a community center that sings.” We create a more equitable Wilmington by providing year-round academic support, opportunities for identity formation, superior music education, and access to community resources. The Choir School’s programming addresses the underlying and root causes of generational poverty and socioeconomic disparities. The Choir School acknowledges systemic inequity and works to remove barriers to success.

The Director of Development and Advancement (DDA) is responsible for the overall fundraising and development initiatives of CSD. The DDA reports to the Director of Music and Operations (DMO) and works with the CSD Development committee to perform duties and responsibilities. 

The DDA seeks to create and sustain a culture of philanthropy in the organization; and to ensure annual and long-term revenue goals are met, including:

• The Annual Fund
• The Endowment Fund
• Special Projects (choir tours, summer camp, and capital projects)

The ideal candidate is a seasoned development professional with demonstrated success in leading integrated (traditional and web-based/digital) development campaigns for a social service nonprofit with proven results, outstanding fundraising experience, and superior communications skills.

Key Tasks & Responsibilities

1. Research and submit grant proposals and reports to foundations, corporations, government entities, and other community-based organizations.
2. Plan and evaluate fundraising campaigns and activities.
3. Identify and steward prospective donors using prospect research tools.
4. Communicate with donors the impact of their gifts promptly.
5. Manage donor database (DonorPerfect).
6. Manage planned giving.
7. Develop, maintain, and execute a development plan in collaboration with the staff and board members.
8. Share the impact of CSD programming with community partners, business leaders, corporations, foundations, and government officials.
9. Draft appeal letters.
10. Ensure that CSD’s events are made accessible to parents members of the community that it serves.
11. Plan and execute fundraising events including, but not limited to, the Annual Gala Concert, Fundraising Breakfast, and  Thank You Luncheon for donors.
12. Compile and maintain a listing of restricted funds and their expenditures.

General Responsibilities

1. Support the Staff as needed with ongoing activities and operational needs.
2. Attend community events as a representative of CSD
3. Seek out professional development and networking opportunities.

Qualifications

1. Bachelor’s degree with 5-7 years of nonprofit fundraising experience, with demonstrated success soliciting major gifts from individuals. (CFRE certification is desired).
2. Passion for championing equity and the mission of CSD.
3. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
4. Exceptional knowledge of Microsoft Suite and GSuite.
5. Experience measuring data and outcomes to determine the success of programming and efficacy of fundraising campaigns.
6. Ability to work well in a diverse group.
7. Donor database management experience.
8. Works efficiently independently and in collaboration with teams.

Salary and Benefits

Competitive salary ($65,000-70,000) and benefits including health, dental retirement, and vacation.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Choir School of Delaware is is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees without regard to gender, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or gender expression.

To Apply:

Please send resume, cover letter, and references to careers@choirschoolofdelaware.org. Please also be prepared to provide two writing samples if requested.

Qualifications

• A minimum of a Bachelor Degree required. A degree in music education is desired.
• 3-5 years of music education/teaching experience required.
• A teaching certificate required.
• Delaware First certification will be required within 90 days of employment.
• Experience working with under-served children and their families.
• Strong knowledge and commitment to the Danielson framework for effective instruction.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Committed to the value of music and mentoring.
• Highly organized, detail oriented and self-motivated.
• Team oriented.

Position Type

Full-time @ 40 hours per week.