Director of Development

Job Title: Director of Development 

Reports To:  Executive Director                       FLSA Status: Full-time, Exempt 
 
Date: November 2024 

Application Deadline: December 5, 2024 

About DCYOP:  
The DC Youth Orchestra Program (DCYOP) mission is music for young people and achievement for life. Our goals are to provide quality music instruction and performance opportunities for young people across the full diversity of the DC metropolitan area, develop a Youth Orchestra capable of competing successfully at national and international levels, and instill in our students the discipline and focus necessary to succeed academically and musically. 

DCYOP's vision is to offer the highest quality, diverse music education program, with our top orchestra emblematic of the District of Columbia. We seek to help define the future of music education in DC by ensuring that every student who desires music education has reasonable access. 

DCYOP employee benefits include: 

• Employer-paid Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance for employee 

• 11 Paid Holidays 

• 2 Floating Holidays Paid Winter and Summer Break 

• 15 Paid Vacation Days and 6 Paid Sick Days 

• Life and Disability Insurance 

• Simple IRA with Employer Matching 

• Health Club Reimbursement 

Job Description:  
The DC Youth Orchestra Program (DCYOP) seeks an experienced Director of Development to join our team. This is a full-time, exempt position. The Director of Development sets DCYOP’s contributed revenue strategy and is responsible for strategizing, planning, and executing a fundraising program that generates over $1.8 million from foundations, individuals, corporations, and government sources. Working closely with the Executive Director, the Director of Development is a member of DCYOP’s leadership team and works with DCYOP’s Board of Directors. They will supervise the Development Associate and oversee a contracted grant writer. 

We are committed to fostering an environment where everyone feels included and can perform at their best. This role will be crucial in advancing the program, guaranteeing its scalability, sustainability, and long-term success. 

Salary: $100,000 - $120,000, based on experience. The position offers a hybrid work environment. 

Competencies:   
This job announcement covers essential duties and key responsibilities of this position but is not all-encompassing. Duties may change over time. The Director of Development will also perform other duties as assigned. 

Organizational Leadership – 15% 
Manages DCYOP’s fundraising strategy and political and organizational connections, serves as organization representative, and contributes to thought leadership and advocacy.

Fundraising Management & Operations - 30% 
Develops and implements a comprehensive fundraising plan to expand the organization's philanthropic support. This includes identifying and strengthening relationships with community stakeholders, ensuring consistent messaging, and serving as the main point of contact for fundraising. 

Donor Cultivation & Stewardship – 30% 
Develops and manages relationships with donors and external stakeholders, sets and manages major gift objectives and goals, and facilitates donor engagement events. 

Board Cultivation and Executive Director Support – 20% 
Leads annual board-giving strategy, supports Executive Director with Board engagement and acquisition of new Board members, and is accountable for meeting Board committee goals and objectives. 

Other – 5% 
Attends required meetings, supports the DCYOP Saturday program, assists with recruitment, contributes to summer tours and events, helps with DCYOP merchandise design and sales, and fulfills other responsibilities as needed. 

Supervisory Responsibilities:    
Direct reports: Development Associate, Grant Writer, and other staff or volunteers in the development department. Is responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of this department. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.  

Education: 
Bachelor’s degree in a related field. 

Experience: 
Bachelor’s degree with 7+ years of front-line fundraising experience, successfully soliciting five-figure gifts, and 3-4 years of experience in event planning, implementation, and strategic planning. 

Other required experience: 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams) and other internet-based applications, including Zoom and Google. Database management experience. 

• Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills. 

• Superior project management and time management skills 

• Strong knowledge and understanding of current trends in digital media/social media. 

• High level of integrity, trust, and accountability along with excellent judgment, intuition, and common sense, as well as the right blend of professional confidence with a keen sense of diplomacy 

• Collaborative, team-oriented work style with self-motivation and drive to get the job done. 

• Thorough knowledge of the funding landscape and philanthropic sector. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Experience working in education or the arts 

• Familiarity with the DC funding landscape 

• Knowledge of graphic design, layout, and professional printing/publishing. 

• Knowledge and understanding of marketing and communications practice strategies. 

• Interest in orchestral music and music education 

Important Characteristics and Traits:  

• Commitment to Mission and Values  

• Strategic Leadership and Initiative  

• Exceptional Communication and Relationship Management 

• Project Management and Attention to Detail 

• Creative and Collaborative Problem-Solver 

• Organizational and Cultural Contributor 

Travel: 
Approximately 20% of this position requires travel. Travel may be domestic or international, specifically for training, conferences, performances, program tours, recruitment, or other relevant events. Most travel will occur during the summer months. 

Computer/Technology Skills: 
High comfort with technology and proficiency with Microsoft suite applications, google applications, Zoom, and the Internet. Proficient in Microsoft Excel and spreadsheet-based applications. Experience with CRMs.  

Work Environment: 
DCYOP is currently operating in a flexible hybrid schedule, which currently includes one day per week in a physical office with the entire staff. This position will support as needed on Saturday program days to allow appropriate staffing. The Director of Development’s work schedule is Monday – Friday with occasional weekend and evening work as required.  The hybrid work environment and work schedule are subject to change based on the organization's needs and as determined by the Executive Director.  

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, except when participating in rehearsals or performances when the noise level can be loud. No or extremely limited exposure to physical risk. 

This role operates Monday through Friday with a hybrid model, allowing for a combination of remote and in-office work. Occasional team-building activities, as well as weekend and evening work, may be required.  

DCYOP is currently operating in a flexible hybrid schedule, which currently includes one day per week in a physical office with the entire staff. The Director of Development’s work schedule is Monday – Friday with occasional weekend and evening work as required.  The hybrid work environment and work schedule are subject to change based on the organization's needs and as determined by the Executive Director. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  

Diversity, Equality, Inclusion, Belonging, and Accessibility (DEIBA) Statement: 
At DCYOP, we believe that all children should experience the transformative power of music education. That purpose and our inclusion of “all” directly link to our inclusivity value as an organization. We also believe that when our work family feels respected and included and that they belong, they can bring their best selves to work and inspire our students and great ideas. DCYOP expects all employees to respect and be sensitive to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging, Accessibility, and the cultural differences of applicants, other employees, and those we serve. We demonstrate this respect and sensitivity without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, familial status, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, disability (actual or perceived), source of income, place of residence or business, military service, and any other basis protected by federal or District of Columbia law. 

EEO Statement: 
DCYOP is an equal-opportunity employer. DCYOP prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. DCYOP conforms to the spirit and to the letter of all applicable laws and regulations. 

How to Apply: 

• Candidates interested in this position must submit a resume highlighting their relevant experience and qualifications through the online application process  

• Candidates must answer the required application questions for consideration. A cover letter is not required.  
• Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis until the position is filled, with the most qualified candidates invited for an initial screening.  
• For best consideration, please submit your application by December 5th.  

• Initial Screenings and Interviews: December – January   

• It is important to us that you are treated with respect and are appreciated for the value you create for DCYOP through your participation.  The selected finalists will be compensated $250.00 to cover some expenses related to travel and time while participating in the application process.     

• Finalist Interviews will be On-Site in Washington DC 

DCYOP conducts pre-employment background checks on all selected candidates. If you are a finalist, we will investigate your background, employment history, references, and any related employment matters to determine your suitability for employment. 

DCYOP is committed to fully complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and ensuring equal employment opportunities for qualified persons with disabilities. Reasonable accommodation(s) may be available to enable persons with disabilities to perform the essential job duties. This posting is a summary of and not an all-inclusive list of the essential job duties. 

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