Director of Development

About Youth Orchestras San Antonio

Youth Orchestras of San Antonio (YOSA) YOSA changes lives by providing shared musical experiences that unlock possibility and foster belonging for youth of all backgrounds. Every year, more than 600 young musicians from every corner of San Antonio come together to play, grow, and belong. Guided by world-class conductors and teaching artists, they learn more than music—they gain confidence, discipline, and a sense of community that lasts a lifetime.

YOSA breaks down barriers—financial, social, and geographic—so that every child, regardless of background, can experience the joy and power of making music together. Access and belonging are central to YOSA's mission and reflected in the students, families, and staff who bring its work to life.

The Opportunity

YOSA is seeking a relationship-centered, strategic, and innovative Director of Development to help sustain and grow its next chapter of impact. This is a unique chance to join one of the nation's most respected youth orchestras at a time of exciting growth—with a strong $1M+ annual fund and a multi-year, $10M+ campaign underway to expand access and modernize facilities.

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Development is YOSA's lead architect for philanthropy—someone who inspires generosity, builds meaningful connections, and brings the joy of YOSA's mission to life for donors, partners, and the community. You'll lead a talented development team, collaborate closely with artistic and student experience colleagues, and work alongside passionate board and community leaders who believe deeply in YOSA's transformative power.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategy

• Design and lead a comprehensive fundraising strategy encompassing annual, major, and planned giving; corporate and foundation partnerships; and campaign initiatives.
• Partner with the Executive Director and Board to align fundraising with YOSA's long-term vision and strategic goals.
• Serve as the chief architect of YOSA's contributed revenue plan, ensuring data-driven decisions and measurable results.
• Oversee the Annual Fund Manager as well as additional administrative support and volunteers for large events - fostering collaboration, accountability, and room to expand.
• Establish clear metrics and report regularly to leadership and the Board on progress and performance.
• Staff the Board Development Committee - including training, strategizing, and supporting board led fundraising efforts.

Fundraising & Donor Engagement

• Build and manage a portfolio of individual, corporate, and foundation donors, cultivating and soliciting major and principal gifts.
• Partner with campaign consultants and volunteer leaders to support YOSA's $10M+ capital and endowment campaign.
• Strengthen donor engagement through authentic storytelling, thoughtful stewardship, and creative digital and in-person experiences.
• Build out an impactful family and alumni strategy, increasing participation from these communities.
• Develop and execute individualized donor strategies to inspire increased giving and long-term investment.
• Plan and execute engaging donor, alumni, and community events that deepen relationships, showcase YOSA's mission, and inspire philanthropic support.
• Represent YOSA with enthusiasm at concerts, community events, and donor gatherings to elevate visibility and connection.

Collaboration & Communications

• Work cross-departmentally with artistic, student experience, and marketing teams to connect donors to YOSA's mission and student stories.
• Collaborate with staff to ensure fundraising messages reflect YOSA's brand voice and community impact.
• Support the Board and Development Committee by preparing materials, coordinating meetings, and providing guidance on donor engagement.
• Integrate data and storytelling to strengthen case materials, proposals, and campaign messaging.
• Stewardship & Systems
• Design and oversee stewardship programs that recognize and celebrate donor generosity.
• Ensure accurate donor data, reporting, and analysis to track trends and inform decision-making.
• Promote a culture of philanthropy across the organization by engaging staff, musicians' families, and volunteers in donor appreciation efforts.
• Maintain strong fiscal oversight of development budgets and revenue projections.

What Success Looks Like (First 12–18 Months)

• Deep, trusted relationships built with YOSA's Executive Director, Board, staff, families, alumni, and donors.
• A clear, data-driven fundraising plan aligned with YOSA's strategic priorities and mission.
• Year-over-year growth in contributed revenue and donor retention.
• A strengthened spirit of giving across the entire YOSA family—staff, musicians, and supporters alike.

Ideal Candidate

• 5–7+ years of progressive fundraising experience with proven success securing five-figure (and higher) gifts.
• A natural relationship-builder who brings warmth, integrity, and creativity to donor engagement.
• Experienced in portfolio management, donor strategy, and Board partnership.
• Strategic thinker with strong communication, organizational, and fiscal management skills.
• Tech- and data-savvy, with experience leveraging CRM systems and analytics for fundraising growth.
• Passionate about youth development, arts student experience, and the belief that music can change lives.
• Bachelor's degree required; CFRE or advanced degree preferred.
• Fluency in Spanish is a plus.
• Excited to be part of YOSA's vibrant community—including concerts, events, and celebrations that happen outside of a 9-to-5 schedule.

Why YOSA

At YOSA, you'll join a passionate, mission-driven team in the heart of one of America's most culturally rich cities. San Antonio's deep artistic roots and diverse communities make it the perfect home for an organization that believes music should be accessible to every young person.

Together, we're helping the next generation of musicians find their voices, build their confidence, and create a more connected community through the shared language of music.

Youth Orchestras of San Antonio (YOSA) offers a competitive salary and benefits. This is a full-time, exempt position eligible for health and life insurance, short- and long-term disability, and a generous paid time off policy that includes holidays, vacation, personal, and sick days. We value diversity and strongly encourage women, people of color, LGBTQ individuals, people with disabilities, people from underrepresented/nontraditional backgrounds, and veterans to apply.

The salary range for this position is $95,000–$105,000. Compensation is commensurate with experience.