Development Support Specialist

Development Support Specialist

ABOUT THE ROLE

The New Jersey Symphony, the state’s largest performing arts organization, will be expanding into Jersey City with a new performing arts venue–Symphony Center–that will host New Jersey Symphony chamber music events and diversified programming, including non-classical music events. The Symphony Center will also become a permanent home base for the Symphony with offices and space for education programs.

The team is responsible for raising a total of $10MM–$13MM each year from individuals, foundations, corporations, government and special events to advance the mission of the Symphony. The Development Support Specialist is a new role that will be critical to facilitating and participating in the team’s success and supporting the Vice President of Development.

Department: Development
Status: Full-Time, Exempt
Reports to: Vice President of Development
Salary Range: $50,000-$55,000
App Deadline: Open until filled

Direct Support of the Vice President of Development

• Work with VP of Development to set their strategic priorities.
• Strategically manage VP of Development's time.
• Act as gatekeepers.
• Prepare for and follow up on meetings.
• Manage internal and external communications.
• Support the Vice President of Development and President & CEO with scheduling donor meetings, making reservations, and entering meeting notes into Tessitura.

Meeting and Event Preparation

• Coordinate agendas for VP of Development approval before leadership team and board meetings.
• Organize team retreats and attendance at conferences and other events.
• Attend meetings that the VP of Development can't attend and be a proxy.
• Create agendas and meeting notes for weekly development meetings.

Project Management

• Oversee large, often cross-functional, organization-wide projects or initiatives; bring together important stakeholders and help drive decisions.
• Research, perform benchmarking, analyze data and make recommendations.
• Propose the creation of new systems and processes to streamline operations.

Institutional and Government Relations Support

• Assist the VP of Development and Institutional Giving team in managing relationships with institutional funding partners, state and local elected and appointed officials and their staff. This includes scheduling meetings; assisting in developing engagement strategies; maintaining a calendar of communications to elected officials and creating communication pieces; managing invitations to programs and site visits; and recording outreach and activities in the database.

Donor Travel Program Management

• Plan, organize and execute itineraries for Donor Travel Program, ensuring an excellent experience from start to finish.
• Plan, organize and execute travel program advertising to generate interest and secure reservations. This may include copywriting and email campaign design.
• Manage all reservations and logistics related to donor travel, including but not limited to, transportation, accommodations and on-site activities.
• Coordinate with internal and external partners to develop engagement opportunities for donors during travel.
• Work with Finance to prepare comprehensive and accurate reports related to Donor Travel Program, including budget and fundraising achievements.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Associates degree or equivalent experience, bachelor's degree preferred.
• Technical understanding of CRM database software. Knowledge of Tessitura, Raiser’s Edge, Salesforce and/or other donor tracking systems preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience in managing multiple projects and/or campaigns.
• Prior experience in fundraising, arts or non-profit administration a plus.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS

• Strong interpersonal skills to work collaboratively within the organization as well as with external partners.
• Ability to multi-task effectively, including having good planning and organizing skills and ability to work under pressure.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative and work independently, as well as to collaborate effectively in a team environment.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities.

OTHER INFO

• Must be able to physically work in our Newark, NJ, office at least two days a week (with a move to Jersey City tentatively scheduled for 2025).
• Must be authorized to work in the US without sponsorship.
• Must be able to work some evenings and weekends; and provide own transportation to multiple NJ Symphony performance venues.

TO APPLY

Please email resume and cover letter to developmentjobs@njsymphony.org (include “Development Support Specialist” in the subject line)