Institutional Fundraising 

• Lead the Orchestra's foundation, government, and corporate grant program from prospect identification through award reporting and stewardship. 

• Research, prepare, and submit compelling grant proposals, letters of inquiry, sponsorship requests, and reports that clearly communicate the Orchestra's artistic excellence, educational impact, financial stewardship, and community value. 

• Develop persuasive narratives that support annual operating needs, artistic programming, Symphony in the Schools, special projects, touring initiatives, and capital or strategic priorities. 

• Work closely with Finance to develop accurate project budgets, financial reports, and supporting documentation. 

• Collect program outcomes, audience data, education metrics, and evaluation information required for grant reporting. 

• Maintain compliance with all grant requirements and ensure accurate and timely submission of proposals, reports, and supporting documentation. 

• Monitor federal, state, county, municipal, and private foundation funding opportunities. 

Foundation, Corporate & Government Relations 

• Manage a portfolio of current and prospective institutional funders. 

• Develop long-term cultivation and stewardship strategies that strengthen relationships with foundations, corporations, and government agencies. 

• Coordinate funder meetings, site visits, rehearsals, performances, and special events., as needed 

• Prepare briefing materials, funding histories, talking points, and background information for senior leadership and Board members, as needed. 

• Ensure recognition, reporting, and stewardship commitments are fulfilled according to grant agreements. 

Prospect Research & Pipeline Development 

• Conduct ongoing research to identify new funding opportunities aligned with the Orchestra's mission and strategic priorities. 

• Maintain an active pipeline of qualified institutional prospects. 

• Analyze foundation giving patterns, funding priorities, and philanthropic trends. 

• Provide recommendations regarding grant strategy, funding priorities, and institutional partnerships. 

• Maintain familiarity with national, regional, and local arts funding opportunities, including federal, state, county, municipal, and private funders. 

Project Management 

• Maintain a comprehensive grants calendar that tracks proposal deadlines, reporting requirements, stewardship activities, and funding cycles. 

• Maintain accurate grant records and prospect activity within the organization's donor database. 

• Coordinate proposal development across departments to ensure timely completion of narratives, budgets, support materials, and required attachments. 

• Develop standardized grant templates, organizational statistics, and institutional language for future proposals. 

Collaboration 

• Work collaboratively with Development, Finance, Marketing, Education, Orchestra Operations, and Executive Leadership to gather information for proposals and reports. 

• Support major fundraising events and donor stewardship activities, when needed. 

• Participate as an engaged member of the Development team, including occasional evening and weekend performances and donor events. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT 

• This position is primarily office-based at the South Florida Symphony Orchestra administrative offices with occasional travel throughout Broward, Miami-Dade, and Monroe Counties. 

• Hybrid work scheduling may be available following the successful completion of the introductory employment period, subject to organizational needs and supervisor approval. 

• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. 

• Occasional lifting of materials up to 25 pounds may be required. 

• Must possess reliable transportation and be available to attend evening and weekend concerts, meetings, donor events, and community functions. 

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS 

Reports To:  

Works Closely With: 

• President & CEO 

• Music Director 

• Finance 

• Marketing 

• Orchestra Operations 

• Symphony in the Schools 

QUALIFICATIONS 

Education & Experience 

• Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, communications, arts administration, English, business, public administration, or a related field preferred. 

• Minimum of two to five years of progressively responsible grant writing or institutional fundraising experience. 

• Demonstrated success securing foundation, corporate, and government grants. 

• Experience working in a performing arts, orchestra, museum, theater, or other cultural nonprofit organization is strongly preferred. 

• Experience preparing grant budgets in partnership with finance staff. 

• Knowledge of nonprofit financial statements and program evaluation. 

• Experience using prospect research tools such as Foundation Directory, Candid, DonorSearch, GrantStation, or similar resources. 

• Experience working with donor management or CRM systems. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES 

• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills. 

• Outstanding organizational and project management abilities with exceptional attention to detail. 

• Ability to manage multiple complex deadlines simultaneously. 

• Strong analytical and research skills. 

• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build productive working relationships across departments and with external funding partners. 

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, donor databases, and project management software. 

• Knowledge of nonprofit fundraising principles and grant compliance requirements. 

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment. 

• A genuine passion for music, arts education, and the mission of South Florida Symphony Orchestra. 

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS 

Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications. 

South Florida Symphony Orchestra offers a benefits package for eligible employees, including paid time off, holidays, health care stipend, professional development opportunities, and complimentary tickets to Symphony performances.  

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of reference checks.