Title:
Development Manager
Department:
Development
Reports to: Director of Development Communications
Summary:
The Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts (POEA) is advancing a broad range of philanthropic priorities that support its artistic vision and long-term sustainability. As the organization strengthens its leadership and major giving efforts, this role will serve as a central operational and strategic resource—ensuring strong coordination across departments, clear and timely communications, and high-level administrative and administrative support to senior leadership and volunteer leaders. The role will also help build the systems, processes, and institutional readiness that underpin future transformative fundraising initiatives at POEA.The Development Manager will support leadership and major giving activity through the development of compelling proposals, the management of accurate and timely gift agreements, the tracking of donor and prospect engagement and stewardship, as well as the preparation of materials for high-level donor meetings.
The ideal candidate is a highly organized, detail-oriented project manager with exceptional writing skills and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.The Manager reports to the Director of Development Communications and works closely with the Chief Philanthropy Officer and Vice Presidents of Development/Philanthropy.
Essential Functions:
Proposal Development, Prospect Tracking, and Gift Documentation
- Play a collaborative role in the writing and creation of clear, persuasive campaign and leadership giving proposals tailored to donor interests and institutional priorities.
- Draft and maintain accurate gift agreements and donor documentation.
- Track and maintain up-to-date prospect and donor activity in the CRM system (Tessitura), including cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship steps.
- Prepare detailed donor briefings, profiles, and customized talking points for leadership and campaign volunteers.
Communications and Stewardship
- Create and implement campaign and leadership gift stewardship reporting, including annual endowment financial reporting, in collaboration with the Director, Development Communications and Finance.
- Assist with donor recognition plans and stewardship, including in pieces such as Playbill, impact reports, press releases, and other honor rolls as needed.
- Review marketing and programmatic communications to ensure proper donor recognition, including promotional print and digital materials.
- Draft one-pagers, reports, and other development communications pieces in collaboration with Director, Development Communications, frontline fundraisers, and Creative Services.
Education/Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent with 3-5 years of development, campaign, or project management experience in a nonprofit setting; experience in public campaign phase a plus.
- Experience with donor database systems (Tessitura a plus) and Microsoft Office Suite.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
- Ability to work with high-level donors, volunteers, and executives with discretion and professionalism.
- Strategic thinker with outstanding written, verbal, and project management skills.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- A self-starter with the ability to work successfully in a fast-paced environment while managing multiple assignments and priorities.
- Passion for the mission of the Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts, and a commitment to advancing the arts.
Working Conditions/Physical Demands:
- Routine for office Environment
- Must be available to work select nights/weekends for select performances and events.
- Administrative employees work from our Center City office Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, with the option to work remotely on most Mondays and Fridays
Resume and cover letter are required when applying for this position.
About The Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts Philly
The Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts Philly (POEA) bring together one of the world’s preeminent orchestras with the iconic venues that have anchored Philadelphia’s cultural life for nearly 170 years. As owner and operator of the Academy of Music, Miller Theater, and the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, and the programming partner for the historic Forrest Theatre, POEA serves as a cornerstone of the city’s artistic and civic identity, welcoming one million people annually to a vibrant constellation of stages across Center City.Representing both the world-renowned Philadelphia Orchestra and a dynamic roster of resident partners and visiting artists, POEA presents more than one-thousand events annually that represent a wide range of programming, including Broadway, classical, comedy, theater, jazz, dance, and family presentations, reflecting and serving the breadth of the region’s communities.
Through innovative programming, robust educational initiatives, deep commitment to diverse communities, and expanding digital platforms, POEA acts as a convener and civic partner—bringing people together, fostering dialogue, and creating an expansive, inclusive future for the arts in Philadelphia and beyond.The Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are considered for employment without attention to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ethnicity, veteran or disability status.Employees are expected to be able to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this position, with or without job modification/reasonable accommodation.
If an employee believes a job modification/reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact Human Resources so that a review can be conducted. POEA strives to comply with the accommodation provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, and other related federal, state, and local laws.
