Director of Institutional Giving

The New Jersey Symphony is seeking an effective relationship builder to fill the role of Director of Institutional Giving. This role is vital to building a portfolio with corporate, foundation, and government entities and developing strong relationships with prospective donors in the community to help build on the Symphony’s future.

Department: Development
Status: Full-Time, Exempt
Reports to: Vice President of Development
Supervises: 1 staff member
Salary range: $85,000-$90,000

About the Organization

As an integral part of the musical landscape in the country’s most vibrant cultural corridor, the New Jersey Symphony (Symphony) has for over one hundred years continued to enrich lives through a passion for musical excellence and a commitment to New Jersey and its communities. The Symphony has been recognized by The Wall Street Journal as “a vital, artistically significant musical organization,” led by Music Director Xian Zhang – a “dynamic podium presence” – since 2016. In addition to its lauded artistic programming, the Symphony presents a suite of nationally recognized education and community engagement programs that promote meaningful, lifelong engagement with live music, annually serving as many as 30,000 New Jerseyans in nearly all of its 21 counties.

The Symphony, with an annual operating budget of more than $16 million and a modest endowment, currently serves as the resident orchestra of the New Jersey Performing Arts Center with additional performance series in four other outstanding venues throughout New Jersey. With more than 140,000 New Jerseyans of all ages enjoying more than 160 concerts, education and community events each year, and with numerous partnerships with arts organizations, universities, and civic organizations, the Symphony has cultivated broad support, including approximately 3,000 donors. In 2023, the New Jersey Symphony celebrated its centennial: raising $61 million from a $50 million capital campaign and earning Emmy awards for its virtual concerts.

With a new strategic plan in place, the Symphony now embarks on a bold vision for the future, the centerpiece of which will be a new Symphony Center that includes a 550-seat, versatile performance space that will anchor Jersey City’s Powerhouse Arts District. The new 44,000-square-foot facility will also include space for administrative offices that has been slated to open mid-2026 with the public opening of the theater expected later in January 2027.

About the Role

The Director of Institutional Giving oversees and manages all institutional fundraising activities from corporate, foundation, and government entities for the New Jersey Symphony, including contributions, sponsorships, and events. Works closely with the Vice President of Development and the President & CEO to build strong relationships throughout the community—including the business community— to instill confidence that the Symphony is a sound investment and help build the organization’s long-term financial stability.

Core Responsibilities

Meet annual corporate, foundation, and government revenue goals—$4 million+ in addition to special projects, events, and comprehensive campaigns.
With VP of Development, plan goals and strategies to increase corporate, foundation, and government giving.
Maintain and cultivate relationships with a portfolio of institutional and government donors and prospects.
Identify new prospects, initiate relationships, solicit contributions, and steward donors.
Develop partner-specific fundraising and cultivation strategies.
Craft tailored solicitations/sponsorship packages.
Manage expense budget for the corporate, foundation, and government giving area.
Design and implement a progressive donor recognition/benefits program.
Prepare proposals, LOI’s, and reports and manage their timely completion.
Utilize volunteer leaders and committee members effectively.
Provide appropriate, accurate, and timely reports to staff, board, and volunteer leadership.
Develop a thorough understanding of the impact of the Symphony’s programs, both artistic and educational, and close professional relationships with other Symphony staff.
Interface professionally and effectively with business community.
Represent the Symphony at concerts and events.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree (preferred) or comparable experience.
Minimum of 5+ years of professional fundraising, marketing, or related business experience.
Documented track record of successful fundraising, specifically in corporate gifts or sponsorships.

Preferred Skills

Proficient in MS Office programs and CRM databases such as Tessitura or Raiser’s Edge, along with comfort with virtual meeting platforms and scheduling systems.
Managerial experience preferred.
Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced, results-driven environment where multi-tasking is essential.
Knowledge of the institutional funding landscape in NJ, with an emphasis on Hudson County.
Experience in an arts organization fundraising setting.
Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communications skills.
Demonstrate a high level of professionalism.
Possess exceptional attention to detail with the ability to think critically about tasks at hand.
Independent worker who has a collaborative mindset to engage multiple stakeholders.

Other Info

Must be authorized to work in the US without sponsorship.
Hours are full-time, Monday through Friday. Employees will work a hybrid schedule with three days in the office (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) and the other days remote.
Must be able to physically work in our Newark, NJ, with a move to Jersey City, NJ scheduled for 2026.
Additional evenings and weekends will be required, specifically for working at concerts and events in multiple locations throughout northern and central New Jersey. Comp time is provided for hours worked for night and evening events.
Must have reliable transportation to multiple NJ Symphony performances and event venues and donor meetings.

Benefits: Include medical, dental, and vision healthcare insurance, 403(b) employee contribution, discretionary Board-defined retirement plan (eligible after 2 years of employment), Flexible Spending Account (FSA) contributions, paid time off, paid parking, or partial transit reimbursement.

The New Jersey Symphony celebrates the cultural vibrancy of our communities and builds meaningful relationships that elevate and strengthen them. We seek to create a culture of inclusion and a work environment that values hard work, professionalism and creativity. We are committed to diversity and equal opportunity in our recruitment and hiring. Qualified candidates of all backgrounds are welcome to apply for open positions.

To Apply

Please email resume and cover letter to developmentjobs@njsymphony.org. Include “Director of Institutional Giving” in the subject line and indicate how you learned about this posting.

Only those applicants believed to be viable candidates for this opportunity will be contacted.

The New Jersey Symphony is an equal opportunity employer. No phone calls please.