Description

About the American Classical Orchestra

The American Classical Orchestra (ACO) is New York City’s premiere period instrument orchestra, dedicated to performing the orchestral repertoire from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries on historically accurate instruments and with historically informed performance practices. Performing at Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center and other New York City venues, the ACO brings to life works from Bach to Beethoven and their contemporaries, with authenticity, vitality, and artistic excellence.

With a growing subscriber base and deep commitment to period instrument performance practice, education and community engagement, the ACO is poised for its next chapter of artistic and institutional growth. The Director of Development will be a key strategic partner in realizing that vision.

Position Summary

The Director of Development is the senior fundraising leader of the American Classical Orchestra, responsible for designing and executing a comprehensive development program that advances the organization's mission and financial sustainability. Reporting directly to the Executive Director and working in close collaboration with the Artistic Director and Board of Directors, the Director of Development oversees all contributed revenue — including individual, foundation, corporate, and government giving, with the anticipation of significant growth potential.

This is a leadership role suited to a seasoned development professional who combines strategic acumen with hands-on relationship cultivation and genuine enthusiasm for historically informed performance.

Requirements

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Planning

• Develop and implement a multi-year fundraising strategy aligned with the ACO's artistic and institutional goals, in partnership with the Executive Director and Board.
• Set and meet annual contributed revenue targets; create detailed projections, reports, and dashboards for leadership and Board review.
• Identify new funding opportunities and expand donor pipelines through proactive prospecting, research, and relationship-building.
• Serve as a senior advisor to the Executive Director and Board Development Committee on all matters related to philanthropy and contributed income.

Individual Major Gifts

• Personally manage a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding gifts.
• Work closely with the Artistic Director and Executive Director on high-level donor engagement and cultivation events.
• Design and lead the ACO's planned giving and legacy society program.
• Oversee annual fund strategy and execute direct mail/digital giving programs.

Institutional Giving: Foundations & Government

• Oversee a robust grants program, including the preparation of proposals and reports to local, state, and national foundations and government funders including New York City’s DCLA, NYSCA, NEA, and relevant private foundations.
• Cultivate relationships with program officers and identify new grant opportunities consistent with the ACO's programming and mission.
• Ensure timely and compelling grant reporting and compliance in partnership with the finance team.

Corporate Partnerships

• Develop and grow ACO’s corporate sponsorship program, identifying and soliciting businesses aligned with the organization’s brand and audiences.
• Create meaningful sponsorship packages and stewardship opportunities that deliver value to corporate partners.
• Manage relationships with existing corporate sponsors and expand the ACO's corporate donor base.

Board & Volunteer Engagement

• Coordinate with the Board Development Committee, preparing agendas, reports, and supporting Board members in their fundraising roles.
• Recruit, onboard, and support Board members as fundraising ambassadors; design and implement Board engagement strategies.
• Partner with the Executive Director on Board cultivation and recruitment in coordination with the Nominating & Governance Committee.

Events & Donor Stewardship

• Oversee donor cultivation and stewardship events including pre-and post-concert receptions, Salon events, and the annual Gala.
• Design meaningful stewardship touchpoints throughout the donor lifecycle to deepen engagement and retention.
• Ensure donors are recognized and appreciated in ways that reflect the ACO's culture of excellence and intimacy.

Team & Operations Management

• Supervise development staff (currently one part-time development associate), providing mentorship, goal-setting, and professional development.
• Oversee the integrity and effective use of the donor database; ensure accurate record-keeping, gift processing, and acknowledgment.
• Collaborate across departments — including Marketing, Finance, and Artistic — to integrate development priorities into organizational planning.

Qualifications

Required

• Minimum 5 years of progressively responsible nonprofit development experience, with demonstrated success in major gift fundraising.
• Strong analytical skills for setting reasonable goals, and benchmarks for success in fundraising efforts.
• Proven track record of personally soliciting and closing five- and six-figure gifts.
• Experience managing and mentoring development staff.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to write compelling proposals and make persuasive presentations.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with Board members, senior leadership, and high-net-worth donors.
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency with donor management software platforms and data-driven fundraising practices.
• A collaborative, entrepreneurial spirit and high degree of professional integrity.

Preferred

• Experience in arts fundraising is a plus.
• Familiarity with 17th to 19th century music and historically informed performance practice is a plus.
• Knowledge of the New York City philanthropic landscape.
• Experience with CRM platforms such as Tessitura or Donor Perfect.
• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree or CFRE credential a plus.