Description
The Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra (HSO) seeks an experienced, relationship-driven fundraising professional to lead its development strategy and execution. The Director of Development oversees all aspects of contributed revenue, including the annual fund, major gifts, corporate and foundation support, planned giving, and special events.
This role partners closely with the Executive Director, Board leadership, the Development Committee, staff, and volunteers including the Harrisburg Symphony Society to build a robust, sustainable development program aligned with the Symphony’s artistic and institutional goals.
A successful candidate will demonstrate a thorough knowledge of industry best practices, impeccable written and verbal skills, leadership, and the ability to thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced performing arts environment. A hybrid work schedule is available; attendance at concert weekends is required. Knowledge of classical music and familiarity with the Harrisburg philanthropic community are preferred.
The Symphony produces thirty concerts annually, operates three youth orchestras, and delivers in-school residencies and workshops across Central Pennsylvania. The organization will celebrate its 100th anniversary season in the 2030-2031 Season. Annual contributed revenue totals approximately $2 million across individual, corporate, foundation, and government sources.
Requirements
Revenue Strategy & Accountability
Prepare contributed annual and long-term revenue goals and forecasts, ensuring disciplined pipeline management and performance tracking.
Develop and execute annual and multi-year fundraising strategies aligned with institutional priorities and growth opportunities.
Prepare and present clear, data-driven reports for leadership and the Board, highlighting progress, risks, and opportunities.
Major Gifts & Philanthropic Leadership
With Executive Director, manage and grow a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors, with a focus on five-, six-, and seven-figure capacity relationships.
Lead strategy for donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship, securing leadership gifts that advance both annual and long-term priorities.
Partner with the Executive Director, Music Director, and Board members on donor strategy, solicitation planning, and high-level asks.
Board & Volunteer Fundraising
Serve as strategic advisor and staff lead to the Development Committee.
Coach, equip, and hold Board members accountable for meaningful participation in donor cultivation and solicitation.
Leverage the Harrisburg Symphony Society and other volunteers as effective ambassadors and fundraisers.
Institutional & Campaign Readiness
Strengthen the Symphony’s major gift infrastructure, positioning the organization for future campaign activity tied to its 100th anniversary.
Collaborate across departments to align fundraising messaging with artistic vision, education programs, and community impact.
Identify and pursue opportunities for transformational gifts, naming opportunities, and longterm philanthropic investment.
Team Leadership & Operations
Lead and mentor the Development Associate; provide dotted-line supervision of Patron Services Manager.
Ensure best-in-class fundraising operations, including CRM integrity, donor communications, and stewardship systems.
About the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra
The Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1931 and is now in its 96th season at the Forum
Auditorium in Harrisburg, PA. The fully professional ensemble performs under the direction of Tony Award-winning Music Director and Conductor, Stuart Malina. The Symphony also presents an extensive music education program that includes concerts for school age children, in-school residencies, and the Harrisburg Symphony Youth Orchestras, which are comprised of approximately 190 elementary, middle, and high school students. The Harrisburg Symphony is governed by a 24-member Board of Directors and receives additional philanthropic support from the Harrisburg Symphony Society.
