Musicians at Play Foundation, Inc.
Seeks full time, hybrid Director of Development
WHO WE ARE: Musicians at Play Foundation is a Los Angeles–based nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to high-quality music education, mentorship, and career pathways for young musicians from under-served communities. Beginning in kindergarten and continuing through college, its instrumental music programs create a clear, guided journey that leads students into paid professional positions in the music industry. Through initiatives such as the RISE Film Scoring Orchestra, the Civic Orchestra of Los Angeles, conducting academies, and pre-apprenticeship training, participants gain hands-on experience alongside industry professionals in real-world studio and performance settings while developing artistry, discipline, and career readiness.
Director of Development
We are seeking to grow our team with a new hire, Director of Development. The Director will lead Musicians at Play (MAP) fundraising strategy, donor cultivation, and revenue generation to support its mission. The candidate will create comprehensive fundraising plans, develop and manage donor relationships, oversee special events, and lead a development team. This role requires expertise in donor cultivation, grant writing, and strategic planning.
This role is a hybrid one and requires familiarity with the Los Angeles area arts & culture sector as well as in-person presence at a variety of meetings and events.
The current development team consists of a Grant Writer, Finance Manager, Events/Sponsorship Coordinator, and Website, Database & Communications Manager. Development Director will report to the Executive Director and Board of Directors.
Core Responsibilities
- Fundraising Strategy: Develop and execute an annual fundraising strategy to meet financial goals, including donor cultivation and retention.
- Donor Management: Build and maintain relationships with major donors, corporations, and stakeholders.
- Development Team Leadership: Provide leadership and collaboration to the development staff. Work in partnership with the Board of Directors and the Executive Director on fundraising initiatives & strategy.
- Revenue Diversification: Identify and pursue new funding opportunities, including grants and sponsorships.
- Events and Communications: Oversee the planning of fundraising events and the creation of marketing materials for campaigns.
- Reporting and Compliance: Track donor data, manage the development budget, and report progress to the Executive Director and Board.
- Represent MAP at public events and in other contexts as needed. Be a willing partner with other staff in all aspects of MAP’s mission.
- Identify ways to diversify MAP’s funding base to increase unrestricted and restricted funds from all constituencies and launch appropriate programs and initiatives.
- Support a cohesive fundraising team through active communication and delegation
- Act as a catalyst for fund-raising and cultivation of donors and volunteers through major and planned giving, annual giving, corporate and foundation relations, special events, membership and community relations in addition to prospect research and donor stewardship. Coordinate all fund development activities including but not limited to:
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- Strengthen relationships with current donors and conduct major Donor Cultivation Work with staff and Board to increase contributions at the $5000 – $100,000 level. Increase the gifts of current donors and overall number of donors; coordinate prospect research.
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- Work with staff, board, and outside consultants to help identify and recruit sponsors for MAP’s programs and initiatives.
- Participate in Corporate Relations with Executive Director and Board to strengthen relations with the corporate community.
- Participate in Public Relations with appropriate staff on all public outreach efforts, including the development of public outreach materials such as print and electronic newsletters, direct mail, press releases, brochures, social media and website to promote MAP’s message.
- Work with Executive Director and Board to integrate a planned giving program with annual fund donor cultivation and solicitation efforts.
- Work with staff, Board, and volunteers to help MAP successfully produce yearly fundraising events.
- Prepare monthly reports evaluating the fundraising efforts and progress. Create an annual report of accomplishments and future goals.
Key Qualifications
- Experience: 5+ years of experience in professional fundraising, donor relations, and non-profit development.
- Skills: Strong written/oral communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
- Attributes: Entrepreneurial spirit, passion for the organization’s mission, and proficiency in areas described (above).
- Familarity : With the entertainment and arts & culture LA landscape, especially as it pertains to building our donor base.
To apply:
A complete candidate package includes:
- Cover letter
- Resume
- 3 references (2 professional, including a supervisor, client or equivalent; 1 personal)
To apply, please send cover letter, resume, and other required documents to Jobs@musiciansatplay.org
Competitive salary and benefits.
