The New Jersey Symphony Orchestra (NJSO) enriches lives through music by providing the people of New Jersey with local, affordable access to artistically excellent orchestral performances. The NJSO brings world-renowned artists, classic masterpieces, popular music and new compositions to a wide variety of audiences in seven theaters and other venues throughout the state. Since its inception in 1922, the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra has comprised some of the country’s finest musicians and continues to gain recognition as a world-class ensemble, entertaining 225,000 attendees at hundreds of performances and outreach activities last year. Its mission, “to enrich lives through a passion for musical excellence and a commitment to New Jersey, its people and its communities,” signifies an unprecedented stride in the orchestral world — combining a unique commitment to statewide service with dedication to education. The NJSO plays a significant role in communities by way of its education and engagement programs that reach up to 40,000 children, their families and educators each year. In recognition of the NJSO’s burgeoning national reputation, select NJSO performances are broadcast regionally and throughout North America.
The Opportunity
The Vice President of Development (VPD) will serve as the Orchestra’s Chief Development Officer and member of the Senior Management Team. This visionary and enterprising manager, reporting and serving as strategic partner to the President & CEO, will be responsible for overall strategic direction and management of the institution’s advancement activities. The selected candidate will bring technical expertise, inspirational and energetic leadership and an ability to create a proactive operation that subscribes to best practice in a collaborative environment. The VPD will supervise a talented and enthusiastic staff of development professionals and will have direct responsibility for an annual giving program of approximately $8-8.5M that seeks support from a variety of sources (individual, corporate, foundation, government and special events), as well as a nationally-recognized planned giving program and endowment and campaign fundraising objectives.