Reports to: Vice President of Development
Status: Full-Time, Exempt
Position Overview
The Deputy Director of Development is a senior leadership role responsible for advancing Levine’s fundraising strategy, managing key relationships, and supporting the growth and professionalism of the Development Department. Reporting to the Vice President of Development, the Deputy Director plays a pivotal role in cultivating and soliciting major and mid-level donors, supervising individual giving, and implementing targeted campaigns to support Levine’s programs and strategic initiatives.
This role offers high visibility within the organization, the opportunity to collaborate closely with the President & CEO, trustees, faculty, and community leaders, and the chance to have a significant impact on music education in Washington, DC.
The ideal candidate is a strategic, self-motivated professional with exceptional communication and leadership skills, a proven track record in major gift fundraising, and a passion for mission-driven work.
Key Responsibilities
Major and Individual Donor Strategy
- Partner with the VP of Development to establish long-term goals, metrics, and strategies for individual giving.
- Lead a portfolio of major and mid-level donors and prospects, cultivating and stewarding relationships to secure 5- and 6-figure gifts.
- Ensure donors are acknowledged promptly and celebrated through personalized stewardship strategies, including emails, calls, videos, events, and in-person visits.
- Conduct research and wealth screening to identify new major gift prospects and expand the donor base at all levels, working with the Individual Giving Manager.
Development Communications & Campaign Leadership
- Develop the strategy for individual giving, including annual giving, peer-to-peer campaigns, donor events, and long-term initiatives such as the 50th Anniversary Campaign.
- Oversee the creation of compelling proposals, cases for support, impact reports, and fundraising materials, print and online.
- Work with the Individual Giving Manager to implement monthly giving programs and targeted campaigns for students, ensembles, adult learners, and event audiences.
- Lead digital, print, and in-person donor communications to strengthen engagement and foster a culture of philanthropy across the organization.
Corporate, Government, and Community Engagement
- Cultivate relationships with corporate sponsors, local government officials, and in-kind partners to support Levine’s mission.
- Engage trustees, volunteers, and community leaders in development initiatives and fundraising events.
Events & Special Projects
- Leverage concerts, recitals, galas, and special events to engage and steward donors.
- Identify and manage volunteers to support events and key projects.
- Lead targeted fundraising campaign to advance Levine’s strategic goals.
Team Leadership & Management
- Contribute to the overall leadership and strategic direction of Levine Music’s Development Department.
- Supervise and mentor the Individual Giving Manager and other development staff, providing guidance, performance feedback, and professional development support.
- Collaborate with colleagues across the organization to ensure the integration of fundraising with programming, communications, and operations.
Qualifications
- 7+ years of nonprofit fundraising experience, including a successful track record of 5- and 6-figure solicitations.
- Experience developing and managing major donor, mid-level, and annual giving programs.
- Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and independently, manage multiple priorities, and exercise sound judgment with confidential information.
- Experience with Raiser’s Edge NXT (or similar CRM) and fundraising software.
- Availability for occasional nights and weekends.
Why You’ll Love Working at Levine Music
- Impact: Advance the future of music education in Washington, D.C. at one of the largest community music schools in the U.S. with 4,000 students of all ages and skill levels, an exceptional 200-member faculty, and a commitment to accessibility for the whole community.
- Leadership: Lead high-profile initiatives working closely with the President & CEO, the VP of Development, trustees, and the Executive Team.
- Growth: Advance your career with opportunities for professional development, skill-building, and innovative use of the latest technology tools.
- Culture: Join a passionate, collaborative team dedicated to creativity, inclusivity, and operational and artistic excellence.
Salary: $115,000.00 – $125,000.00
How to Apply
Please submit a resume and cover letter describing your relevant experience and interest in Levine Music to:
Maria Williams, Senior Director of Human Resources & Culture
hrdeptdevapps@levinemusic.org | (202) 686-8188
www.levinemusic.org
The position will remain open until filled. Levine Music is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Levine Music is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Levine Music’s employment policy is committed to anti-discrimination of employees or applicants based on sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law concerning any employment practices.