Reports To: Chief Executive Officer
Classification: Full-time, exempt (evening and weekend hours required)

Position Summary
The Director of Development leads the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra’s contributed revenue efforts,
overseeing a fundraising program that generates approximately $2 million annually, about 37% of the
organization’s $5 million operating budget. The role is responsible for fundraising strategy, donor
relationships, and coordination of development activities that support the KSO’s artistic, educational, and
community mission, working in close partnership with the CEO, Board of Directors, Knoxville Symphony
League leadership, Music Director, and staff colleagues. As a small, collaborative organization, the KSO
expects senior leaders to balance strategic responsibility with hands-on involvement, engaging directly in both
planning and execution as needed.

Key Areas of Responsibility

Fundraising Strategy & Revenue Leadership

• Plan, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive fundraising program, including annual giving, major gifts,
  sponsorships, grants, and planned giving.
• Establish annual fundraising goals, timelines, and benchmarks, and track progress toward revenue targets.
• Recommend fundraising strategies, policies, and procedures to the CEO and relevant Board committees.
• Contribute to long-range planning related to fundraising capacity and revenue growth.

Donor Relationships & Stewardship

• Cultivate and steward relationships with current and prospective donors.
• Partner with the CEO, Board members, and volunteers to support donor cultivation and solicitation.
• Ensure timely and accurate donor acknowledgment and recognition.
• Oversee donor records, prospect tracking, and stewardship practices in accordance with best practices and
  regulatory requirements.

Events, Engagement & Donor Experience

• Oversee donor receptions, cultivation events, and fundraising events throughout the season.
• Work with staff and volunteers to ensure events are well organized, clearly communicated, and aliged
  with KSO standards.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen donor events as relationship-building and stewardship tools.
• Coordinate with the Director of Communications to ensure consistency in fundraising and donor-related
  communications.

Board, Symphony League & Volunteer Partnerships

• Serve as staff liaison to the Board Development Committee and other fundraising-related committees as
  assigned.
• Support Board members and Symphony League volunteers in their fundraising roles.
• Provide regular reporting on fundraising progress and results.
• Encourage clear communication and coordination among volunteers and staff involved in development
  activities.

Operations, Systems & Accountability

• Manage development staff and oversee workflows that support fundraising activities, including
  coordination across campaigns, events, and donor engagement.
• Develop and manage departmental expense budgets and work with the Director of Finance to ensure
  accurate gift processing, financial reporting, and compliance with accounting standards.
• Oversee grant research, writing, application preparation, and required reporting for institutional funding.
• Maintain accurate donor, prospect, and sponsorship records, and oversee the integration of fundraising
  tools and systems, including database management, digital campaigns, and telefunding.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree preferred in business, marketing, communications, or a related field; equivalent
  fundraising experience considered.
• Minimum of five years of successful fundraising experience, including individual and institutional giving;
  arts or nonprofit experience preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to build and manage donor relationships, support volunteer leadership, and oversee
  fundraising events and donor engagement activities.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively
  across departments and represent the organization in donor-facing and public settings.
• Familiarity with donor databases and fundraising systems (KSO uses Neon One); CFRE certification
  preferred.
• Commitment to the mission of the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra.

Physical & Other Requirements

• Availability for evening and weekend activities.
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds and perform duties requiring standing, walking, and light physical activity
  both indoors and outdoors; ability to operate a motor vehicle

Online at KnoxvilleSymphony.com/aboutkso/careers

About Knoxville Symphony Orchestra

Celebrating its 90th Anniversary Season, the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra shares extraordinary music and meaningful experiences across East Tennessee. Each year, the KSO presents hundreds of performances not only in the concert hall but also in schools, hospitals, parks, libraries, and community spaces, reaching more than 100,000 people. Its Youth Ensembles program serves nearly 500 student musicians from throughout the region. Led by Music Director Aram Demirjian, the KSO is one of the Southeast’s longest-standing orchestras and continues to play a central role in the cultural life of East Tennessee.

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