Seeking Development Associate

The South Carolina Philharmonic seeks an experienced Development Associate to guide the organization’s annual fund campaign and work with the Development/Deputy Director and Executive Director in all aspects of fundraising, including grant writing, donor prospecting and stewardship, special events and fundraisers. This position requires a self-starter with a high level of professionalism, the ability to multi-task, strong organizational and people skills and database proficiency. The person who holds this post will work collaboratively with the professional staff and leadership to advance the artistic vision of the organization and gain financial support through the telling of its story.

ANNUAL FUND

• Plan and implement annual strategies and goals for acquisition, renewal and upgrades of donors under $2,500
• Explore new and non-traditional donor acquisition techniques and giving platforms, such as implementing and executing crowdfunding campaigns and text-to-give strategies
•  Ensure timely and accurate gift entry, payment plans and pledge follow-ups
• Work with Marketing Director to prepare, design, development and implement print and electronic communications for annual giving program and events
• Work closely with Development, Marketing, and Patron Services staff to ensure data and key system needs are met. This includes maintenance of accurate and complete donor records, tracking donor activity, gift history and solicitations in our ticketing and donor database (PatronManager).
• Work with Marketing and Patron Services team to ensure consistent “white glove” benefit fulfillment at every touch point

DONOR RELATIONS

• Assist in identification of donor prospects
• Develop and maintain excellent donor relations
• Participate in networking, cultivation and solicitation activities as related to all campaign goals
• Serve as an ambassador of the organization in a variety of settings, such as chamber of commerce events, local arts exhibits/performances, and business gatherings
• Write acknowledgement letters to donors, sponsors and other funders

EVENTS

• Assist Development Director with all aspects of event special events (Tasting Notes, Golfing with the Phil, Chamber Crawl 5K, etc.)
• Manage Tasting Notes Auction, from volunteer coordination and acquisition of items to event set-up and execution
• Work at and/or attend majority of SCP concerts, special events and community engagement events as an ambassador of this organization

GRANT WRITING

• Strategize with leadership team on approach for prospective funding
• Assist with writing and submission of grants and oversight of grant activities and reporting
• Assist in research of funding opportunities

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES:

• 4+ years’ experience in development at another non-profit organization or college, demonstrating proficiency and success in managing campaigns and donor data
• Bachelor’s degree in related field or equivalent
• Excellent verbal presentation and written communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, and to respond thoughtfully, calmly and with excellent judgment to shifting priorities and urgent situations
• Comfortable in a fast-paced, team-driven, results-oriented environment
• Commitment to providing world-class, patron-centric customer service in all patron interactions
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite
• Respect for and ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information
• Availability to work evenings and weekends as driven by events

ALSO DESIREABLE: 

• Experience managing data and generating reports using PatronManager or other patron databases
• Live performance event management
• Knowledge of and passion for classical music

Apply Now

The South Carolina Philharmonic is committed to performing live symphonic music and providing dynamic educational opportunities in the Midlands. We carry forward a legacy of passion for the music and embrace our responsibility to be a vibrant part of the cultural fabric of our diverse community.

An independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, the South Carolina Philharmonic performs and promotes high-quality, professional symphonic music in South Carolina’s capital city, Columbia, serving the community’s needs for cultural development and education, entertainment and tourism since 1964. The 2022-23 season marks the 15th season of the Philharmonic’s fifth Music Director, Morihiko Nakahara, whose arrival in 2008-09 ushered in a new era of artistic excellence for the Midlands’ preeminent performing arts group and one of the leading orchestras in the Southeast. The Philharmonic performs its signature six-concert Masterworks Series at the Koger Center for the Arts on the campus of the University of South Carolina, along with pops concerts and a wide range of community programs, including concerts and lectures in the community, sensory sensitivity and accessibility concerts, educational programs in schools and out, “Healing Harmonies” concerts at hospitals and eldercare facilities, a vibrant Chamber Crawl series in local restaurants and pubs, and a collaborative “Music for a Cause” program in association with other area charities. Founded in 1964, the S.C. Philharmonic Youth Orchestras (SCPYO) offer exceptional orchestral playing experience for young people throughout the Midlands. Each year more than 200 students participate in four orchestras comprising the region’s top student musicians, age 8 through high school, selected on the basis of competitive audition. The South Carolina Philharmonic will celebrate its 60th season in 2024-25.

The 2023-2024 season will mark Morihiko Nakahara’s 16th season as Music Director of the South Carolina Philharmonic. He is also Resident Conductor of the Spokane Symphony Orchestra and serves as Director of Orchestral Studies at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Added to his wide ranging activities with these orchestras, Nakahara also guest conducts with other orchestras throughout the country.

Known for his charismatic presence on and off the podium, innovative and audience-friendly programming skills, and thoughtful interpretations of both standard and contemporary repertoire, recent guest conducting engagements include appearances with the Buffalo Philharmonic, symphonies of Oregon, Jacksonville, Charleston, Chattanooga, Stockton, Lansing, Peoria, and Green Bay, as well as with the Chicago Pro Musica.

Equally at home in a wide variety of musical styles and concert formats, Nakahara has collaborated with Chris Botti, Béla Fleck & the Flecktones, Edgar Meyer, Brandi Carlile, Pink Martini, Sergio Mendes, and Roby Lakatos to name a few. A tireless champion for the music of our times, Nakahara recently led world premieres of works by Joan Tower, Dan Visconti, and John Fitz Rogers, and has led numerous U.S. premieres of works by Japanese composers. A passionate believer in audience development and music education for all, Nakahara is a popular clinician, guest conductor, and lecturer at various educational institutions. As a personable ambassador for classical music, he is regularly featured on local media outlets and speaks about wide-ranging topics including arts advocacy, leadership and management, and economic development at local businesses and service organizations.

A native of Kagoshima, Japan, Nakahara holds degrees from Andrews University and the University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music. He previously served as Associate Conductor of the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, Music Director of the Holland Symphony Orchestra (Michigan), and served on the faculty at Eastern Washington University and Andrews University.