Assistant Director, Major Gifts

The Philharmonic-Symphony Society of New York Inc•New York, NY

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The New York Philharmonic connects with millions of music lovers each season through live concerts in New York and around the world, as well as broadcasts, recordings, and education programs. After returning to a transformed David Geffen Hall in 2022, the Orchestra is acting on a renewed commitment to building on a legacy of more than 180 years, serving as a platform for today’s greatest musical artists and connecting with our communities. Gustavo Dudamel will become the Philharmonic’s Oscar L. Tang and H.M. Agnes Hsu-Tang Music and Artistic Director in the 2026–27 season. The New York Philharmonic is seeking an Assistant Director, Major Gifts to manage a personal portfolio of major donors and prospects who have the capacity to give gifts of $15,000 and higher. This position will develop fundraising strategies to identify and cultivate new prospects and to increase the retention of the most generous donors, and maintain a schedule of cultivation, solicitations, and stewardship. This role works collaboratively to bolster the Philharmonic’s fundraising across major and individual giving platforms, with a particular focus on educational support.

Requirements

A minimum of 7 years of experience navigating a fast-paced Development environment and producing clear, accurate reports and presentations for senior leadership.
Strong attention to detail, exceptional organization skills and the ability to distill complex financial or strategic information into accessible formats.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively; comfortable supporting others in high-level solicitations.
Collaborative and team-oriented, with the ability to build trust and credibility quickly across departments.
Strong analytical skills; able to synthesize information from multiple sources into a cohesive plan or recommendation.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills; capable of crafting persuasive and polished materials.
Experience working in the performing arts, culture, or mission‑driven organizations.
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Responsibilities

Manage a personal portfolio of major donors and prospects including members of the Leonard Bernstein Circle and Patron Program. Maintain strong relationships and oversee cultivation, solicitation, acknowledgement, and stewardship of these donors.
Actively participate in creating and executing strategies to increase revenue for the major gifts program.
Work closely with Research and Development Operations team to identify new prospects from the Philharmonic’s audience and broader community.
Collaborate with Development Writer to prepare an array of written communications including correspondence, invitations, solicitations, proposals, acknowledgements, reports, and other materials and administrative tasks as required.
Attend and co-host a series of pre-concert cultivation dinners, salons, and other special events, working closely with gift officers and development staff.
Serve as host of the Patron Lounge at select performances to steward Patrons, major donors, and Board members.
Serve as frontline fundraiser and personal contact for donors at Philharmonic concerts. Host and participate in special events as needed including talks, lectures, and receptions.
Provide accurate and timely reporting of portfolio and develop unique and personal solicitation strategies.
Serve as key development staff member supporting the Education and Community Engagement Team’s tracking and solicitation of education donors and prospects, and act as Development’s point-person for educational initiatives and updates.
Work closely with Individual Giving, Donor Services, and Development Operations teams to fulfill membership benefits and ticket requests and ensure proper acknowledgement, receipting, and crediting of gifts.
Miscellaneous duties as required.