Job Details

Overview

The Senior Director, Philanthropy, is a senior member of the LA Phil's Philanthropy Department, responsible for leading the department's three principal frontline fundraising programs: Philanthropic Engagement (formerly Major Gifts); Institutional Giving; and Gift Planning. These combined programs are budgeted to raise $18 million in operating funds in the next fiscal year.

The Senior Director is a highly experienced and accomplished fundraising professional, with demonstrated success leading teams, setting strategies, and achieving revenue goals. The Senior Director will lead by example and through clear communications with team members and colleagues. Given the high volume of work at the LA Phil, the Senior Director will be a comfortable delegator, instilling trust and confidence in their team members to do their best work in a collaborative manner.

At the outset of their tenure, the Senior Director will evaluate the priorities and strategies of these three teams, building on strengths and identifying areas for growth and improvement. Once priorities and goals are established, the Senior Director will lead these three teams in a unified manner, infusing fundraising best practices with creative efforts that are tailored to the LA Phil's unique structure and culture.

The Senior Director will balance staff management with the management of a personal portfolio of donors and prospects across giving categories, regularly engaging with them at concerts, events, and external meetings.

Essential Functions

Lead a team of 16 full-time staff, with 4 direct reports, toward the achievement of budgeted operating revenue goals plus special fundraising initiatives for capital projects and endowment growth.

• Lead a team of 16 full-time staff, with 4 direct reports, toward the achievement of budgeted operating revenue goals plus special fundraising initiatives for capital projects and endowment growth.
• Manage a portfolio of 50-75 donors and prospects, setting strategies for cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Partner with the Chief Philanthropy Officer and Vice President, Philanthropy, on departmental strategic planning and goal setting, including plans for a comprehensive campaign.

Relationships

Reports To: Chief Philanthropy Officer

Director, Institutional Giving (3 direct reports)

Director, Gift Planning (3 direct reports)

Interacts With: Individual and Institutional Donors at all levels

Professional Requirements and Characteristics

• 10+ years of experience in senior fundraising roles at larger nonprofit organizations ($50M+ operating budgets), including at least one extended tenure (5+ years).
• 5+ years of experience managing a large staff (10+ members, a balance of established and early-career professionals).
• Demonstrated leadership style built on trust, candor, clear communication.
• Solid foundation of fundraising best practices, but with flexibility to conceive of and welcome creative new ideas.
• Impeccable writing, communication, and organizational skills.
• Experience with major CRM platforms and demonstrated commitment to making full use of them.
• Ability and willingness to regularly work nights and weekends to engage with donors.
• Passion for, or interest in, the performing arts and arts education, and a respect and appreciation for the value of arts organizations to their communities.
• B.A. or equivalent experience.

Created September 2025

The Los Angeles Philharmonic Association will consider for employment qualified Applicants with Criminal Histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the FCIHO.

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

It is the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association's policy to provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. The Association does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and religious grooming), sex (including pregnancy, perceived pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, legally protected medical condition or information, genetic information, marital status, gender, gender identity, gender expression, military status, veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law. Consistent with the law, the Association also provides reasonable accommodation for disabled applicants and employees in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, for pregnant employees who request an accommodation with the advice of their health care providers, for pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions; for employees who are victims of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking; and for applicants and employees based on their religious beliefs and practices.

The only way to apply for an LA Phil position online is through this portal. If you receive a link or request to apply outside of this portal, please disregard it and contact ...@laphil.org. The Los Angeles Philharmonic Association embraces and is committed to diversity and inclusion within our staff, musicians, guest artists, audiences, and surrounding communities. The Association does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and religious grooming), sex (including pregnancy, perceived pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, legally protected medical condition or information, genetic information, marital status, gender, gender identity, gender expression, military status, veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law. Consistent with the law, the Association also provides reasonable accommodation for disabled applicants and employees in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, for pregnant employees who request an accommodation with the advice of their health care providers, for pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions; for employees who are victims of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking; and for applicants and employees based on their religious beliefs and practices.

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