The Fresno Philharmonic

Development Assistant

Duties and Responsibilities

The Development Assistant reports to the Development Director, providing essential assistance in attaining the annual financial goals of the Development Department at the Fresno Philharmonic. This person has an excellent understanding of the nature of Fund Development and enjoys the opportunity to develop positive relationships with donors.

The Development Assistant will:

• Take responsibility for precise data entry, donor acknowledgment, and database records
• Manage and compile donor and sponsor lists for Program Books and presentation materials 
• Develop strategies of cultivation for donors up to $1,000
• Oversee Development software, track donor gifts, acknowledgement, and recognition
• Write acknowledgement communications, invitations, flyers, etc.
• Take and write minutes of Development committee meetings
• Communicate with Development Committee regarding meetings, assignments, etc.
• Generate reports that guide Development policy and strategy.
• Engage as lead staff in evaluating donor software with goal of implementing changes, upgrades, and transition to new software
• Manage administrative components of special events and fundraising efforts
• Represent Philharmonic at Development table at concerts
• Provide administrative support and run errands for office work, concerts, funder presentations, Development meetings and events
• Other duties and responsibilities assigned by Development Director and Executive Director

Requirements:

• Meticulous attention to detail
• Positive and highly motivated team player
• Good writing and communication skills to effectively prepare for and respond to Development inquiries and needs
• Possess a sense of diplomacy working with funders and board members
• Good computer skills (MS, Excel), and ability to be trained with new technology tools
• Prior database experience preferred
• Physical ability required to carry Development material to meet concert, events, and office needs
• Must have own transportation and valid driver's license
• Flexible with schedule and ability to work evenings and weekends
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience required

Compensation: Low to mid $30’s.

Benefits: Paid vacation and sick leave; health and dental insurance.

To apply: Applications are being accepted immediately.  Submit resume, three work-related references, salary history, and a brief cover letter describing your interest, qualifications, and experience to:

Karin Chao-Bushoven, Director of Development

Fresno Philharmonic

2377 West Shaw Avenue, Suite 101

Fresno, CA 93711

Email: kcbushoven@fresnophil.org

About the Fresno Philharmonic

The Fresno Philharmonic, now in its 54th season, is the cultural flagship of Fresno, and one of the leading cultural organizations in the central San Joaquin Valley, one of the fastest growing regions in California.  The population of Fresno is approaching 500,000, with an equal number living in surrounding communities.  The rapid growth of Fresno’s cultural community in recent years speaks well of Fresno’s potential as an emerging center of cultural activity in the western United States.

The orchestra performs eight concert pairs throughout the season (approximately one weekend per month) in the 2370-seat Saroyan Theatre in downtown Fresno.  The Philharmonic is also the contracted orchestra for the Fresno Grand Opera and the Central California Ballet. In addition, its small ensembles provide over fifty educational outreach services to local schools, and the orchestra performs a week of youth concerts concluding with the annual Family Concert.  In June 2007, the Philharmonic introduced a new mini-festival, Basically Beethoven, that was held over several days and included two orchestra concerts and a chamber music concert.  Leading guest soloists, such as Itzhak Perlman, Lang Lang, Lynn Harrell, Sarah Chang, and Andre Watts have appeared with the Philharmonic.

Theodore Kuchar is the Music Director and entering his sixth season.  He is also Music Director of the Janacek Philharmonic in the Czech Republic, and the Reno Chamber Orchestra in Nevada. He previously served as Music Director of the Ukrainian National Orchestra in Kiev and the Boulder Philharmonic in Colorado.  With many recordings on both the Naxos and Brilliant labels, he is one of the most recorded conductors on the scene today.  Many of his recordings have received critical acclaim.

The Fresno Philharmonic operates on an annual budget of approximately $2.4 million.  There is an endowment of about $2 million.  The Philharmonic is managed by a full-time staff of nine and seven part-time employees.  It has a 25-member Board of Directors who are fully engaged with generous financial contributions and their commitment to service on various committees.  An ancillary Symphony League has 115 members and provides over $20,000 in annual support.