NPR's radio show From the Top seeks Institutional Giving Manager

Nicole Wittlin

ORGANIZATION

From the Top is America’s largest national platform dedicated to celebrating the stories, talents, and character of classically-trained young musicians. Through live events, YouTube broadcasts, scholarships, leadership programs, and NPR’s From the Top with Host Christopher O’Riley ­– the most popular weekly one-hour classical music program on public radio – we empower these extraordinary young people to engage and inspire music lovers of all ages.



Our classically-trained musicians, ages 8­­–18, astonish audiences with their skill and talent. Their hard work, dedication, and passion make them role models for their peers (and adults, too!). Yet, when they tell us about their lives outside of music, we are reminded that they are typical kids and teenagers, with normal worries and big dreams. In this winning combination, we see a bright future, filled with the joy and hope that music offers to the world.



SUMMARY

Reporting to the Director of Development, the Development Manager-Institutional Giving is a key member of a five-person development team that raises 80% of From the Top’s $3.7 million annual budget. The Development Manager, Institutional Giving will manage all foundation and government donors and prospects, with the goal of retaining and increasing the financial support that From the Top receives from these sectors each year.

 

GOALS

As a key advocate for the mission and programs of From the Top and a close partner to senior program staff, demonstrate initiative and innovation at all stages of the donor cycle, from research and identification, to cultivation, to solicitation, to stewardship, in order to secure approximately $1.5 million annually in unrestricted and programmatic support from foundations and government agencies. Conceive of and implement strategies to increase the quantity and average award of institutional grants and donations. Steward a well-established program and research and develop new funding avenues.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Development Manager, Institutional Giving will:

• Assume responsibility for all aspects of the institutional giving program, managing a portfolio of From the Top’s foundation and government funders.
• Research and identify potential revenue opportunities from foundation and government funders for general operating support and targeted programmatic funding.
• In collaboration with and input from senior program staff, develop grant strategy, write and prepare letters of inquiry, write and prepare grant proposals and related budgets, documents, contracts, and all other correspondence in support of foundation and government solicitations and stewardship. Maintain ongoing communications and appropriate follow-up.
• Complete and monitor progress of grant proposals, interim reports, and final reports to funders by appropriate deadlines.
• Track all points of contact and correspondence in Raiser’s Edge database, and utilize Raiser’s Edge to track proposal and report deadlines and stages.
• Supervise institutional gift entry and acknowledgement processes as performed by the Development Associate. Oversee the maintenance of institutional records to accurately reflect gift and contact information in database.
• Support executive leadership, board leadership, and Director of Development in outreach to/solicitation of government and foundation funders and prospects: prepare research briefings and talking points prior to CEO visits; debrief following CEO visits to produce call reports and strategies for next steps.
• Provide strategy and solicitation support to increase gala corporate sponsorship revenue.
• Staff and provide event support as needed; attend From the Top shows and events as assigned.
• Assist in developing annual budgets.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS

The successful candidate will have a commitment to the arts and to providing opportunities to young people, ideally with a familiarity in the areas of music and/or youth development. He/she will be a strategic thinker with a persuasive communication style; outstanding research, writing, proofreading, and organizational skills; and superb attention to detail. He/she will thrive in a dynamic, high-energy, collaborative environment and be capable of working independently and managing multiple projects simultaneously, while meeting specific goals and deadlines. He/she will have excellent oral communication and interpersonal skills, a sense of humor, and the demonstrated ability to work with program staff and the finance office to put together successful grant proposals. He/she will be available for occasional weekend events and/or travel, eager to contribute as part of a team, and will take personal pride in his/her work and delivering positive results.

 

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree required. At least five years of professional development experience in a non-profit setting, including significant responsibility for institutional revenue generation and extensive experience with proposal-writing. Established relationships with foundation program officers desirable. Raiser’s Edge experience strongly preferred. Strong proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel; advanced expertise preferred. Background and/or interest in music preferred.

 

COMPENSATION

This is a full-time, exempt, salaried position with benefits. Salary commensurate with experience.

 

TO APPLY

From the Top is an equal opportunity employer. Please send resume and cover letter to jobs@fromthetop.org. Learn more at www.fromthetop.org.