Chief Development Officer

The Perlman Music Program is pleased to work with DRG to conduct this search.Perlman Music ProgramChief Development OfficerNew York, NY(Hybrid, with 4-6 seasonal trips to Shelter Island, and additional occasional travel)BACKGROUNDThe OrganizationFounded by Toby Perlman in 1994, The Perlman Music Program (PMP) offers musical training to young string players of rare and special talent. With a faculty led by Itzhak Perlman, PMP is developing the future leaders of classical music within a nurturing and supportive community.PMP offers a year-round curriculum of programs and performance opportunities for exceptional string players ages 12 and up, focused on community building, musical excellence, and each child’s individual needs. Two signature summer residency programs – the Summer Music School and the Chamber Music Workshop – are hosted on PMP’s historic waterfront campus on Shelter Island, NY. A fall chamber music retreat, a winter residency in Sarasota, FL, and a biennial spring travel program in Tel Aviv are also offered to the student community, along with moments of mentorship and connection throughout the year. Concerts are regularly hosted in private and public venues in New York City and the East End of Long Island. The administrative team is primarily based in the NY/Metro area, with a permanent office in New York City.To learn more about PMP, visit perlmanmusicprogram.org.The PositionPMP seeks a dynamic Chief Development Officer (CDO) to join a world-renowned organization shaping the next generation of classical musicians in a deeply inspiring and collaborative environment. Reporting to and partnering closely with the Executive Director, the Chief Development Officer will be a key member of the senior leadership team, playing an active role in strategic decision-making and the organization’s long-term sustainability.The Chief Development Officer will design and lead a comprehensive fundraising strategy that deepens philanthropic engagement, expands PMP’s visibility and impact, and strengthens its long-term sustainability. Leading a high-performing team of four professionals across development and communications, the CDO will drive fundraising for PMP’s $3.5M annual operation, broaden and diversify the donor pipeline, and secure support for new and evolving initiatives.Working in close partnership with the Board of Trustees, the CDO will empower and support trustees to take on more active fundraising roles and will play a central role in advancing an ongoing $60 million capital campaign supporting PMP’s endowment and Shelter Island campus. As PMP looks to the future, this leader will help build a more robust, resilient fundraising enterprise—ensuring the Program’s artistic excellence and mission endure for generations to come.ROLE OVERVIEWFundraising and Donor Engagement:Set and lead PMP’s overall fundraising strategy, with a focus on growing the existing donor pipeline and increasing annual support year over yearInitiate and manage fundraising campaigns generating approximately $2.5M annuallyOversee donor stewardship and acknowledgment efforts to ensure donors are informed, recognized in meaningful ways, and appreciated throughout the yearOversee the planning and execution of two annual marquee events—a spring wine auction and a summer gala—as well as additional special events in Palm Beach and New York CityDevelop and grow PMP’s planned giving programActively engage and energize board members, committees, and donors to achieve fundraising goalsOversee the application, tracking, and reporting processes for foundation and government grantsOversee the development database (Bloomerang) and ensure accurate, timely data managementDevelop and manage the development department budgetCapital Campaign and Major Gifts:Plan, implement, and lead second phase of comprehensive capital campaign, securing $40+ million to support strategic and infrastructure initiativesDevelop and manage an active pipeline of major gift prospects, focusing on identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding high-net-worth individuals and foundations, based in NYC, Shelter Island, the Hamptons, Palm Beach, Chicago, and Los AngelesCollaborate with leadership to refine a compelling "case for support," defining the capital campaign’s vision, goals, and funding opportunities to inspire donor givingCommunications:In partnership with staff, shape and communicate PMP’s mission, programs, and achievements in a compelling, donor-centered manner across multiple platforms, including solicitation materials, email campaigns, social media, press, and print publicationsBoard Engagement:Staff and support the Board’s Campaign Committee, Nominating & Governance Committee, and Special Events Committee, and collaborate closely with the Executive Director to engage and steward the full Board of TrusteesPartner with board members to maximize fundraising outreach within their personal and professional networksEnsure accurate, up-to-date records and produce clear progress, revenue, and pipeline reports for the BoardWork with the Executive Director and Nominating Committee to strengthen and expand the board pipelineTeam Leadership:Mentor and manage a full-time team of four, including three direct reportsCollaborate with leadership to build and restructure the development department, including the recruitment and addition of a seasoned gift officerServe as a player-coach with a positive, accessible, and collaborative leadership styleSet and uphold high standards for professionalism, quality of work, and collegiality, and hold staff accountable to those standardsAdditional QualificationsPassion for PMP’s mission, with the ability to translate that commitment into meaningful philanthropic partnershipsProven success building, expanding, and stewarding high-level donor relationships over time, including major gifts; capital campaign experience a mustExceptional written and verbal communication skills, with confidence engaging trustees, principal donors, artists, and senior leadershipHighly organized, agile multitasker who can manage competing priorities and deadlines, and with clarity and calmAccomplished people manager with a track record of building, mentoring, and empowering high-performing development teamsStrategic and analytical thinker who is also hands-on and execution-oriented, able to move seamlessly from big-picture planning to day-to-day fundraising activityProfessional, resourceful, and solutions-driven leadership style, with sound judgment and discretion when working with sophisticated donorsAn inspiring, optimistic leader who brings energy, credibility, and momentum to the organization’s fundraising effortsWORK ENVIRONMENTPMP operates from an office on the Upper West Side in NYC, with the development team currently working two days per week from the office and three days remotely. Evenings and weekends will be occasionally required.Travel to the Shelter Island campus will be a regular requirement between Memorial Day and Labor Day (estimated at 4-6 trips per season with PMP provided accommodations). Additional travel will be required occasionally throughout the year, including but not limited to the Palm Beach area, Chicago, West Coast, the East End of Long Island, and more.COMPENSATION AND BENEFITSSalary: $170,000-200,000Selection of Benefits:Comprehensive medical benefits through Anthem, dental through Guardian, and vision through VSP, all with options for employee only/spouse/children/family plansFlexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts plans in addition to life and disability insurancePaid time off, including 15 days PTO (increasing to 20 days after 3 years), 13 federal holidays, plus one optional holidayRetirement benefits include 100% match up to 3% of annual salaryDiscretionary bonus based upon effort, performance and success in achieving goals (up for year-end consideration, after a full year of employment)