Director of Development

Job Posting (Link: The Florida Orchestra | Employment & Auditions)

Development Director

About Us 

The Florida Orchestra (TFO) exists to INSPIRE-EDUCATE-UNITE and build community through the power 

of music. As the largest professional orchestra in the state and the only arts organization that bridges 

Tampa Bay, TFO presents more than 100 concerts, education programs and community experiences 

each season. Our 70 full-time professional musicians and conductors, led by internationally acclaimed 

Music Director Michael Francis, bring music to concert halls, schools, community centers, parks and 

neighborhoods across the region. TFO is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and has an annual operating budget of 

approximately $16 million and an endowment of approximately $35 million. The Florida Orchestra will 

celebrate its 60th season in 2027-28.

Position Summary 

This is a full-time, exempt position based in The Florida Orchestra’s St. Petersburg office. The 

Development Director reports to the Vice President of Development and serves as a senior frontline 

fundraiser responsible for securing significant philanthropic support for The Florida Orchestra. The 

Director manages a portfolio of approximately 50–70 donors and prospects, leading strategies for 

cultivation, solicitation, closing, and stewardship across annual, major and planned gifts, sponsorships, 

and grants.

Working closely with the Vice President of Development and Development colleagues, the Director helps 

advance TFO’s multi-year contributed revenue strategy across individual, corporate, foundation and 

government giving. Success is measured by strong donor relationships, disciplined portfolio management, 

successful solicitations and consistent progress toward individual and team revenue goals. 

An appreciation for music and comfort attending concert and educational performances is required. The 

position includes extended hours, evenings and weekends, including concert duty throughout the season 

(September through May) at the Straz Center (Tampa), Mahaffey Theater (St. Petersburg), Ruth Eckerd 

Hall (Clearwater), other venues, public parks, and donor and community events. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Manage a portfolio of approximately 50-70 current and prospective donors through disciplined 

moves management, from qualification and cultivation through solicitation, closing and 

stewardship.

• Build trusted relationships with high-net-worth individuals and secure gifts from five figures through 

the high six figures.

• Assess donor interests, priorities and philanthropic capacity and develop strategies for annual, 

major and planned gifts, sponsorships and grants.

• Serve as deputy to the Vice President of Development, supporting the implementation of TFO’s 

multi-year fundraising strategy and participating in department strategic planning.

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• Develop and maintain a strong pipeline of prospective donors and funding partners, working with 

the Development Operations & Database Manager on prospect research, analytics and reporting.

• Track portfolio activity, revenue, pipeline, donor retention and forecast-to-actual performance; 

maintain timely contact reports, next steps and donor intelligence in Tessitura (CRM) and provide 

regular portfolio updates and recommendations to the Vice President of Development.

• Partner with the Vice President of Development, Gala Committee, Donor Engagement & Special 

Events Manager and colleagues across TFO to achieve gala, special-event and donor engagement 

goals.

• Represent TFO in donor meetings, at concerts and at community and cultivation events, including 

select evenings and weekends.

• Collaborate with colleagues across TFO to develop donor opportunities and report on donor-funded 

activities.

• Ensure fundraising activity is conducted in accordance with donor intent, applicable regulations, AFP 

ethical standards and TFO policies; maintain strict donor and organizational confidentiality.

• Assist with special projects and other Development responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications 

• At least seven years of progressive fundraising experience, with experience in nonprofit arts and 

culture, education or social services preferred.

• Proven success cultivating, soliciting and closing gifts from five figures through the high six figures.

• Demonstrated experience managing a major-gift portfolio and implementing donor journeys and 

moves management strategies.

• Strong judgment, personal accountability, initiative and a results-driven approach to fundraising.

• Excellent written, verbal, presentation and relationship-building skills, with effective organization, 

follow-through and attention to detail.

• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment while managing multiple 

priorities and stakeholders.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office; experience with Tessitura (CRM) and iWave (donor intelligence) is 

preferred, but other CRM and fundraising system experience considered.

• Knowledge of the Tampa Bay philanthropic and business community is preferred; corporate 

fundraising and sponsorship experience is a plus.

• Reliable transportation is required for donor appointments, concert duty and other local job-related 

responsibilities.

• Passion for TFO’s mission and commitment to professional fundraising ethics, donor-centered 

practices and established organizational protocols.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university preferred. 

Compensation and Benefits

• The annual salary range is $75k-$80k. 

• Comprehensive benefits package including:

o Medical 

o Dental 

o Vision 

• Retirement plan with employer match 

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This full-time, in-person, exempt position offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits 

package, including health, dental and vision coverage, as well as a retirement plan. 

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and three professional references to 

[email protected]. Please include "Development Director" in the subject line. Applications will 

be accepted until October 15, 2026. All inquiries and discussions will be considered strictly 

confidential. 

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change by The 

Florida Orchestra based on the changing needs and requirements of the job, department, or 

organization. Duties, responsibilities, and skills are also subject to change. 

The Florida Orchestra is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit an equal opportunity employer and does not 

discriminate on the basis of race, sex, age, religion, national origin or any other basis prohibited by 

applicable law.