Senior Director of Development

NOTE TO APPLICANTS:

Application instructions are listed at the end of this job description.

Summary of Position The Atlanta Music Project seeks a seasoned fundraiser for the position of Senior Director of Development. Working in close collaboration with the Chief Executive Officer, the Senior Director of Development will lead the organization’s fundraising strategy and hold primary responsibility for achieving annual revenue goals of $3MM+.

The Senior Director of Development will lead a team that includes a Director of Grants, Development & Grants Manager, and Marketing & Graphic Design Associate, implementing a community-centric fundraising strategy that incorporates ethical storytelling to convey the vision and impact of the Atlanta Music Project.

As a senior member of the organization, the Senior Director of Development will bring a minimum of 7 years of nonprofit fundraising experience, possess strong leadership qualities, and demonstrate a steadfast commitment to the students and mission of the organization.

About the Atlanta Music Project Founded in 2010, the Atlanta Music Project (AMP) provides world-class music training, international performance opportunities, and college and career preparation services, all supporting youth growth and development. Operating in under-resourced communities, AMP’s mission is to empower youth to realize their possibilities through music. AMP has an annual operating budget of approximately $3MM.

AMP serves over 1,000 young musicians annually through band, orchestra, and choir programs, private lessons, and the annual month-long AMP Summer Series. The AMP Senior Youth Orchestras and Choirs perform and compete both nationally and internationally. Additionally, AMP houses a college and career program supporting high school students and alumni. Since 2021, AMP has awarded over $600,000 in college scholarships to its alumni.

AMP music ensembles perform more than 60 concerts annually in venues across Atlanta, from community centers to Mercedes-Benz Stadium. AMP ensembles have performed alongside international artists such as cellist Sterling Elliott, soprano Karen Slack, rapper Lecrae, operatic baritone Edward Parks, R&B singer Monica, The Piano Guys, the Harlem Quartet, electric violinist Lindsey Stirling, pianist Terrence Wilson, and the Imani Winds. AMP musicians can also be seen performing with rapper T.I. on NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert series.

AMP’s young musicians have successfully auditioned for Georgia All-State ensembles and performed with the Atlanta Opera, the Atlanta Ballet, and the Fox Theatre. AMP ensembles have performed as far away as Los Angeles, Aspen, Mexico, Canada, and New Zealand. The AMP Senior Youth Choir was crowned winner of the Youth Choirs category at the Open Competition of the 2024 World Choir Games. The AMP Senior Youth Orchestra recently performed concerts in Canada and South Carolina.

AMP is the recipient of several prestigious awards, including: 2015 Local Community Service Award (Spelman College), 2016 Neighborhood Builder (Bank of America), 2016 & 2017 Top 50 Youth Arts Program (USA President’s Committee on the Arts & Humanities), 2018 MLK Jr. Community Service Award (Emory University), 2019 Luminary Award for Arts Education (ArtsATL), and 2021 Infusion Award (Lewis Prize for Music).

AMP’s current major funders include the Chestnut Family Foundation, Intuit Mailchimp, the Abraham J. & Phyllis Katz Foundation, the Arthur M. Blank Foundation, Bank of America Charitable Foundation, the Sartain Lanier Foundation, the Luluma Foundation, the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs, Fulton County Arts Council, Georgia Council for the Arts, Georgia Department of Education, Bloomberg Philanthropies, Delta Community Credit Union, the Next Generation Fund, and the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta.

In 2024, AMP acquired five Steinway pianos and was awarded the prestigious designation of Steinway Select School, making AMP one of only eight schools in the country with this distinction.

AMP’s partners and collaborators include the City of Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation, Atlanta Public Schools, Clayton State University, and the Chestnut Family Foundation.

AMP’s existence is a direct result of the 2009 TED Prize awarded to Dr. José Antonio Abreu, founder of Venezuela’s El Sistema. AMP’s co-founders were members of the Sistema Fellows Program at the New England Conservatory in Boston. AMP is a member of El Sistema USA, the National Alliance of El Sistema–inspired programs.

Key Duties of the Senior Director of Development Understand and represent AMP’s philosophy of empowering youth and uplifting communities through world-class music training, international performances, and college and career readiness Learn, understand, and stay current on the structure and details of all AMP programs In collaboration with the CEO, serve as the chief architect of the annual fundraising strategy Be responsible for achieving the organization’s annual fundraising goals Manage the development team to achieve annual fundraising goals In collaboration with the CEO and Bookkeeper, present fundraising progress reports to the Board of Directors Serve as staff liaison to the AMP Board Development Committee Collaborate with the CEO on future capital campaigns Individual Giving (40%) Lead the development team in designing and executing annual fall and spring campaigns Manage and steward an active portfolio of high-level individual donors Personally engage and solicit prospective donors at an appropriate cadence Expand the major gifts program by identifying and cultivating new prospective donors Manage an active portfolio of institutional donors Collaborate with the Director of Grants on cultivation, applications, and reporting Collaborate with the Bookkeeper and Director of Grants on financial components of grant applications and reports Concerts & Events (15%) Represent the Atlanta Music Project at events, galas, and community meetings Lead the design and implementation of an annual fundraising event Curate private donor events connected to AMP programming and performances As appropriate, travel with AMP senior ensembles on national or international tours in support of donor cultivation and stewardship Other Organizational Responsibilities (5%) Participate in periodic meetings with AMP staff across departments Ensure the organization’s external communications align with its mission and fundraising strategy Collaborate with the CEO and Marketing Associate on the production of the organization’s annual report Provide general administrative support as directed by the CEO Education & Experience Minimum 7 years of fundraising experience across major gifts, foundation and corporate relations, annual campaigns, fundraising events, and capital campaigns Experience leading fundraising strategy and/or managing teams CFRE certification preferred Proven track record of securing institutional sponsorships or grants in the five- and six-figure range Proven track record of cultivating major gifts from individuals in the five- or six-figure range Experience organizing fundraising events such as galas and private events Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with demonstrated ability to craft compelling narratives Experience in public speaking and nonprofit advocacy Proficiency with CRM databases for nonprofit donors Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Drive Demonstrated ability to build relationships with nonprofit stakeholders Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as part of a team Additional Work Demands Must be willing and able to work some evenings and weekends to meet critical deadlines Regular local travel required for events and donor cultivation Periodic national or international travel possible for donor cultivation and AMP tours and competitions Notes The Senior Director of Development is a full-time, in-office position. Compensation is commensurate with experience and is expected to range from $110,000 to $130,000. Benefits include a 401(k) with employer matching and a generous vacation policy. A background check is required.

To Apply Prepare one PDF document including:

Resume Three professional references Email the document to with the subject line: “Senior Director of Development.” Applications will be accepted through May 1, 2026. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis.

The Atlanta Music Project is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, sex, disability, national origin, race, religion, or veteran status.

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