Associate Director of Annual Giving and Engagement

The Associate Director of Annual Giving and Engagement is a key member of Curtis’s Advancement team, reporting directly to the Director of Annual Giving and Engagement. This role is both donor-focused and data driven, aiming to increase and retain Curtis’s base of individual contributors. The Associate Director will implement plans to cultivate, solicit and steward multiple constituent groups, including friends and patrons, alumni, and families, through multi-channel communications.

The Associate Director of Annual Giving and Engagement is an ideal position for a development/nonprofit professional seeking an opportunity to build upon their fundraising skills and other professional experience in a collaborative work environment with a commitment to excellence, in line with Curtis’s mission – to educate and train exceptionally gifted young musicians to engage a local and global community through the highest level of artistry. The ideal candidate possesses a blend of strategic communications and constituent engagement skills, with the ability to identify target donor audiences, craft compelling fundraising messages, and develop programs that deepen connection and drive participation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Project Management/Annual Giving: Design and execute an annual giving workflow, including direct mail and email marketing campaigns, monthly renewals, and other key annual fund initiatives such as Curtis’s signature Founder’s Day of Giving.
• Project Management/Engagement: Plan and execute alumni and family engagement opportunities throughout the year—on our Philadelphia campus, across the country, and around the world.
• Program Support: Support the operational needs for the Curtis Circles Program, a tiered donor recognition society. Support the development of an alumni association using digital platforms and in close collaboration with Curtis on Tour, Admissions, and the Provost’s office.
• Data Management: Manage and track alumni (more than 2,000 living Curtis alumni) and build a foundational base of records.
• Collaborations: Develop and maintain strong working relationships with the Curtis marketing team and Director of Advancement Operations.
• Other duties and projects as assigned.

Curtis welcomes applications from people with a wide variety of experience and backgrounds, who are eager to work hard, learn, and contribute.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree completed or in progress.
• 3-5 years of fundraising experience or commensurate experience
• Strong strategic communication and engagement skills in multiple formats
• A passion for project management and workflows, with a demonstrated ability to work autonomously
• A natural collaborator, able to successfully navigate activity across teams and departments
• Ability to be diplomatic at all times and maintain a problem-solving mindset
• Clear understanding of the importance of confidentiality and adhering to the highest standards of industry ethics.
• Experience in marketing, annual giving, alumni relations, donor engagement, or related fields is valued
• A current interest in music, education, and/or the performing arts is helpful.
• Proficiency with using various tools related to fundraising including CRMs and the full Office 365 platform.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

• Exertional requirements are consistent with routine office environment.
• This is an onsite position in Philadelphia, PA.
• Some nights and weekends will be required for performances and fundraising events.
• Some travel is required.
• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States for any employer at the time of hire.
• The final candidate will be required to successfully pass a background check and obtain PA Act 153 clearances.

Compensation and Benefits

• Gross annual salary for this position is $75,000 – 85,000, commensurate with experience.
• The Curtis Institute of Music offers a number of perks for full-time staff including complimentary meals on campus during the academic year, and mass transit support with employer-sponsored, all-access SEPTA Key Advantage program or PATCO enrollment.
• This position is benefits eligible. Curtis offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees including health, dental, and vision insurance, basic term life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance, short and long-term disability insurance, supplemental insurance options, and paid parental leave.
• 401k plan participation begins after 1 year of eligible service consistent with the plan requirements.