Development Director

Position Title:    Development Director

Reports To:       Executive Director

Employment:   Full-time, non-exempt

Now in our 48^th season, The St. Louis Children’s Choirs (SLCC) are a nationally recognized performance ensemble and music education program with over 400 young singers ages 6 to 18 from over 150 schools and 85 zip codes across the St. Louis metro area (MO and IL). Our mission is “transforming lives through musical excellence.” Young singers achieve music excellence and character growth through the rehearsal and performance of high-quality choral literature and world-class performance opportunities. Under the artistic leadership of Dr. Alyson Moore, the Choirs have embarked on a new era of music education innovation, dynamic concert production, and increased community service and artistic partnerships. The Choirs have toured to 14 international destinations, serving as St. Louis ambassadors to the world. In June 2026, our singers will tour to Portugal. SLCC is the official children’s choir of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and enjoys wonderful partnerships with Opera Theatre of St. Louis, the Ambassadors of Harmony, COCA, SIUE, Bach Society, and others. The St. Louis Children’s Choirs is a place of love, joy, family, hard work, healing, and “music made together.”

Position Summary:

Responsible for the management of the development and fundraising functions for The St. Louis Children’s Choirs. Works directly with the Executive Director, Artistic Director, and the Board of Directors to develop long-range plans. Creates and executes a comprehensive development strategy for the Choirs. Supports the coordination of public relations, publicity, marketing, and advertising to promote brand recognition. Provides leadership in support of concerts and special events. Maintains effective and positive communications with Choir members, their families, staff, alumni, community partners, individual and institutional donors, and the Board of Directors. Provides leadership which results in the harmonious accomplishment of organizational goals. Motivated by sincere love of children and the mission of The St. Louis Children’s Choirs.

Responsibilities and Work-Related Expectations:

Development and Fundraising

• Strategy Development: In consultation with senior leadership and the Board of Directors, develop and execute a comprehensive development strategy that meets the Choirs’ annual operating goals and lays continuing groundwork for increasing contributed revenues in subsequent cycles.
• Individual Giving: Lead execution of the annual fundraising program of “membership” and its associated benefits; develop new programs to increase the participation of members. Oversee, manage, and track effectiveness of all individual giving channels including but not limited to monthly giving club, annual appeal letter, online giving, giving days, social media, alumni giving, and concert and event giving.
• Institutional Fundraising: Oversee and manage the organization’s diverse relationships with government, foundations and corporations for continued success in institutional fundraising. Supervise the research and timely preparation of all foundation, corporate, and government grant proposals, and oversee grant stewardship, administration, and reporting. Maintain annual grant calendar.
• Special Events: Lead the execution of all fundraising and donor gratitude events. Work closely with staff, board, and volunteers to maximize the effectiveness events. Produce bi-annual gala and other events.
• Major Gifts: Devise and implement aggressive new strategies to acquire, renew, and upgrade major donors; devise program-based fundraising initiatives to attract and retain major donors and increase their loyalty. Oversee prospect research efforts and manage a portfolio of major donors. Manage a portfolio of major donors and partner with Executive Director to assign portfolios to Artistic Director, Board members, and senior organizational representatives: coach, train, and motivate them to successfully solicit major gifts.
• Capital Campaign: Understand the construction and execution of capital campaigns. Ability to lead and/or work well on a campaign team of senior leadership, campaign consultant, board leadership, and campaign chairperson.
• Board Relations: Work with senior leadership to motivate and strengthen the Board in its role in development; expand, manage and coordinate the board members and other volunteers’ involvement in fundraising activities. Participate in Board strategic and campaign planning. Assume an active role in serving and supporting the Board and Board committees. Help lead Board Development Committee with committee chair.
• Database Management: Oversee and manage confidential record management with an eye for continuous improvement of the functioning of CRM database.
• Alumni and Volunteers: Devise and implement a new process for volunteer recruitment, management, and inspiration. Create new events and moments to engage, inspire, and motivate SLCC’s broad alumni network.

Marketing and Public Relations

• Support development and implementation of a comprehensive marketing plan that creates visibility, brand recognition, and interest in the Choirs
• Assist in coordination of information, design, updates, website, social media, and print work for the Choirs
• Professionally represent the Choirs at community, professional, and media events 

Board and Committee Leadership

• Support the Board in ways that help fulfill governance requirements and maximizes their individual expertise and collective contributions to the organization
• Support preparation of communications and materials that facilitate effective Board meetings
• Keep the Board informed of activities relating to events, development, and marketing
• Participate on committees, seek feedback and advise, and identify potential opportunities and resources
• Work in partnership with senior leadership and the Board of Directors to develop long-range strategic plans that position the organization for sustainability and progress

General and Other

• Other duties as assigned

Skills/ Qualities needed:

• Sincere love of children, music, and the mission of The St. Louis Children’s Choirs
• Strong understanding of the donor cycle
• Very high emotional intelligence, excellent inter-personal skills, and an entrepreneurial spirit are required
• Exceptional organizational, writing, and presentation skills
• 10+ years related experience in development or related fields
• Ability to organize small details and maintain focus on the big picture of the organization
• Ability to manage multiple projects, meet simultaneous deadlines, and follow through on commitments
• Confidence in pro-active problem solving
• Capacity to take initiative, prioritize duties, work independently, measure results, report progress, and take feedback and improve while functioning as a member of the overall team
• Integrity, conscientious, high work ethic
• Proficiency in data analysis and Microsoft suite and G-suite.
• Enthusiastic, flexible, innovative, and positive team player
• Familiarity with music and performing arts organizations extremely helpful as well as knowledge of the St. Louis philanthropic community and local and national charitable giving histories and trends.

Work Hours: This is a full time, exempt, 40 hours per week position. This job is 100% in office with occasional work from home options. The work schedule involves evenings and weekends for concerts and special events.

Salary and Benefits: Salary range: $75,000 to $95,000. Full medical and dental w/ HSA account option. 401k w/ 3% match. Generous PTO – 10 days + 18 paid holidays comprised of 9 core holidays, 2 floating holidays, and paid holiday break. Short and Long-Term Disability Insurance. Professional Development opportunities/funds available.

Please send cover letter and resume to Ben Nordstrom at [email protected].