Development Manager

Job Title: Development Manager

Location: Pasadena, CA

Reports To: Executive Vice President

Position Type: Full-Time, Exempt

ABOUT US: MUSE/IQUE is on a mission to empower EVERYONE through live music. At heart, we are storytellers. Through meticulous research, we curate meaningful stories that breathe new life into America’s greatest songs so that we can share why music matters and how it connects us all. Under the leadership of Artistic & Music Director Rachael Worby, we create world premiere arrangements and orchestrations, blending genres and performing arts disciplines in ways that smash prejudices and open our eyes and ears to new ways of seeing and hearing the world. We collaborate with the most vibrantly talented artists from Los Angeles and across the country and present our shows in the most iconic cultural institutions to give every performance the power to ignite our collective imagination. We emphasize membership over ticket sales, because you should feel that live music is something you are a part of, and that you are a part of all we do. We don't want anyone to be left out of this story. We welcome audiences that are too often excluded or believe that they don’t belong. We take inspiration from our shows and deliver adapted versions to classrooms and beyond, partnering with social service and education agencies regularly to bring the transformative power of music to our diverse community.

We are seeking a committed and skilled Development Manager to help grow our fundraising efforts and ensure long-term financial sustainability for the organization.

JOB OVERVIEW: The Development Manager will play a key role in expanding and diversifying the organization’s revenue streams through individual, corporate, foundation, and government giving. Working closely with the Executive Vice President (EVP) and senior leadership, the Development Manager will support and execute strategies to meet fundraising goals and strengthen relationships with current and prospective donors. This position will require a combination of strategic thinking, excellent communication, and the ability to manage multiple fundraising initiatives.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

A. Fundraising Strategy & Implementation:

· Support the EVP in creating and executing the organization’s annual fundraising plan, focusing on major donor portfolio management.

· Implement and manage fundraising initiatives, including membership (in collaboration with membership staff), corporate sponsorships, foundation grants, and VIP donor care for all live music events.

· Implement renewal campaigns, donor drives, and appeals, working to increase participation and donor retention.

B. Donor Relations & Stewardship:

· Cultivate and maintain relationships with new and existing donors through personalized communication and stewardship efforts.

· Coordinate donor recognition and engagement activities, ensuring donors are acknowledged appropriately for their contributions.

· Manage all VIP donor care at public performances and major donor Season Afterparty, including: ticketing, seating, RSVPs, follow-up and inventory management.

C. Grant Writing & Reporting:

· Research and identify potential funding opportunities from foundations, corporations, and government agencies.

· Write compelling grant proposals and reports to secure funding and maintain relationships with grant-makers.

· Track grant deadlines and compliance requirements, ensuring timely and accurate narrative and budgetary reporting.

D. Database Management, Reporting and Accounting:

· Maintain MUSE/IQUE’s Blackbaud Altru donor database, ensuring accurate records and tracking of all donor interactions.

· Work with accounting vendor to process, record and audit all check, credit card and stock revenue received.

· Prepare regular reports on fundraising progress, budget and revenue received to monitor cashflow and inform future strategy.

· Generate donor acknowledgments, receipts, and other necessary communications in a timely manner.

E. Team Collaboration:

· Work closely with the senior leadership team and board to help advance the development goals of the organization.

· Support and collaborate with other departments, including marketing and programming, to align fundraising efforts with organizational priorities.

F. Marketing and Communications:

· Contribute to the creation of fundraising materials and newsletters to engage and educate the community about the organization’s work.

· Help develop and implement donor communication strategies, including emails and personalized outreach.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in nonprofit management, arts administration, communications, or a related field.

2. Experience: Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in fundraising, donor relations, or development, preferably within a nonprofit or performing arts organization.

3. Skills:

· Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling donor appeals and proposals.

· Experience with donor databases (e.g., Salesforce, Raiser’s Edge, etc.)

· Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.

· Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

· Knowledge of the nonprofit sector and the unique fundraising challenges faced by arts organizations.

4. Personal Attributes:

· Passionate about the arts and committed to the mission of the organization.

· Detail-oriented and results-driven with a high level of integrity.

· Creative, proactive, and solutions oriented.

· Ability to maintain a positive and professional demeanor while working under pressure.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

• Salary: $70,000 - $74,000
• Benefits: Health insurance (medical, dental, vision), paid time off, sick time, 10 paid holidays, 401k
• Work Schedule: Full-time, which includes 4 evening and/or matinee shows each month plus dress rehearsals as needed during the months of March, May, June, August, September and October in 2025; as well as the Major Donor Season Afterparty in November.

HOW TO APPLY: Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and at least two writing samples (e.g., a donor letter or proposal) to employment@muse-ique.com. Please include “Development Manager Application” in the subject line.

MUSE/IQUE is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $70,000.00 - $74,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Evenings as needed
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Pasadena, CA 91105