Chief Development Officer

BACKGROUND The Organization

Founded by Toby Perlman in 1994, The Perlman Music Program (PMP) offers musical training to young string players of rare and special talent. With a faculty led by Itzhak Perlman, PMP is developing the future leaders of classical music within a nurturing and supportive community.

PMP offers a year-round curriculum of programs and performance opportunities for exceptional string players ages 12 and up, focused on community building, musical excellence, and each child’s individual needs. Two signature summer residency programs – the Summer Music School and the Chamber Music Workshop – are hosted on PMP’s historic waterfront campus on Shelter Island, NY. A fall chamber music retreat, a winter residency in Sarasota, FL, and a biennial spring travel program in Tel Aviv are also offered to the student community, along with moments of mentorship and connection throughout the year.

Concerts are regularly hosted in private and public venues in New York City and the East End of Long Island. The administrative team is primarily based in the NY/Metro area, with a permanent office in New York City.

To learn more about PMP, visit perlmanmusicprogram.org.

PMP seeks a dynamic Chief Development Officer (CDO) to join a world-renowned organization shaping the next generation of classical musicians in a deeply inspiring and collaborative environment. Reporting to and partnering closely with the Executive Director, the Chief Development Officer will be a key member of the senior leadership team, playing an active role in strategic decision-making and the organization’s long-term sustainability.

The Chief Development Officer will design and lead a comprehensive fundraising strategy that deepens philanthropic engagement, expands PMP’s visibility and impact, and strengthens its long-term sustainability. Leading a high-performing team of four professionals across development and communications, the CDO will drive fundraising for PMP’s $3.5M annual operation, broaden and diversify the donor pipeline, and secure support for new and evolving initiatives.

Working in close partnership with the Board of Trustees, the CDO will empower and support trustees to take on more active fundraising roles and will play a central role in advancing an ongoing $60 million capital campaign supporting PMP’s endowment and Shelter Island campus. As PMP looks to the future, this leader will help build a more robust, resilient fundraising enterprise—ensuring the Program’s artistic excellence and mission endure for generations to come.

• Set and lead PMP’s overall fundraising strategy, with a focus on growing the existing donor pipeline and increasing annual support year over year
• Initiate and manage fundraising campaigns generating approximately $2.5M annually
• Oversee donor stewardship and acknowledgment efforts to ensure donors are informed, recognized in meaningful ways, and appreciated throughout the year
• Oversee the planning and execution of two annual marquee events—a spring wine auction and a summer gala—as well as additional special events in Palm Beach and New York City
• Develop and grow PMP’s planned giving program
• Actively engage and energize board members, committees, and donors to achieve fundraising goals
• Oversee the application, tracking, and reporting processes for foundation and government grants
• Oversee the development database (Bloomerang) and ensure accurate, timely data management
• Develop and manage the development department budget

• Plan, implement, and lead second phase of comprehensive capital campaign, securing $40+ million to support strategic and infrastructure initiatives
• Develop and manage an active pipeline of major gift prospects, focusing on identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding high-net-worth individuals and foundations, based in NYC, Shelter Island, the Hamptons, Palm Beach, Chicago, and Los Angeles
• Collaborate with leadership to refine a compelling "case for support," defining the capital campaign’s vision, goals, and funding opportunities to inspire donor giving

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