The mission of Jazz at Lincoln Center, Inc. (“JALC”) is to entertain, enrich and expand a global community for jazz through performance, education, and advocacy. From college students to young stars, from working professionals to celebrated masters, we present quality jazz for an ever-increasing audience in an unprecedented range of activities and a variety of venues. We are dedicated to lifting audiences and bringing people together with substance and with integrity. JALC has created a dynamic platform where our key constituents – jazz artists (beginner to grizzled veteran), fans (casual listeners to advanced scholars), educators (local band leaders to leading artist-educators) and advocates (local community advocates to important national promoters) – can meet, engage, learn, and work towards common objectives.

The Senior Director, Individual Giving is a key partner to the Vice President & Chief Development Officer in managing and strategically increasing the capacity of the Individual Giving pipeline. This role manages a portfolio of major and principal gift donors and prospects, serves as a frontline fundraiser for an upcoming comprehensive campaign, and participates in the planning and implementation of campaign priorities, case development, key metrics, and milestones.

The Senior Director manages the Individual Giving team, driving strategy for Major Gifts, Chairman’s Circle, Patrons and Friends of Jazz, the Rhythm Club, the Annual Fund, and the Second Line Society planned giving program. The position oversees the organization’s donor stewardship plan, works with the Vice President to develop a pipeline of seven- and eight-figure prospects, and helps shape solicitation strategies for principal gifts.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the Vice President to develop and execute cultivation and solicitation strategies for six-, seven-, and eight-figure gifts from major gift prospects.
• Assist in creating and implementing the fundraising plan for the upcoming comprehensive campaign.
• Manage the Individual Giving staff, overseeing cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship for all individual donors.
• Support the Vice President in stewarding the Board of Directors, including the Development Committee, and maintain quality control over solicitations, proposals, and membership materials.
• Provide regular updates to organizational leadership on major gift activity, moves management strategies, and opportunities for leadership engagement.
• Advise on and help direct strategy for the organization’s planned giving program.
• In collaboration with senior staff, recommend strategies for long-term fundraising goals, including capital projects and endowment growth.
• Draft proposals, stewardship reports, and other donor communications.
• Partner with the Special Events team to maximize donor participation and follow-up from cultivation events.
• Attend concerts and events at Frederick P. Rose Hall and Dizzy’s Club to meet and steward donors.
• Travel domestically and internationally as needed.
• Manage special projects and unique funding opportunities as assigned.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 9 years of experience in institutional fundraising and strategic partnership management.
• At least 3 years in a leadership role, preferably managing frontline fundraisers and support staff.
• Proven success securing major gifts.
• Strong track record in pipeline development to attract new donors and diversify a donor base.
• Experience in the performing arts nonprofit sector preferred.

Skills and Competencies

• Exceptional written and oral communication skills, with the ability to translate complex ideas into clear, compelling narratives.
• Strong research skills and an entrepreneurial mindset for developing strategic relationships.
• Proven understanding of donor strategy and leverage points to optimize fundraising results.
• Excellent time management skills with the ability to prioritize deliverables in a fast-paced environment.
• High level of professionalism and sound judgment in handling sensitive information.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; experience with fundraising or sales databases (Tessitura preferred).

Personal Attributes

• Exceptional interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively across departments with clear, respectful communication.
• Capacity to work independently while being a collaborative member of a larger team.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive benefits package including generous PTO; medical, dental, and vision coverage; a defined contribution retirement plan; and deferred compensation plans.

Work Location Expectations

At Jazz at Lincoln Center, we believe the best work happens in person, through collaboration, spontaneous conversation, and the kind of connection that reflects the spirit of jazz itself. While we do not offer formal hybrid arrangements, we understand that life happens and approach those situations with flexibility. Staff are expected to be on site whenever their role or schedule requires it, whether during standard hours, evenings, or weekends.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Jazz at Lincoln Center is an equal opportunity employer that affords equal opportunities to all applicants, employees, contractors, and other covered persons, and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Jazz at Lincoln Center is committed to creating an inclusive, open, and respectful culture that reflects and embraces diversity.