Chief Advancement Officer

ZRG Aspen Leadership Group is proud to partner with The Phoenix Symphony in their search for the Laura R. Grafman Chief Advancement Officer.

Reporting to the President and CEO, the Laura R. Grafman Chief Advancement Officer serves as The Phoenix Symphony's senior philanthropic leader and a key member of the executive leadership team. The CAO provides strategic leadership for all contributed revenue, including annual giving, major and principal gifts, planned giving, corporate and foundation relations, and special events, while fostering a culture of philanthropy across the organization.

The CAO will lead CRESCENDO: The Campaign for The Phoenix Symphony, the organization's landmark $60 million comprehensive campaign, which has already surpassed 25% of its goal. Working in close partnership with the President and CEO, Board of Directors, Campaign Cabinet, and dedicated volunteers, the CAO will inspire transformational philanthropy, deepen relationships with the Symphony's most significant donors and prospects, and help secure the resources that will shape the organization's future. For an ambitious fundraising leader, this is a rare opportunity to guide a defining campaign, strengthen one of Arizona's premier cultural institutions, and leave a lasting philanthropic legacy.

This is a full-time, in-person position based in downtown Phoenix. The position requires an active presence at select concerts and donor events, including some evening and weekend commitments.

The Phoenix Symphony is Arizona's largest performing arts organization and one of the state's most significant cultural institutions. Beyond presenting a dynamic range of classical and contemporary repertoire in Symphony Hall and throughout the Valley, the Symphony extends its impact through robust community engagement, made possible by the generous support of foundations, corporations, and individual donors. Its artistic excellence is reflected in collaborations with internationally acclaimed guest conductors, virtuoso soloists, Tony Award-winning composers, Broadway performers, jazz artists, and internationally recognized musicians from across the classical and popular music worlds. Together, these artistic partnerships and community investments reinforce the Symphony's role as a cultural cornerstone for Arizona and a leading force in shaping the region's artistic future.

CRESCENDO: The Campaign for The Phoenix Symphony is a transformative $60 million comprehensive fundraising initiative that will shape the future of symphonic music in Arizona. Launched as the Symphony approaches its 80th season, CRESCENDO represents the organization's most ambitious philanthropic endeavor to date, advancing artistic excellence, expanding community engagement, and strengthening the long-term financial foundation needed to sustain the Symphony's mission for generations to come.

The campaign includes a $40 million investment in the Symphony's endowment through Building a Lasting Legacy, creating permanent support for its artistic and educational mission, alongside $20 million through Strengthening and Expanding Our Programs to expand performances, education initiatives, and community engagement. For the next Chief Advancement Officer, CRESCENDO presents an exceptional opportunity to partner with visionary volunteer and organizational leaders to inspire transformational philanthropy and help shape the Symphony's next era of growth and impact.

The successful candidate will bring at least ten years of progressively responsible fundraising leadership experience, including direct accountability for a comprehensive philanthropy program and a record of securing significant philanthropic investment. A bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience is strongly preferred.

The Phoenix Symphony will consider candidates with a broad range of backgrounds. If you are excited about this role and feel that you can contribute to TPS, but your experience does not exactly align with every qualification listed above, we encourage you to apply. All applications must be accompanied by a cover letter and rsum. Cover letters should be responsive to the mission of The Phoenix Symphony and the responsibilities and qualifications specified in the position prospectus.

The target annual salary for this position is $180,000. The Phoenix Symphony offers a generous benefits package, including 100% employer-paid health insurance for the employee, significant paid time off, and a 401(k) retirement plan with an employer match (beginning January 1, 2027).

The Phoenix Symphony is committed to the inclusion of all qualified candidates. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, or participating in the selection process, please contact Kim Farr at kimfarr@aspenleadershipgroup.com.

To apply for this position, visit: https://opportunities.aspenleadershipgroup.com/opportunities/8540

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