Death of Classical seeks a part-time Development Manager to drive our fundraising initiatives and help sustain our mission of reimagining classical music and opera through innovative, immersive experiences in unique venues.
About Us
Death of Classical presents acclaimed classical music and opera concerts in extraordinary spaces - crypts, catacombs, and cemeteries - paired with curated food, drink, and spirits tastings. Our performances have been praised by the New York Times, Billboard, Forbes, and The New Yorker, featuring renowned artists from the New York Philharmonic to Laurie Anderson. We create deeply personal, transformative experiences that change how people perceive and experience classical music.
Position Overview
The part-time Development Manager will play a crucial role in securing and expanding Death of Classical's funding base through grants, individual giving, and strategic fundraising initiatives. While the position is primarily remote, attendance at performances is required to manage box office operations and engage with donors in person, creating valuable face-to-face connections within our unique performance spaces.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and implement comprehensive fundraising strategies aligned with organizational goals
- Identify and pursue relevant grant opportunities from private foundations, government agencies, and arts organizations
- Write compelling grant proposals and manage the full grant cycle, including applications, reporting, and compliance
- Develop and maintain grant calendars to ensure timely submissions and reporting
- Build and nurture relationships with individual donors through strategic cultivation and stewardship
- Manage box office operations during performances, using these opportunities to connect with donors and patrons
- Create engaging donor communications and fundraising materials
- Track and analyze fundraising metrics to optimize development strategies
- Collaborate with artistic and production teams to understand programming needs and articulate them to funders
- Maintain accurate records of all development activities and donor interactions
Qualifications
Required
- 2+ years of successful fundraising experience
- Exceptional writing and editing skills
- Proven track record of successful grant writing and management
- Experience with donor database management
- Strong project management and organizational skills
- Ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple priorities
- Passion for classical music and the performing arts
- Residence in the New York metropolitan area
- Availability to work all or most performance dates
- Comfort with both remote work and in-person donor engagement
Preferred
- Knowledge of the classical music/opera landscape
- Experience with arts organization fundraising
- Familiarity with NYC cultural funding environment
- Background in music or performing arts
- Previous experience in box office operations
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to engage with donors in unique settings
Working Environment
- Primarily remote position with flexible scheduling
- Required in-person attendance at most performances for box office management and donor engagement
- Performance venues located throughout New York City, and possible opportunities for runouts
- Unique opportunity to work in extraordinary historic venues
- Direct interaction with artists, donors, and patrons in intimate performance settings
- Access to all performances and associated events
To Apply
Please send your resume, cover letter, and two grant writing samples to jobs@deathofclassical.com. In your cover letter, please discuss your approach to arts fundraising and what excites you about Death of Classical's mission.
Death of Classical is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates.
