Director of Development

About Us

Play On Philly (POP) is a leading non-profit organization providing transformative out-of-school time music instruction to K-12 students in communities that have little or no access to formal music education. Through our work, we help children and youth in Philadelphia aspire to academic and social success, realize their full potential for growth, and become instruments of change in our society. As we head into our 15th year, we are expanding our impact with multiple sites, vibrant partnerships, and a host of public performance opportunities throughout the region.

We don’t just teach music: We transform lives!

The POP team is a deeply committed and collaborative team, working in close partnership to advance the organization’s mission. Many team members have been with POP for 10 years or more—a testament to the strength of the organizational culture and the talented, thoughtful leadership that has fostered both loyalty and professional growth.

Position Summary

Play On Philly seeks a strategic, passionate, and collaborative Director of Development to lead all fundraising efforts and serve as a key member of our Senior Leadership Team. Reporting to the Executive Director, this individual will manage a comprehensive fundraising strategy—including individual giving, institutional support, corporate partnerships, and events—to foster a strong culture of philanthropy and further POP’s impact. The Director supervises the Partnerships and Communications Manager and works closely with Board members, leadership staff, and external stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Fundraising & Strategy: build and execute a comprehensive development plan across all giving streams (individual, corporate, foundation, planned giving, EITC, events); collaborate with Executive Director and Board to align plan with organizational strategy
• Donor Stewardship & Management: cultivate donor and prospect relationships, developing tailored engagement strategies; serve as key solicitor for major gifts
• Database Maintenance: manage donor communications, acknowledgement processes, and CRM data integrity (DonorPerfect database)
• Board Liaison: serve as staff liaison for Development at Board of Directors’ meetings and to the Board’s Development Committee
• Leadership & Collaboration: Supervise and support the Partnerships and Communications Manager; co-lead planning and implementation of fundraising events with the Special Events Manager; represent POP at events and in the community at large

Qualifications/Requirements

We are looking for a dedicated, driven Development professional with proven ability to strategically plan, manage multiple simultaneous projects, and work effectively as part of a high-performing leadership team. You should excel at building meaningful relationships across multiple stakeholders, including partner organizations, foundations, local and national philanthropic communities, and POP’s Board of Directors. In addition, we require the following skills/abilities:

• Minimum of 5-7 years of fundraising experience, including 3+ years in a leadership role
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (advanced degree or CFRE preferred)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and interpersonal skills that resonate across a diverse range of audiences
• Proven track record of successful donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship
• Proficiency in DonorPerfect or other CRM systems, Microsoft Office 365 Suite, and MailChimp
• Background in the Philadelphia arts, culture, or nonprofit sectors preferred

We offer unparalleled opportunities to make a difference as part of POP’s Leadership Team!

• Make a lasting, life-changing impact on the lives of hundreds of students and their families
• Bring equity and opportunity to communities that historically have no access to high-quality music education
• Accelerate your career in a highly visible role that interacts with a wide variety of stakeholders, including our Board of Directors, key cultural partners and non-profit organizations, school administrators and leaders, and community/political leaders

Salary & Benefits

This position has a salary range of $85,000 - $100,000 (commensurate with experience). We offer a generous benefits package including paid time off and holidays, a simple IRA retirement plan with 3% matching contribution, group medical insurance, and contributory dental, disability, and life insurance coverages.

Work Environment

• Hybrid schedule: 2-3 days per week onsite in Center City
• Travel within the greater Philadelphia area – valid driver’s license required
• Ability to lift and carry event materials (up to 35lb)
• Must be available for occasional evenings and weekend events

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

POP is committed to being a diverse and inclusive workplace and is actively trying to attract a wide pool of candidates. Discrimination against race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability or genetic information is both illegal and against our organization’s values. As part of our Commitment to Cultural Equity and Anti-Racism, POP is working to understand who is applying to our open positions. Your responses will help us to evaluate and improve our current practices. If you feel comfortable volunteering your demographic details strictly for informational purposes, you will be invited to respond to the optional section in the job application.

Our community

POP is rooted in the community of Philadelphia. We welcome all applicants and invite our local community members to apply. We want to hear from you!

Cover letter and resumé required. Please note that a cover letter is essential to your candidacy and should include the following: why your credentials are a good fit for Play On Philly, confirmation that the posted salary is in alignment with your expected compensation, and where you saw the position advertised.