Director of Philanthropy

Who We Are

Riverside Arts Academy (RAA) is a dynamic 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Riverside, California, dedicated to transforming lives through high-quality music education. RAA partners with over a dozen school sites and community centers across the Greater Riverside area to provide free and low-cost music instruction to more than 500 students from 2nd to 12th grade. Supported by hundreds of annual donors, government agencies, leading corporations, and private foundations, RAA empowers young musicians to thrive in diverse ensembles. RAA’s programs—including orchestra, mariachi, choir, band, and guitar— are designed to foster creativity, community engagement, and personal growth. As a proud member of El Sistema USA, RAA is at the forefront of expanding access to exceptional music education.

Position Overview

Riverside Arts Academy (RAA) is seeking an exceptional and innovative Director of Philanthropy to lead our fundraising initiatives. This senior leadership role is responsible for developing robust donor engagement, implementing a comprehensive moves management system, coordinating team-driven grant writing efforts, and orchestrating high-impact fundraising events—all to support our mission of providing equitable, high-quality music education.

This role is designed for an accomplished philanthropy professional who brings a wealth of experience and is looking for a part-time leadership opportunity that complements other professional or consulting engagements. This position offers the chance to make a significant impact in the field of music education while retaining the flexibility to pursue other projects. If you are a seasoned philanthropy expert eager to shape and drive our fundraising strategy on a part-time basis, we encourage you to apply.

Position Type: Part-Time, Salaried
Hours: Approximately 20 hours per week
Compensation: $60,000–$65,000/year
Reports to: Executive & Artistic Director
Priority Deadline: April 28, 2025
Projected Start Date: Flexible, May 2025 preferred

Key Responsibilities

Donor Cultivation & Engagement:

• Develop, maintain, and optimize RAA’s comprehensive donor database to ensure accuracy and timely donor acknowledgments.
• Establish and manage a structured moves management system that tracks donor engagement and cultivates long-term support.
• Encourage and participate in identifying annual gift, major gift, corporate sponsor, and planned gift donors.
• Develop a comprehensive strategy that will grow RAA’s recently established endowment.
• Collaborate with Board Members and the Executive & Artistic Director to leverage their respective networks, driving targeted donor engagement and expanding our fundraising impact.

Grant Management:

• Lead all aspects of the grant prospecting and writing process by guiding and synchronizing contributions from team members.
• Ensure all proposals meet organizational standards and reflect a cohesive, compelling narrative aligned with our strategic goals.
• Ensure organizational compliance with relevant grant reporting requirements.

Event Planning & Execution:

• Plan, manage, and evaluate key fundraising events designed to engage both existing and prospective donors.
• Collaborate with team members to create innovative strategies that maximize donor engagement and revenue.

Strategic Philanthropy Leadership:

• Develop and implement a robust philanthropy and revenue strategy in alignment with our organizational mission and goals.
• Identify new funding opportunities and cultivate strong relationships with donors, foundations, and community partners.
• Represent RAA at community events, conferences, and other engagements as needed.
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Required:

• 5+ years demonstrated experience in nonprofit development and fundraising, with a proven track record of building or leading a philanthropy program.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with meticulous attention to detail.
• Proficiency in managing donor databases (Little Green Light or similar) and implementing moves management strategies.
• Exceptional organizational skills and the ability to work independently while managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to pass a live scan background check.

Preferred:

• Master’s degree in a related field or equivalent professional experience.
• Experience coordinating team-driven grant writing initiatives and managing fundraising events.
• Passion for advancing our mission and a commitment to making a significant impact in the community.

Why Join Us?

We are committed to creating an environment that values innovation, independence, and a collaborative spirit. As our Director of Philanthropy, you will have the unique opportunity to shape the future of our fundraising efforts and make a lasting impact on our organization and community. We welcome candidates who are passionate about our mission and eager to drive meaningful change—even if you don’t meet every single qualification.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should apply via Indeed and submit a resume, cover letter, and three references. Applications missing any of these components will not be considered.

If you encounter technical difficulties, please contact [email protected]. The priority application deadline is: April 28, 2025

RAA is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.