Founded by Toby Perlman in 1994, The Perlman Music Program (PMP) offers unparalleled musical training to young string players of rare and special talent. With a world-class faculty led by Itzhak Perlman, PMP is developing the future leaders of classical music within a nurturing and supportive community.
PMP provides a vibrant curriculum of programs, residencies, concerts, mentorship, and educational engagement. The most promising young musicians from across the world have a platform to thrive, make music together, form life-long bonds, and transform their potential into a life-changing reality.
Our dedicated staff divide their work between our New York City office, work from home, and on our waterfront campus on Shelter Island.
Current Openings:
Chief Development Officer (CDO)
PMP seeks a dynamic Chief Development Officer (CDO) to join a world-renowned organization shaping the next generation of classical musicians in a deeply inspiring and collaborative environment. Reporting to and partnering closely with the Executive Director, the Chief Development Officer will be a key member of the senior leadership team, playing an active role in strategic decision-making and the organization’s long-term sustainability.
The Chief Development Officer will design and lead a comprehensive fundraising strategy that deepens philanthropic engagement, expands PMP’s visibility and impact, and strengthens its long-term sustainability. Leading a high-performing team of four professionals across development and communications, the CDO will drive fundraising for PMP’s $3.5M annual operation, broaden and diversify the donor pipeline, and secure support for new and evolving initiatives.
Working in close partnership with the Board of Trustees, the CDO will empower and support trustees to take on more active fundraising roles and will play a central role in advancing an ongoing $60 million capital campaign supporting PMP’s endowment and Shelter Island campus. As PMP looks to the future, this leader will help build a more robust, resilient fundraising enterprise—ensuring the Program’s artistic excellence and mission endure for generations to come.
ROLE OVERVIEW
Fundraising and Donor Engagement:
Set and lead PMP’s overall fundraising strategy, with a focus on growing the existing donor pipeline and increasing annual support year over year
Initiate and manage fundraising campaigns generating approximately $2.5M annually
Oversee donor stewardship and acknowledgment efforts to ensure donors are informed, recognized in meaningful ways, and appreciated throughout the year
Oversee the planning and execution of two annual marquee events—a spring wine auction and a summer gala—as well as additional special events in Palm Beach and New York City Capital Campaign and Major Gifts 20%
Develop and grow PMP’s planned giving program
Actively engage and energize board members, committees, and donors to achieve fundraising goals
Oversee the application, tracking, and reporting processes for foundation and government grants Oversee the development database (Bloomerang) and ensure accurate, timely data management
Develop and manage the development department budget
Capital Campaign and Major Gifts:
Plan, implement, and lead second phase of comprehensive capital campaign, securing $40+ million to support strategic and infrastructure initiatives
Develop and manage an active pipeline of major gift prospects, focusing on identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding high-net-worth individuals and foundations, based in NYC, Shelter Island, the Hamptons, Palm Beach, Chicago, and Los Angeles
Collaborate with leadership to refine a compelling "case for support," defining the capital campaign’s vision, goals, and funding opportunities to inspire donor giving
Communications:
In partnership with staff, shape and communicate PMP’s mission, programs, and achievements in a compelling, donor-centered manner across multiple platforms, including solicitation materials, email campaigns, social media, press, and print publications
Board Engagement:
Staff and support the Board’s Campaign Committee, Nominating & Governance Committee, and Special Events Committee, and collaborate closely with the Executive Director to engage and steward the full Board of Trustees
Partner with board members to maximize fundraising outreach within their personal and professional networks
Ensure accurate, up-to-date records and produce clear progress, revenue, and pipeline reports for the Board
Work with the Executive Director and Nominating Committee to strengthen and expand the board pipeline
Team Leadership:
Mentor and manage a full-time team of four, including three direct reports
Collaborate with leadership to build and restructure the development department, including the recruitment and addition of a seasoned gift officer
Serve as a player-coach with a positive, accessible, and collaborative leadership style
Set and uphold high standards for professionalism, quality of work, and collegiality, and hold staff accountable to those standards
The Ideal Candidate:
The ideal candidate for the Chief Development Officer role possesses the following competencies:
Strategic Mindset: Seeing ahead to future possibilities and translating them into breakthrough strategies
Builds Networks: Effectively building formal and informal relationship networks inside and outside the organization.
Instills Trust: Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.
Stakeholder Focus: Building strong stakeholder relationships and delivering targeted solutions.
Resourcefulness: Securing and deploying resources effectively and efficiently.
Builds Effective Team: Building strong teams with a strong identity that apply their diverse skills and perspectives to achieve common goals
Additional Qualifications:
Passion for PMP’s mission, with the ability to translate that commitment into meaningful philanthropic partnerships
Proven success building, expanding, and stewarding high-level donor relationships over time, including major gifts; capital campaign experience a must
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with confidence engaging trustees, principal donors, artists, and senior leadership
Highly organized, agile multitasker who can manage competing priorities and deadlines, and with clarity and calm
Accomplished people manager with a track record of building, mentoring, and empowering highperforming development teams
Strategic and analytical thinker who is also hands-on and execution-oriented, able to move seamlessly from big-picture planning to day-to-day fundraising activity
Professional, resourceful, and solutions-driven leadership style, with sound judgment and discretion when working with sophisticated donors
An inspiring, optimistic leader who brings energy, credibility, and momentum to the organization’s fundraising efforts
Work Environment:
PMP operates from an office on the Upper West Side in NYC, with the development team currently working two days per week from the office and three days remotely. Evenings and weekends will be occasionally required.
Travel to the Shelter Island campus will be a regular requirement between Memorial Day and Labor Day (estimated at 4-6 trips per season with PMP provided accommodations). Additional travel will be required occasionally throughout the year, including but not limited to the Palm Beach area, Chicago, West Coast, the East End of Long Island, and more.
Compensation and Benefits:
Salary
$170,000-200,000
Selection of Benefits
Comprehensive medical benefits through Anthem, dental through Guardian, and vision through VSP, all with options for employee only/spouse/children/family plans
Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts plans in addition to life and disability insurance
Paid time off, including 15 days PTO (increasing to 20 days after 3 years), 13 federal holidays, plus one optional holiday
Retirement benefits include 100% match up to 3% of annual salary
Discretionary bonus based upon effort, performance and success in achieving goals (up for year-end consideration, after a full year of employment)
Board Liaison
The Board and Executive Liaison serves as a strategic partner and trusted advisor to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director and the Chief Development Officer. Key responsibilities include supporting Board and Board committee meetings, managing relationships with board members, coordinating schedules, and maintaining records. The role also serves as a point person for managing high-level relationships with high net worth donors and prospects and plays a key leadership role in PMP's $60 million comprehensive capital campaign. The role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, discretion, and the ability to handle multiple tasks efficiently in a fast-paced nonprofit environment.
ROLL OVERVIEW:
Board Support:
Serve as liaison to the Board of Directors: prepare and distribute meeting materials, coordinate logistics, record minutes, and maintain Board records.
Support Board committee meetings, including scheduling, preparing materials, maintaining records, and tracking follow-up items.
Advance board involvement and connection to the organization’s mission, and support fundraising efforts with board members
Organize and attend board-related events and retreats
Maintain confidentiality and professionalism in all communications and recordkeeping.
Onboard new Board members, including orientation scheduling, materials preparation, and introduction to organizational systems and culture.
Maintain current Board member contact information, terms, and committee assignments.
Coordinate Board member participation in PMP concerts and events, visits to camp, and fundraising galas.
Executive Support:
Provide strategic support to the Executive Director and Chief Development Officer to drive strategic planning, monitor progress and ensure alignment with mission;
Provide administrative support to the Executive Director, including scheduling, correspondence, and project coordination.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
3-5 years of proven experience in nonprofit administration, office management, or development support.
Strong organizational and time management skills with a proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace required.
Experience with donor CRM systems preferred.
Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
Work Environment:
PMP operates from an office on the Upper West Side in NYC, with the development team currently working two days per week from the office and three days remotely. Occasional travel to the Shelter Island campus and evening/weekend hours may be required for events.
Compensation & Benefits:
Salary commensurate with experience, $80,000-$90,000
Selection of Benefits:
Comprehensive medical benefits through Anthem, dental through Guardian, and vision through VSP, all with options for employee only/spouse/children/family plans
Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts plans in addition to life and disability insurance
Paid time off, including 15 days PTO, 13 federal holidays, plus one optional holiday
Retirement benefits include 100% match up to 3% of annual salary
How to Apply:
Please send a cover letter, resume, and three references to jobs@perlmanmusicprogram.org. Include “Board Liaison” in the subject line. No phone calls, please.