Earl R. Merrill: Director of Development, The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center

The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center seeks an exceptional Director of Development, a key executive position, to join the organization at an exciting time of institutional accomplishment and growth, as CMS heads into its 50th Anniversary season.

The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center (CMS) is one of eleven constituents of Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, the largest performing arts complex in the world. The Chamber Music Society has its home in Alice Tully Hall – the finest hall in the world for chamber music. Through its performance, education, and recording/broadcast activities, it draws more people to chamber music than any other organization of its kind.

Reporting to the Executive Director and serving as a member of the senior management team, the Director of Development will lead a staff of five in managing the full spectrum of fundraising initiatives: Trustee Relations; Major and Planned Giving; Foundation and Government Grants; Patrons and Friends Membership Programs; the CMS Global Council; Annual Patron Travel; Special Events, including the annual CMS Spring Gala; and assisting with the CMS’ 50th Anniversary Capital Campaign.

The Director of Development interfaces with every department of CMS to ensure that fundraising objectives are achieved through institution-wide collaboration, and the Director of Development represents the mission and goals of CMS to the Board, audience members, donors, prospects, corporate partners, and fellow constituent organizations of Lincoln Center.

CMS is a close-knit, congenial, and collaborative community. The successful candidate will be an individual with strong and sophisticated interpersonal skills; a creative and ambitious fundraiser with a strong track record in major, individual, institutional, and corporate fundraising; and will have demonstrated a deep appreciation of the performing arts. Candidates should have 7+ years of senior development experience, with a particular emphasis on identifying, cultivating, and soliciting Major Gifts, which is the centerpiece of CMS’ fundraising efforts. A passion for the chamber music art form is a plus.