Chief Advancement Officer

Music Academy of the West - Santa Barbara, CA
The Music Academy of the West seeks a Chief Advancement Officer to drive philanthropic efforts and ensure fiscal sustainability in partnership with the President & CEO and leadership team. The Chief Advancement Officer will develop and implement sustainable revenue streams that align with the organizational objectives and strategic priorities of the Music Academy of the West ("the Music Academy"). The Chief Advancement Officer will manage a portfolio of major gift donors and prospects, fostering relationships through customized cultivation and stewardship strategies and activities while focusing on expansion of the Music Academy's community of philanthropic leaders. Additionally, the Chief Advancement Officer will lead the Advancement Committee, leveraging the time, talent, and resources of its members. By coordinating events and outreach activities, the Chief Advancement Officer will play a vital role in enhancing donor engagement and ensuring the continued success of the Music Academy.

Located in Santa Barbara, the mission of the Music Academy of the West is to provide classically trained musicians with transformative educational and performance experiences to expand their talents, inspire each other, pursue artistic innovation, and share their gifts with the world. Its programs include an annual eight-week Summer School & Music Festival which trains up to 150 fellows ages 18 to 34 and presents more than 130 performances and events, competitions, and a fully staged opera; Sing!, a children’s choir that performs with local, national, and international partners; the MAX (Music Academy Exchange) partnership with international orchestras; the innovative Alumni Performance and Enterprise awards; and the Mariposa Series of concerts by Academy-affiliated artists. The Music Academy boast over 7,000 alumni across a 77-year history with thousands of world class performances performed on Academy stages and community venues.

"This is a pivotal moment for our institution as we usher in a new era with new leadership including a new President & CEO, Chief Artistic Officer, and Vice President of Marketing & Communications. Together with a new strategic plan to be adopted in December 2024, we are poised to elevate our mission and expand our community impact. Now is the perfect time to join our team and contribute to the future of music education in our region. As we embark on this transformative journey, we are eager to engage a visionary leader who can inspire and drive fundraising initiatives, forge relationships, and support our outreach efforts. This role offers a unique opportunity to help shape the cultural landscape of Santa Barbara, celebrating our achievements and expanding access to music education for all. If you are passionate about advancing the arts and making a meaningful difference, we invite you to apply and help us realize our ambitious goals." — Shauna Quill, President & Chief Executive Officer

For more information, including core competencies and qualifications, please refer to the full prospectus.