June 17th, 2026
San Francisco Symphony
Deputy Director of Development
( California | Hybrid )
About the Organization
The San Francisco Symphony is widely recognized as one of the leading orchestras in the United States and among the most innovative performing arts organizations in the world. Founded in 1911, the Symphony is celebrated for its artistic excellence, adventurous programming, award-winning recordings, and commitment to education and community engagement.
In May 2026, the Symphony announced the appointment of conductor Elim Chan as its next Music Director, beginning in September 2027. Chan will become the 13th Music Director in the Symphony's history and the first woman to hold the position. An internationally acclaimed conductor, Chan has established herself as one of the leading artists of her generation through appearances with major orchestras across North America, Europe, and Asia. Recognized for her musical versatility, innovative programming, and collaborative approach, she brings a compelling artistic vision and global perspective to the Symphony at a pivotal moment in its history. Her appointment marks an exciting new chapter for the institution as it builds on its distinguished artistic legacy while looking toward the future.
The San Francisco Symphony presents more than 200 concerts and presentations annually for an audience of approximately 350,000 at Davies Symphony Hall. Its programming spans the core orchestral repertoire, contemporary works, commissions, film concerts, chamber music, holiday performances, and SoundBox, the Symphony’s acclaimed experimental music series.
Education and community engagement are central to the Symphony’s mission. Through one of the nation’s most extensive orchestra-based music education programs, the Symphony provides free music education experiences to more than 25,000 students annually throughout the San Francisco Unified School District.
The Symphony has long been recognized as a leader in innovation both on and off the stage. Through its Grammy Award-winning SFS Media label, nationally distributed radio broadcasts, digital initiatives, and groundbreaking multimedia projects, the organization has expanded access to classical music for audiences around the world. The Symphony’s recordings and artistic achievements have been recognized with 17 Grammy Awards and numerous international honors.
Today, the San Francisco Symphony is entering a period of renewed artistic momentum and organizational opportunity. Under the leadership of President and CEO Matthew Spivey, Board Chair Priscilla B. Geeslin, and Music Director Designate Elim Chan, the organization is well-positioned to deepen its impact throughout the Bay Area and strengthen its role as one of the world’s leading cultural institutions.
Job Description
Position salary range: $168,809 to $193,485
Position reports to: Chief Philanthropy Officer
Position Summary
Reporting to the Chief Philanthropy Officer, the Deputy Director of Development (DDD) is a key strategic leader and the second most senior position on the San Francisco Symphony’s (the Symphony) Development Team. Serving as a senior partner and designated proxy to the Chief Philanthropy Officer, the DDD plays a central leadership role in departmental strategy, contributed revenue growth, team performance, and organizational planning across the Symphony’s philanthropy operation. Together, they help lead a comprehensive philanthropy program that generates approximately $35 million annually.
The DDD provides leadership for the Symphony’s frontline fundraising efforts, the largest fundraising vertical within the Development department, and oversees a team of nine development professionals, including senior fundraising leaders responsible for major gifts, leadership annual giving, new philanthropy, and foundation and government support. Through this leadership structure, the DDD guides strategy, performance, and contributed revenue growth across a broad portfolio of fundraising activity and donor engagement initiatives.
Working closely with the Chief Philanthropy Officer, Board leadership, fundraising volunteers, and senior institutional leadership, the DDD helps advance the Symphony’s philanthropic priorities and fosters a culture of ambitious, relationship-driven fundraising across the organization.
As a senior frontline fundraiser, the DDD personally manages a select portfolio of approximately 45 to 50 leadership and major gift households and prospects, with annual fundraising responsibility of approximately $3 million to $5 million in support of the Annual Fund and broader institutional priorities.
The Symphony operates on a hybrid schedule, requiring a minimum of two days per week in the office. The Deputy Director of Development is expected to maintain an active presence at select concerts, donor events, and other organizational activities throughout the year, including some evenings and weekends.
Additional information For more information please visit: https://artsconsulting.com/opensearches/san-francisco-symphony-seeks-deputy-director-of-development/
Contact email for applicants SanFranciscoSymphony@ArtsConsulting.com