Description

About YOSA
Youth Orchestras of San Antonio (YOSA) changes lives by providing shared musical experiences that unlock possibility and foster belonging for youth of all backgrounds. Every year, more than 600 young musicians from across the San Antonio area come together to play, grow, and belong. Guided by world-class conductors and teaching artists, they learn far more than notes on a page—they gain confidence, discipline, and a lifelong sense of community.

“YOSA's mission is to change lives by creating shared musical experiences that unlock possibility and foster belonging for youth of all backgrounds. This mission guides our work every single day.  At YOSA, we’re building something that matters — to our student musicians, their families, and the greater San Antonio community. This is a truly exciting time to be a part of something special as YOSA celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2027. I’m looking for a Development Director who sees fundraising as a way to fuel life-changing experiences through music. TThis is more than a position. It’s a chance to shape and sustain an environment where young people feel seen, supported, and inspired — all through the power of music.”

Jerrod Price, Executive Director

With a strong $1M+ annual fund and an ambitious $10M+ capital and endowment campaign underway, YOSA is entering an exciting new chapter—one that will expand access, modernize facilities, and ensure every young person has a place to grow through music.

Position Overview
YOSA seeks a strategic, relationship-driven Director of Development to lead its philanthropic growth and deepen community investment in its mission. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Development serves as YOSA’s chief architect for fundraising strategy—building meaningful partnerships, inspiring generosity, and connecting donors to the transformative power of music.

This is an extraordinary opportunity to join one of the nation’s leading youth orchestras at a time of momentum. The Director of Development will guide a talented development of an Annual Fund Manager and active team of volunteers, collaborate closely with artistic and student experience colleagues, and engage a passionate board of directors and community of supporters. Together, they will strengthen YOSA’s culture of philanthropy and secure the resources needed to sustain its growing impact.

 
What You Will Do

Lead with Strategy

• Design and implement a comprehensive fundraising plan encompassing annual, major, and planned giving; corporate and foundation partnerships; and campaign initiatives.
• Partner with the Executive Director and Board to align fundraising with YOSA’s strategic vision.
• Serve as the chief architect of YOSA’s contributed revenue plan, integrating data, strategy, and creativity to achieve measurable results.
• Establish clear performance metrics, reporting regularly on progress and priorities.

Grow Donor Engagement

• Build and manage a portfolio of individual, corporate, and foundation donors, cultivating and soliciting major and principal gifts.
• Partner with campaign consultants and volunteer leaders to advance YOSA’s $10M+ campaign for capital and endowment growth.
• Strengthen donor engagement through authentic storytelling, thoughtful stewardship, and meaningful in-person and digital experiences.
• Develop individualized donor strategies that inspire increased giving and long-term investment.

Inspire Community Connection

• Lead the design and execution of donor, alumni, and community events that showcase YOSA’s mission and impact.
• Represent YOSA at concerts, community gatherings, and events with enthusiasm and authenticity.
• Build out a family and alumni engagement strategy that deepens participation and pride.

Collaborate Across Teams

• Work closely with artistic, marketing, and student experience teams to align messaging and connect donors to YOSA’s impact.
• Collaborate with colleagues to integrate fundraising and communications strategies, ensuring YOSA’s voice and values shine through.
• Support the Board and Development Committee with materials, training, and guidance to advance donor relationships.

Strengthen Systems and Stewardship

• Oversee donor recognition and stewardship programs that celebrate generosity and build loyalty.
• Ensure accurate data management, analysis, and reporting to inform strategy and growth.
• Manage development budgets and projections with fiscal responsibility.
• Promote a culture of philanthropy across YOSA’s staff, musicians’ families, and volunteers.

What Success Looks Like (First 12–18 Months)

• Deep, trusted relationships established with YOSA’s Executive Director, Board, staff, families, alumni, and donors.
• A clear, data-driven fundraising plan aligned with YOSA’s mission and goals.
• Year-over-year growth in contributed revenue and donor retention.
• A strengthened spirit of philanthropy and belonging across the YOSA community.

Requirements

Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is an inspiring relationship-builder and strategic thinker who brings warmth, integrity, and curiosity to every interaction. They are both visionary and hands-on, capable of translating big ideas into action and results.

Qualifications:

• 5–7+ years of progressive fundraising experience with proven success in closing major and principal gifts.
• Strong portfolio management, solicitation, and stewardship experience.
• Demonstrated ability to engage, motivate, and partner with board members and volunteers.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and fiscal management skills.
• Tech- and data-savvy, with experience using CRMs and analytics to drive fundraising growth.
• Passionate about youth development, the arts, and the belief that music can change lives.
• Bachelor’s degree required; CFRE or advanced degree preferred.
• Fluency in Spanish is a plus.
• Willingness to attend evening and weekend performances and events as part of the YOSA community.