Contract Opportunity:

Fundraising & Development Specialist Organization:

Columbia Orchestra Status:

Independent Contractor (Project-Based)

Budget:

$8,500 fixed total fee

Timeline:

6-8 months (Structured with heavy upfront strategy, followed by ongoing advisory support)

Location:

Remote / Hybrid (Ellicott City, Maryland)

Reports To:

Executive Director Position Overview Columbia Orchestra is celebrating its milestone 50th Season! We are seeking an experienced, strategic, and hands-on Fundraising & Development Contractor to partner closely with our Executive Director and Board of Directors. The contractor will design, execute, and manage a multi-channel development effort to leverage this milestone season, optimize our current donor base, and build lasting financial support for our next 50 years. Key Responsibilities & Deliverables 1. Campaign Strategy & Planning Partner directly with the Executive Director to draft a comprehensive 50th Season Development Plan covering individual contributions, corporate sponsorships, grant opportunities, and planned giving options. 2. Donor Data Audit & Prospecting Review current and historical contribution data within our database to identify high-potential prospects for increased giving and multi-year commitments. 3. Individual Donor Engagement & Growth Design and execute a retention/upgrade strategy for current individual donors to boost giving levels during the anniversary season. Design and execute an acquisition plan to attract and cultivate new individual donors. 4. Board Coaching & Enablement Develop customizable communication templates, solicitation scripts, and outreach materials for Board members. Provide targeted coaching to empower Board members to confidently support fundraising efforts. 5. Data Analysis & Campaign Tagging Analyze historical contribution data to identify high-potential prospects; establish tracking codes and segmentation protocols for the 50th-season campaign. (

Note:

Day-to-day gift processing, payment logging, and routine manual database entry will be handled by internal administrative staff to maximize the contractor's strategic focus.)

Qualifications & Skills Proven Track Record:

Minimum 3-5 years of fundraising/development experience in the nonprofit sector, with demonstrated success in anniversary campaigns, major giving, or corporate sponsorships.

Database Management & Analysis:

Proficiency in donor management systems (CRM/database) and data segmentation techniques.

Strategic & Tactical:

Ability to seamlessly pivot between high-level strategy (planning, coaching) and tactical messaging execution.

Strong Communicator:

Excellent writing, scriptwriting, and coaching skills with the ability to motivate board members and volunteers.

Ethics:

High ethical standards; strict adherence to professional fundraising guidelines (no commission- or percentage-based compensation structures). Contract Terms & How to

Apply Contract Value:

Fixed project fee of $8,500 , payable in agreed-upon milestone installments upon completion of key project deliverables across the 6-8 month timeframe.

Workload Expectation:

Front-loaded structure (~15 hours/month for Months 1-3 for strategy and asset creation; ~5 hours/month for Months 4-8 for progress monitoring, ED alignment, and advisory support).

To Apply:

Please submit your resume/portfolio, a brief cover letter highlighting your experience with similar milestone campaigns, and a proposed outline of how you would structure these deliverables within this budget.

Contact:

bsabrio@columbiaorchestra.org

Application Deadline:

October 6, 2026

Job Type:

Contract Pay:

$120.00 per hour Expected hours: No more than 15.0 per week

Work Location:

Hybrid remote in Ellicott City, MD 21043