String Theory Development Manager

String Theory Development Manager Job Description:
Part-time hourly- up to 25 hours a week (depending on the calendar schedule)

The Development Manager serves as the primary point of contact for all donors, partners, sponsors, and board members. This position requires both remote and onsite work for all String Theory events to build strong relationships with donors, partners, sponsors, board members, and community members. The Development Manager reports directly to the Artistic Director, and is responsible for managing and leading fundraising campaigns, securing corporate sponsorships, obtaining foundation support, handling grant writing, and overseeing all donor relations for String Theory. The Development Manager collaborates closely with the Artistic Director, Operations Manager, and Communications Manager to achieve String Theory’s fundraising and concert experience goals.

The ideal candidate must be a strategic thinker who pays attention to detail, can manage multiple projects simultaneously, has a proven track record of successful fundraising, and possesses the personality and skills to cultivate strong relationships with donors, funders, and other stakeholders.

Anticipated Start Date: August 1, 2026

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Fundraising and Donor Relations

• Act as the primary point of contact for individual donors and sponsors
• Create and manage annual fundraising plan and goals, strategy and messaging in collaboration with the Artistic Director and Advisory Board
• Monitor, plan, and ensure timely implementation of fundraising plan and strategy
• Collaborate with the Artistic Director and Operations Manager to ensure revenue budget goals are met for each season
• Facilitate grant-writing for each season and ensure proper grant reporting for each season
• Solicit new sponsors and donors for each season
• Develop all donor, sponsor, and grant correspondence
• Ensure all donor benefits are implemented in a timely manner
• Ensure all gifts are entered and accounted for in the Lee University system
• Maintain all donor records and reports, with timely reporting to the Artistic Director and Advisory Board
• Maintain a list of donors to steward and direct stewardship activities using musicians, board members, and staff
• Generate reports as needed for Board Meetings and grant reports
  Attend board meetings, generate reports on activities, and create plans for post-meeting action items

Concert Responsibilities

• Ensure a welcoming environment for all concert attendees and assist with any questions
• Ensure all concert-related benefits are implemented for donors, sponsors, and grant administrators
• Set out reserved seating signs and manage parking list in collaboration with the Operations Manager
• Ensure all grant and sponsorship listings are in place and correct for all concert programs, boards, social media, and String Theory’s website
• Create and maintain a list of dinner candidates for post-concert meals to ensure fundraising objectives

REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS:
Education/Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree or at least one year of experience in Performing Arts Administration or donor relations in an equivalent field.

Personal Traits

• Self-motivated and well-organized, with willingness to be flexible while managing multiple projects and meeting deadlines
• Strong organization, communication (written and oral), and problem-solving skills with the ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Approachable and works well with a wide variety of people, ages, and backgrounds
• Highly collaborative individual with a positive and helpful attitude

Essential Requirements

• Driver’s license and access to a vehicle are essential
• Ability to be on one’s feet for extended periods of time
• Ability to work evenings and weekends, as needed.
• Strong proficiency with Google Docs, as well as Microsoft Word and Excel

Other Qualifications

• Working knowledge of Adobe InDesign, Canva, and Google Workspace is desirable
• Knowledge of classical chamber music (helpful but not required)
• Knowledge of the Chattanooga Community (helpful but not required)

JOB CONDITIONS

• This is a part-time position with an hourly salary based on experience.
• The Development Manager has the flexibility to set their own schedule, which may not follow a traditional part-time workweek, as evening and weekend work is often required.
• This role involves significant office work that can be performed remotely. String Theory operates without a physical office; the Development Manager will work from home.
• In-person meetings are necessary for cultivating and soliciting donors and sponsors. The Development Manager is expected to attend these meetings with various donors, sponsors, and community partners.
• Additionally, the Development Manager must be present for all String Theory performances, activities, and other community events.
• Communication with the String Theory team will occur through email, text, phone, and Zoom, as many of them are located in different cities or states across the country.
  String Theory employees are effectively employees of Lee University, which acts as String Theory’s fiscal agent. Employer benefits are subject to Lee University’s *policies and guidelines.*

APPLYING
Please send resumé, cover letter, list of references (2-3), and writing sample(s)* to [email protected] by Friday, July 3, 2026

*Writing samples could include newsletters, blog posts, articles, communications to donors/patrons, or anything you have in your portfolio that would give us a sense of how you communicate. Everything you share will be kept confidential, but please feel free to redact names or personal details as you see fit. Work samples can be submitted via PDF file or URL link.

ABOUT STRING THEORY
String Theory is a chamber music series in partnership with Lee University and the Hunter Museum of American Art. Offering superb musical performances, String Theory brings exceptional concerts to downtown Chattanooga, TN. Founded in 2009 by pianist Gloria Chien, String Theory aspires to expose new audiences to chamber music, invigorate the local classical music scene, and cultivate a future generation of music lovers. String Theory has not only enhanced the cultural landscape of Chattanooga but has also become one of the premier chamber music series in the country.
www.stringtheorymusic.org

*Lee University is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse learning community of committed Christians from all racial and ethnic backgrounds. It is the policy of Lee University that no person in whatever relation to the University shall be subject to discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, or genetic information. As a religious educational institution operating under the auspices of Church of God, Lee University is permitted and reserves the right to prefer employees or prospective employees on the basis of religion. https://www.leeuniversity.edu/about