Fundraising and Events Manager

The Roots of Music is a dedicated afterschool program based in New Orleans, committed to providing high-quality music education to over 200 K-12 students from diverse backgrounds, particularly focusing on youth from low-income households. Established in 2007 by Derrick Tabb, this nonprofit organization is headquartered in the historic Gentilly neighborhood and is renowned for its flagship Marching Crusaders Band, which serves children aged 9 to 14. The program is unique in its holistic approach, addressing not only music education but also critical support services such as nutritious meals and transportation, which help remove significant barriers to participation. Operating five days a week and all year round, The Roots of Music delivers over 2,500 hours of music and academic instruction alongside providing more than 30,400 hot meals and 1,400 bus journeys annually, creating a sustained nurturing environment for children to excel both musically and academically.

The role of Fundraising and Events Manager at The Roots of Music is a pivotal position responsible for crafting and executing a comprehensive fundraising strategy that sustains and propels the organization’s mission and financial objectives. This full-time, in-person position requires an individual who is passionate about nonprofit development and community engagement. The role encompasses managing all fundraising activities, from orchestrating high-impact fundraising events such as the annual gala and Roots on the Road to maintaining robust relationships with individual donors and collaborating closely with the COO, Executive Director, and a development consulting firm. This collaboration ensures that fundraising initiatives are strategically aligned with The Roots of Music’s broader development goals and vision.

The Fundraising and Events Manager will monitor and refine fundraising strategies to optimize fundraising outcomes, manage donor data meticulously using CRM tools, and support financial tracking in conjunction with the organization’s bookkeeper and COO. They will play a critical role in donor cultivation, engaging potential and existing donors through meetings, stewardship activities, and tailored communications that foster long-term support. Additionally, the manager will oversee event logistics, coordinating every aspect from vendor relations and compliance with health and safety standards to staffing and budget management. The position also involves supporting board members with fundraising planning, research, and reporting.

This role requires exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, to effectively convey the mission and impact of The Roots of Music to a diverse audience, including public engagements, social media content creation, and collaboration with the marketing team to maintain a strong public presence. The ability to handle confidential information with integrity and discretion is essential, as is the flexibility to travel occasionally and work evenings or weekends when necessary. By joining The Roots of Music as a Fundraising and Events Manager, you will be stepping into a career-defining opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of New Orleans youth through music education and community empowerment.