Vice President for Advancement, Aspen Music Festival and School

The Aspen Music Festival and School (AMFS), a globally acclaimed institution dedicated to classical music performance and education, is actively recruiting a Vice President for Advancement. This pivotal role is central to securing philanthropic support and steering the organization into its next phase of development.

Renowned for its extensive summer season featuring over 300 events, AMFS brings together elite classical artists alongside emerging talents, fostering a dynamic interchange between seasoned professionals and aspiring musicians. The summer program draws students internationally, offering rigorous training in orchestral, operatic, chamber, and compositional disciplines. In recent years, more than 450 students from across 40 states and 40 countries have participated, highlighting the institution’s broad reach and influence.

The 2027 season promises a rich repertoire, including Wagner’s Das Rheingold and operas by Kevin Puts and Georges Bizet, underscoring AMFS’s commitment to both canonical and contemporary works. Beyond the summer festival, AMFS maintains year-round engagement with local communities through educational outreach and free public events, reinforcing its role as a cultural cornerstone in Aspen and the greater Roaring Fork Valley.

Under the leadership of newly appointed President and CEO Meghan Martineau Umber, who began her tenure in October 2026, AMFS is poised for continued growth. The Vice President for Advancement will join the executive leadership team as it builds on a strong legacy and substantial endowment, which is approaching $175 million following a major fundraising campaign.

This senior position is tasked with driving the culmination of the Aspen Promises campaign, aiming to surpass its $92 million goal. The VP will develop and implement fundraising strategies to support AMFS’s $23.5 million operating budget, overseeing efforts to cultivate and steward relationships with individual donors, corporations, foundations, and government entities.

The role demands a seasoned fundraising professional with a proven track record in securing seven-figure gifts and managing multifaceted development programs. Experience working with a diverse and international donor base, as well as engaging a prominent board of trustees, is highly valued. The VP will lead a dedicated team of development staff and collaborate closely with the CEO and board to fulfill ambitious philanthropic objectives.

Operating from AMFS’s Aspen headquarters, the Vice President for Advancement will serve as a prominent ambassador for the organization, representing its mission and values both locally and nationally. The position includes travel commitments to engage with donors and stakeholders beyond the immediate community.

Compensation for this full-time executive role ranges from $240,000 to $260,000, complemented by a comprehensive benefits package. The institution emphasizes diversity and inclusivity in its recruitment process, inviting candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

Aspen Music Festival and School has long stood as a beacon of musical excellence and innovation, nurturing generations of artists who have gone on to shape the global classical music landscape. The search for its next Vice President for Advancement marks a critical step in sustaining this legacy and expanding the institution’s impact in the years ahead.

Prospective applicants are encouraged to submit a detailed letter of interest alongside their resume and references, with all communications handled confidentially. This strategic hiring reflects AMFS’s commitment to excellence in arts leadership and its ongoing dedication to fostering the future of music education and performance.