The Philadelphia Orchestra: A Unique Staffing Solution
Susan Scauzzo, Consultant

Like many organizations during the last two years, The Philadelphia Orchestra experienced a reduction in development staff. As they approached a new fiscal year that was expected to be more challenging than ever, the Orchestra faced a lack of staff in the annual fund – the key individual giving program for the organization. With the rest of the development staff spread thinly, there was very little additional work that could be delegated internally.

Schultz & Williams was contacted by the Orchestra and asked to consult about options to maintain the annual fund program. Schultz & Williams recommended that interim staff be brought in to the Orchestra while the searches for the open positions took place.

Two consultants from Schultz & Williams, both with over twenty years of experience in development, were assigned to manage the many aspects of the Orchestra’s annual fund, including a comprehensive outsourced telefunding program, segmented mail appeals, an upper level gift club program with extensive donor benefits, the entire Peter Nero and the Philly Pops fundraising program, a multi-committee volunteer fundraising program, and more.

The two consultants shared the work week so that one professional representing the Orchestra’s annual fund was present each day. This schedule kept the consulting hours to a minimum while still providing a continuity of management and work flow. At the same time, having first-hand insight on the Orchestra and its development office, the consultants were able to effectively assist in screening candidates for the open positions.

As the Orchestra’s fiscal year comes to a close, what began as a serious staffing and programmatic issue is concluding with all operating plan goals met. With the presence of the two consultants serving as interim staff, the Orchestra was also able to take the time to make optimal hiring decisions for the open positions. As additional staff and leadership changes took place during the year, the ability to maintain the annual fund program has been critical to the development department and the Orchestra.

Now, as the new leadership of the Orchestra is undergoing a thoughtful and thorough strategic planning process, the interim staff provided by Schultz & Williams are able to contribute objective and informed recommendations for the organization.

Schultz & Williams is a national consulting firm based in Philadelphia; providing management, fundraising and marketing consulting for nonprofit organizations, along with full-service direct marketing, database and creative/production services.