Development IL

Joan Claffey

Director of Development
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Chicago, Illinois
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Time in current position: less than 1 year
Years in the field: 15+

Majors:
Undergraduate: Communication 
Graduate: Social Work

Additional Training:
Association of Fundraising Professionals, continuing education courses

Career Path:
Director of Development, American Library Association
Senior Director of Development, DePaul University 
Director of Council Relations, University of Chicago Graduate School of Business 
Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations, YWCA of Metropolitan Chicago 
Director of Marketing, Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc. 
Regional Director of Public Relations and Special Events, Bloomingdales

What are the most surprising, interesting or challenging aspects of your day-to-day work?
Getting to know our dedicated and loyal donors—trustees, governing members, Society members, Woman’s Association members, etc.

Katy Hall

Corporate Development Manager
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Chicago, Illinois
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Years in current position: 1
Years in the field: 2.5

Majors:
Undergraduate: History, Political Science 
Graduate: Arts Administration

Additional Training:
Fundraising class through Indiana University Center on Philanthropy

Career Path:
Intern, Houston Grand Opera 
Corporate and Foundation Relations Assistant, John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

What are the most surprising, interesting or challenging aspects of your day-to-day work?
I am continually surprised by the purpose and goals of a corporation’s sponsorship of the orchestra—the motivations are continually evolving and changing.

What inspired you to work for an orchestra?
I wanted to work for a world-class classical organization. I love the music!

What was your first step toward an orchestra career?
Choosing to pursue a graduate degree in a very specific field.

What advice would you offer to someone considering the orchestra field?
Regardless of the field you pursue, it is increasingly important to aggressively pursue continual computer technology training, and to stay abreast of technological changes.

Lisa McDaniel

Director of Volunteer Programs and Donor Events
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Chicago, Illinois
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Years in current position: 9
Years in the field: 12

Majors:
Undergraduate: Communication Management, minors in Psychology and Business Management
Graduate: Arts, Entertainment and Media Management

Career Path:
Development Intern, Goodman Theatre
Development Assistant, Goodman Theatre
Volunteer Project Manager, Chicago Symphony Orchestra

What are the most surprising, interesting or challenging aspects of your day-to-day work?
Every day is different when working with volunteers. Some days are very motivational and some are very challenging, but each day brings a different set of tasks and objectives.  For people who thrive in a fast-paced environment, partnering and working with volunteers would be a good job.

What inspired you to work for an orchestra?
I am inspired by working for an arts organization, regardless of whether it is an orchestra.  Creative expression is a valuable tool and I feel very proud to be able to work for an organization that gives back so much to the community.

What steps did you take toward a career in the arts?
Two internships during college with the same summer theater company. My first internship was working with the Operations Director and my second internship was working with the Executive Director. Having such exposure early on really helped solidify my desire to work in the arts. Once I started graduate school, I took a part-time job in the arts, just to learn more and be exposed to more people in the field.

What advice would you offer to someone considering the orchestra field?
Internships are really the best way to gain experience and exposure to the industry; doors will be opened to you that wouldn’t otherwise.

Any other advice?
The best advice someone gave me is this: The job that you retire from may not exist yet, so be creative in thinking about what you are interested in doing—perhaps you will find one day that you are able to design your own dream job! 

Peggy Titterington

Vice President for Development
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Chicago, Illinois
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Years in current position: 1
Years in the field: 22

Majors:
Economics
Career Path:
Subscription Sales Manager, Goodman Theatre
Manager, Artsmarketing Services
Marketing and Public Relations Manager, Chicago Opera Theater
Marketing Coordinator, Great Book Foundation
Director of Development, Music of the Baroque
Director of Marketing and Public Relations, Music of the Baroque
Director of Development, Barat College
Director of Development, Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Director of Annual Giving; Director of Individual Gifts, Chicago Symphony Orchestra

What are the most surprising, interesting or challenging aspects of your day-to-day work?
I love working with our donors and hearing about how much they love the orchestra,  though it can be challenging to manage all of the directions in which I am pulled.

What inspired you to work for an orchestra?
I love music. I fell into working for the arts. I had originally thought I would work in the investment or financial arena but realized I could use my background in economics in another way.

What advice would you offer to someone considering the orchestra field?
Network, network, network. And take any job in the field you want. You may be surprised. Don’t say no when opportunity knocks.

Any other advice?
Be prepared for very long hours.