Tara Aesquivel

Arts Consultant

• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• Email
• Calendar

---

Tara helps arts leaders create clarity and bandwidth to focus on vision and impact. From long-term planning to operations analysis, Tara helps clients streamline and clarify the best use of limited resources.With 15 years of experience in nonprofit arts management and event production, Tara Aesquivel uses her expertise to support and embolden talented arts professionals to serve and uplift their communities.Tara brings a unique combination of formal education and on-the-ground experience to her consulting, utilizing best-practice philosophies to inform practical, effective solutions that stick. Tara works closely with clients to create specific, customized solutions to address each organization’s unique needs and goals.As an extension of her love for lifelong learning, Tara is proud to be on faculty at USC, teaching Executive Leadership in the Arts for the Thornton School of Music.Tara is a proud mom, enjoys traveling, and tends a small (but productive) garden.

• Get in touch
• Schedule a Meeting

Photo by Heather DeCamp

Clients

Privacy policy: If you provide your email address, we'll follow up to complete your request. Your information will not be shared with anyone else.

ABOP, the Alliance of Black Orchestral percussionists, is seeking an experienced fundraiser to serve as a development consultant. This is primarily a remote role, with attendance requested at 3-4 events per year.ABOP is a 501c3 non-profit providing professional development to young and emerging Black percussionists seeking a career in orchestral percussion. Through comprehensive training and mentorship, ABOP prepares Black percussionists for the concert stage thereby changing the future face of symphonic orchestras nationwide.ABOP has been growing steadily since its founding in 2021 and is ready for further expansion with the help of a Development Consultant. This role will guide development strategy, establish practices and processes, and cultivate relationships with potential donors and funders. With the help of the Development Consultant, ABOP would like to increase the budget from $50,000 to $100,000 within 1-2 years.The ideal candidate brings an understanding of Los Angeles and US philanthropy, the careers of orchestral musicians, and genuine enthusiasm for ABOP’s mission.About ABOP
Recognizing the lack of diversity in the field of classical music performance, and identifying a need to increase the pool of qualified Black percussionists in our country’s symphonic orchestras, a team of professional Black orchestral percussionists and educators came together in 2021 to lay the foundation for the Alliance of Black Orchestral Percussionists.ABOP’s goal is to change the paradigm of representation in orchestras by guiding, supporting, and empowering future generations of Black orchestral percussionists.To reach this goal, ABOP has established a mentorship program which includes lessons, equipment, career guidance, and cohort activities. ABOP hosts an annual ABOP-in-LA program, an immersive week of master classes, workshops, a mock audition, rehearsals, and a performance. Hopes for program expansion include activities in other cities, increasing the number of mentors and proteges, and building the capacity of paid staff.
For more information, visit https://abop.us/ or find us on social media @abop.us.Scope of WorkStrategy
-Guide and advise on the organization's fundraising strategies, including individual and institutional giving.
-Work with the Executive Director to create a written annual development plan with clear goals and timelines.
Serve as a key strategic partner on all development efforts.Development
-Collaborate with and support the Executive Director and board in donor identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
-Identify relevant grant opportunities and advise on grant proposal strategy. Occasional grant writing may be requested.
-Attend 3-4 events per year in the Pasadena/Los Angeles area, serving as an ABOP representative and relationship-builder. Events may include performances, master classes, and fundraising events, for ABOP or other relevant institutions.Systems
-Advise the Executive Director on incorporating revenue goals into budgeting, as well as tracking receipt of pledges or multi-year awards.
-Guide the creation of processes and practices for donor data management, gift entry, and donor acknowledgement.
-Prepare quarterly and/or campaign fundraising reports for the Executive Director and Board of Directors.Required Qualifications
-Strong familiarity with the philanthropic landscape in the US, especially Los Angeles County, including knowledge of major donors in the arts and the California classical music community.
-Familiarity with programs, organizations, and funders who support youth mentorship, professional/artist development, and racial equity initiatives.
-3+ years of experience developing and overseeing fundraising strategy, with demonstrated success in donor cultivation, gift solicitation, and grant strategy.
-Ability to guide the creation of development infrastructure and processes from the ground up.
Strong familiarity with grant research, grants tracking, and potential funders relevant to ABOP’s mission.
-Availability and willingness to attend 3-4 events per year in Pasadena, downtown Los Angeles, and other parts of the greater Los Angeles area.
-Experience working independently in a consulting or fractional capacity, with strong self-direction, planning and organizing, and excellent communication skills.Preferred Qualifications
-Experience designing donor-focused events, such as in-home gatherings, pre- or post-performance receptions, or other cultivation events.
-Familiarity or direct experience with orchestral percussion.
-Based in LA County or Southern California.Compensation & Start Date
This is a new position and we are open to discussing the scope, time, and retainer for qualified candidates. For the first 12 months, we have planned a monthly retainer of $2,000-3,000 per month, for an estimated commitment of 20-30 hrs/month.
Consultant / independent contractor basis
Start date in December 2026, flexible depending on availabilityHow to Apply
This search is being conducted by Tara Aesquivel Consulting. Please send a cover letter and resume to apply@taraaesquivel.com with the subject line “ABOP Development.”
-A cover letter describing your approach to fundraising for a growing organization, your connections to the orchestral, percussion, philanthropic, or BIPOC communities, and why you are interested in working with ABOP.
-A resume or CV demonstrating relevant experienceApplications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Two to three professional references may be requested after an interview. We encourage early submissions.ABOP values equity and inclusion in all that we do. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and identities. If you believe this is a role that you'll do well in and you will be excited to do this work, even if you don’t meet every listed requirement, please apply.