HEAR FROM YOUR PEER
With Catherine Heitz New
Featuring Special Guest — Sidney P. Jackson
President and CEO, Chicago Sinfonietta
This episode features Sidney P. Jackson, President and CEO of the Chicago Sinfonietta, who shares how lessons from his fundraising career have informed his transition to Chief Executive—and how curiosity and courage can shape stronger donor relationships.
Listen today for clear, candid guidance from people who are doing the work every day, and to highlight the strategies, habits, and decisions that are moving arts organizations forward.
Read the full transcript below or click the button to listen.
ABOUT SIDNEY P. JACKSON
A cross-disciplinary leader, non-profit executive Sidney P. Jackson, Jr. brings 19 years of progressive leadership experience in driving sustainable growth in the nonprofit sector, with a strong focus in organizational development, fundraising, cultivating relationships and developing community and education programs benefitting diverse communities. Committed to inspiring and building communities through the transformative power of music in the cultural sphere, his work in the non-profit arts sector and others, including human services, children and family, anti-poverty, and justice initiatives has enabled him to create lasting impact across renowned institutions.
Jackson’s unique, informed approach, blending strategic innovation and a deep commitment to equity and inclusion, has resulted in a dynamic perspective driving impactful change across arts, education, community health, and urban services sectors in today’s evolving landscape.
He joins Chicago Sinfonietta from the East Coast, where he has recently served as Vice President for Development of the distinguished 102-year-old New Jersey Symphony. During his tenure, amongst his accomplishments, Jackson spearheaded a multi-million-dollar fundraising initiative that surpassed its target and expanded donor engagement and long-term support, as well as created and launched the orchestra’s milestone Centennial celebration campaign.
Born in Charleston, West Virginia, Mr. Jackson grew up in Jacksonville, Florida. Prior to his post in New Jersey, Jackson worked in New York City for several non-profit organizations, including Helpusadopt.org, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, and Harlem School for the Arts.