Director, Development Communications

Department: Development

Reports to: Associate Vice President of Development

Summary:

The Director of Development Communications oversees the organization's fundraising communication and marketing efforts and spearheads the creation of compelling narratives and strategic messaging to drive major philanthropic support. The Director will create and implement a communications program that promotes engagement and philanthropy and will partner with stakeholders to lead development communication efforts that showcase the organization's commitment to artistic excellence, inclusivity, and authentic community engagement.

The Director will also lead the communications efforts of a Comprehensive Fundraising Campaign, which is scheduled to go public in early 2025, and will be responsible for aligning Campaign messaging with larger institutional communications.

The Director reports to the Associate Vice President of Philanthropy (this role manages the comprehensive campaign) and will collaborate with colleagues across the development department and the organization, most notably with the Communications and Marketing teams.

The Director will possess an adaptable writing style that can accurately capture the institutional voice and the voices of the President & CEO and other key executive leaders.

Essential Functions:

• Lead and execute communications strategy for the Development team; conceive a broad vision for how we can use communications to build and strengthen relationships with prospective and existing donors; develop plans to execute that vision and measure progress.

• Draft, edit, and finalize a variety of written work, including proposals, donor reports, endowment reports, impact reports, annual reports, membership appeals, and other fundraising materials.

• Oversee the Development communications calendar and convene Development communications meetings with team leads.

• Maintain key inter-departmental relationships to ensure that Development communications are carefully coordinated with other institutional communications.

• Oversee production management of key creative services projects, including overseeing the design, review, and print preparation processes.

• Serve as point person for final proofreading and copy editing for major Development communications pieces.

• Other responsibilities as assigned.

Required Education/Experience:

• Bachelor's degree and with a minimum 5 years of writing experience in development, marketing, or communications.

• Experience with editorial and print production, digital media strategy, and project management or a combination of education and experience.

• Candidates selected to interview will be asked to submit professional writing samples. Finalists will be asked to complete an impromptu writing assignment.

Preferred Experience:

• Experience with desktop publishing software (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, and Canva)

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Excellent verbal and written communications skills, with proven experience in creating persuasive and compelling cases for support.

• Ability to write persuasively in a variety of different business styles, including a natural ability to craft narratives and to capture a variety of voices when writing for others.

• Strong editing and proofreading skills, including grammar usage, and keen attention to detail.

• Creativity as a thinker and writer with a commitment to looking for new and interesting ways to communicate ideas.

• Ability to set and meet deadlines, and to prioritize projects in a busy work environment.

• Ability to develop and maintain productive relationships within a team and across a broader organization.

• Commitment to work collaboratively and respectfully with a wide array of colleagues.

• Commitment to the mission and programs of The Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts, including an interest in classical music, the performing arts and arts education programs.

Working Conditions/Physical Demands:

• Routine for office Environment

• Must be available to work select nights/weekends for select performances and events.

• Administrative employees work from our Center City office Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, with the option to work remotely on Mondays and Fridays

Resume and cover letter are required when applying for this position. Please attach two additional writing samples.

The Philadelphia Orchestra and Kimmel Center, Inc. does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, gender (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, parental status, or military service.