Overview
The Grammy Award-winning Washington Chorus seeks a full-time Development Director to lead a dedicated team in stewarding strong relationships with our donors and the general public. The successful candidate will be a clear communicator, have outstanding interpersonal conduct, and demonstrate sound analytical skills. Must share in our passion for music and belief in the positive impact of choral singing in our community.
Reporting Relationships: The Development Director will report to the Deputy Director and will work closely with the Executive Director, Artistic Director, the Board of Directors, and the Development Committee.
Work location: 945 G Street NW, #211, Washington, DC 20001, on site at least twice a week, with the option for remote work beyond that. Must attend all TWC-produced concerts (occasional nights and weekends), as well as occasional Monday evening rehearsals and donor meetings and events.
Job Responsibilities:
Design and Oversee Individual Giving Campaigns
Lead, design and implement annual and long-term Development plans focused on meeting or exceeding budgeted contributed income goals.
Work to expand and diversify donor base.
Create deadline-driven and targeted individual solicitation campaigns utilizing resources including but not limited to: print, email, phone, and social media outlets. Oversee creation of all campaign materials and communications in collaboration with senior staff. Build appropriate audience segments using Mailchimp and Patron Manager (a Salesforce CRM platform).
Manage Donor Portfolios
Cultivate and maintain relationships with donors personally and by directing a committee of relationship managers at the staff and board levels.
Utilize moves management processes in Patron Manager to ensure optimal donor engagement, stewardship, and recognition.
Engage Board and Committee Members
Serve as staff liaison to the Board’s Development Committee to communicate fundraising goals, manage committee assignments, and provide reports.
Leverage staff, board, contractor, and volunteer resources – especially the Board’s Development Committee – to drive contributed revenue priorities.
Research, Analysis, Industry Standards, and Recordkeeping
Utilize data and analytics to inform individual contributed revenue strategy. Analyze campaign results and report giving metrics to senior staff as well as the Board and its Development Committee.
Oversee donation acknowledgement standards that are in line with the organization’s core values of Excellence, Inclusion, Community, Collaboration, and Innovation, as well as in compliance with all relevant federal and local regulations for fundraising.
Develop growing areas for contributed support including planned giving/estate giving/legacy programs, corporate/private sector support, and new donor acquisition/donor pipeline models.
Work with the Director of Finance and Administration to regularly ensure that donation records reconcile to the general ledger and proper donations records are maintained.
Sponsorships and Events
Build compelling mission-aligned opportunities for concert, event, and program sponsorship, with well-developed benefits packages.
Lead, plan and implement donor cultivation, stewardship, and fundraising events at all concert performances and throughout the season.
Qualifications
3-5 years’ experience in fundraising, preferably in the performing arts or with non-profits, with demonstrated success in annual giving, major giving, event planning, and communications;
Self-Starter with an ability to think both strategically and tactically.
Strong writing, editing, proofreading, and communications skills.
Strong interpersonal, verbal communication, and presentation skills;
Proficiency with database CRM systems and spreadsheets required, familiarity with the Salesforce/PatronManager platform a plus.
College degree or equivalent experience required.
Salary and Benefits
$75,000-$85,000 annual salary. Flexible PTO plus paid holidays including all federal holidays plus a two-week summer holiday office closure and two-week winter holiday office closure. Partially remote and flexible work schedule. 100% employer-paid health, dental, and vision insurance coverage. Free concert tickets to each TWC-produced performance. Organization-paid professional development and training opportunities tailored to staff members’ needs. 401k matching available after one-year of employment.
To Apply
Email a cover letter, resume, and any development portfolio materials (optional) to Emma Moores, emma@thewashingtonchorus.org. Cover letters should be responsive to the mission of The Washington Chorus as well as the responsibilities and qualifications presented in this posting. If you do not currently meet all requirements but feel you are a good fit for this position, we encourage you to still apply, as professional development and training opportunities are an important part of our organization. References will be requested from applicants of interest. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. No phone calls, please.
About The Washington Chorus
About The Washington Chorus
The Washington Chorus (TWC), now entering its 63rd season, is one of the foremost symphonic choruses in the nation. Noted for the superb artistry of its performances and recordings of the entire range of the choral repertoire, TWC is widely recognized as a cultural leader in the nation’s capital.
A three-time nominated and two-time Grammy Award winner, the 180-voice Washington Chorus presents an annual series at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, regularly performs at the invitation of the National Symphony Orchestra, and appears annually at the Music Center at Strathmore in Maryland and Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts in Virginia.
Artistic Director Eugene Rogers is widely regarded as one of the most acclaimed next-generation conductors and musical thought leaders today working at the intersection of classical music and social change.
The mission of The Washington Chorus is to create transformative musical experiences that bring people together through the joy of choral music. We envision an inclusive community where choral music connects, reflects, and inspires everyone.