Development Communications Manager
The Manager oversees a comprehensive communications project portfolio for the Development department and represents a unique opportunity for a manager level position to play a key role with multiple departments in achieving theatre-wide communications goals with multiple constituencies. This position is integral to Signature’s effort to cultivate, inspire, solicit, and steward contributed revenue for the institution, across diverse stakeholders. The Manager is responsible for collaboratively developing and implementing communications for the development department, supervising projects, creating content, streamlining activities, and establishing and upholding consistent editorial standards.
- In collaboration with the Director of Institutional Giving, the Director of Individual Giving, and the Director of Advancement and Planning, coordinate the overall development communications portfolio for organizational initiatives, priorities, and campaigns.
- Create content (i.e., writer, editor) for development communications, including grant writing and institutional giving collateral, direct mail or other letters, email, blog posts, social media campaigns, and other projects. Deliverables include grant and sponsorship proposals and reports; fundraising collateral materials; program descriptions; executive remarks; video scripts; and other projects as needed.
- Oversee and manage development communications content generated by other departments, as appropriate, including projects related to donor stewardship and engagement. Liaise with appropriate staff colleagues on projects.
- Create content for select institution-wide communications projects that are related to philanthropy or intended for donors. Deliverables may include articles, speeches, web content, brochures, or other projects that describe programs, performances, events, artists, festivals, or initiatives.
- Liaise with the Signature administrative leadership, artistic leadership, and other department leadership and staff on project development, research, data collection, and analysis.
- Review and edit development communications and institution-wide communications to ensure accurate and appropriate messaging to and for the donor constituency.
- Attend and assist with development-related events throughout the year including some evenings and weekends.
- Other duties as assigned.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS
This role reports to Deputy Director; Institutional Giving and works directly with the Deputy Director; Institutional Giving and the Deputy Director; Individual Giving and collaborates with the Director of Advancement and Planning, the Development team, the Marketing team and Senior Staff. Other contacts include donors, donor prospects, community members, board trustees, artists and staff.
- Exceptional writing ability; proven ability to articulate complex concepts in written form to multiple audiences through various vehicles; experience in writing to represent an institution preferred; experience in editing the work of other professional writers preferred.
- One to three years' experience in proposal writing or fundraising preferred.
- Strong project management, research, analysis, and oral communications skills.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, Adobe, and donor databases.
- Ability to work collaboratively with development colleagues to create a results-driven, team-oriented environment.
The Development Communications Manager position offers an annual salary of $45,000 and an excellent package of benefits, including medical, dental, disability and life insurance; paid vacation, sick and parental leave; as well as complimentary and discount tickets. This is a full-time, salaried, exempt position at 40 hours per week. This position is based at Signature Theatre’s administrative offices in Arlington, VA, with the possibility for a hybrid in person/remote schedule.
Email resume and cover letter to [email protected]. Please include the phrase, “Development Communications Manager” in your subject line. No mail or phone submissions, please.
Signature Theatre is committed to the professional development of all employees and encourages any interested individuals, particularly with a passion for arts administration, to apply even if you don't believe that you satisfy all of the preferred qualifications.