Development and Communications Manager

Development and Communications Manager

Washington Conservatory of Music is seeking a dynamic, creative professional to join a of team of 3 full-time and 2 part-time staff, filling a newly created position of Development and Communications Manager.

To apply: Send email Subject: DCM Application with cover letter, resume and two (2) writing examples to Kathy Judd, Executive & Artistic Director kjudd@washingtonconservatory.org

The Washington Conservatory of Music (WCM) is one of the fifteen nonprofit community music schools in the U.S. nationally accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Precollegiate Arts Schools (ACCPAS.)  Located in historic Glen Echo Park, WCM teaches lessons and group classes to students of all ages, year-round, with outstanding performing artist faculty.  Founded in 1984, WCM provides a free professional community concert series, a free monthly concert series at a retirement community, and provides free music classes to children of immigrant and low-income families in Montgomery County, MD through our Tapestry Music Outreach Program.

Position Summary:  This position will be responsible for planning, organizing, implementing and managing fundraising and external communications activities for WCM.

The Development and Communications Manager (DCM) will create systems and manage multiple projects, cognizant of the connection between fundraising, communications, and WCM programs. The DCM will achieve quantifiable results in fundraising, and increasing enrollment and concert attendance. The two parts of the position are equal, with time being balanced flexibly according to need.

• The DCM will expand the WCM base of individual giving, major gifts, and corporate and foundation partners through identification of new grant sources and grant writing. The DCM will assist in cultivation of individual donors through personal and written appeals and special events, in cooperation with the E&A Director and Board of Directors.
• The DCM will raise visibility of WCM and increase student enrollment and concert attendance by creating and expanding social media campaigns, paid and unpaid online and print marketing, consistent with the WCM brand and mission.
• The DCM will plan to meet the goals related to this position as outlined in the FY2024 budget. The D&C Manager will be fully integrated as an onsite team member and be available to lend support to operations, if necessary. The DCM will be available to participate as necessary in the 2023-34 Strategic Planning process.

Responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:

• Development
  • Identify, write, and submit inquiries, proposals, and reports for corporate/ foundation funding in communication with and approval of the E & A Director
  • Develop and monitor a comprehensive grants calendar.

• • Create research reports on grants, funders and projects
  • Work in partnership with Ex. Director and Board to engage, cultivate, and steward existing, new, and prospective donors.
  • Organize and oversee fundraising events and attend cultivation events (including concerts and some student recitals.)

• Communications:

• • Develop a consistent unique WCM voice reflecting WCM mission, branding and values
  • Create a communications calendar and implement marketing, outreach and communication strategies based on current media handbook
  • Create compelling content for communications, including but not limited to emails, social media, newsletters, and appeals
  • Design brochures and flyers
  • Create, maintain, and edit webpages
  • Maintain an updated press list and write timely press releases
  • Develop new media relationships
  • Regularly track efficacy of advertising and communication, with online analytics, metrics and relevant statistics

 Minimum Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Master’s degree preferred, with five (5) years related experience including, marketing/ communications and demonstrated success in fundraising, leading campaigns, donor relations, and event planning.
• An understanding of the power of music and belief in WCM’s mission.
• Excellent communication skills, and precise and compelling writing skills.
• Proven grant writing success
• Proficiency in Microsoft Windows software and applications is required, including Microsoft Word, Excel.
• Proficiency in all G-suite products and bulk email services (Mailchimp, Constant Contact, etc.).
• Experience with Canva and other design software and fundraising database experience
• Basic graphics skills required
• HTML coding skills helpful but not required.
• Deadline-oriented, able to prioritize multiple complex responsibilities while maintaining a high level of attention to detail
• Strong interpersonal skills are required, as well as experience working within a team.
• Demonstrate good judgment, tact, diplomacy, and ability to guard confidentiality.
• Ability to work independently and unsupervised.

Work specifics

• This job is primarily onsite, with occasional flexibility for off-site work.
• Must be available to work occasional evenings and weekends.
• The applicant may be exposed to outside weather conditions for events and activities which may require their assistance. Applicant must be able to lift/move/carry up to 25 pounds without assistance.
• Washington Conservatory is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, religion, color, sex, gender, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, genetic information, military or veteran status, and/or any other characteristic or protected status

Compensation package:

Salary range $60,000 – $62,000 depending on qualifications and experience.

Health benefit option:  $3,000 in QSEHRA account (Qualified Small Employer Health Reimbursement Arrangement)

Vacations: Federal Holidays and a minimum of 5 weekdays days for winter break, plus accrued vacation, sick and personal days according to staff handbook.

Employee-paid 401K plan matched to a limited set percentage by the Conservatory Board after 12 months of employment.

30% discount on WCM individual lessons for self and immediate family members