Development Communications Manager & Copy-writer

Development Division

Work Status: / Full-Time Regular / Payroll Type: / Exempt
Location of Job: / 1390 Market Street
San Francisco, CA / Salary: / Commensurate with experience
Reports To: / Director of Development Strategic Planning / Supervisory: / No

The San Francisco Symphony’s Development Division is seeking a talented communications professional to write copy and managea comprehensive communications plan to support and enhance the success of the fundraising program. This position is a member of the Development Strategic Planning team, which provides reporting, analysis, relationship maintenance via an expansive stewardship plan, creative dialogue with constituencies through a comprehensive communications plan, and administrative support to the Symphony’s frontline fundraisers.

Successful candidates need to demonstrate initiative, quality of work, and an ability to work across multiple communications platforms, both independent to and in strong collaboration with the institution’s marketing and communications departments. Further, an ability to “tell the story” to our patrons through exercising superb creative writing is necessary for this individual to be successful in his/her role.

JOB SUMMARY

Reporting to the Director of Development Strategic Planning, this position is responsible for extensive copy-writing and for managing the implementation of the fundraising communication strategies of the San Francisco Symphony.The Communications Manager & Copywriter will work within a dynamic and fast-paced environment to increase awareness among SFS patrons of the impact of philanthropy upon the Symphony’s strategies and programs through a variety of development publications and media.S/he will work with a team to develop collateral for the various fundraising lines as outlined above.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • With direction from the Director of Development Strategic Planning, assist with communications strategies and the creation of key messaging and contentto support the Development department’s ongoing fundraising, donor communications and outreach efforts.
  • Responsible for copy and proofing on all print and electronic communications related to fund development, including ads, individual and corporate proposals, brochures, newsletters and e-newsletters, stewardship materials, campaign case statements, fundraising reports, audio/visual presentations, etc.
  • Drafts and copy-edits all Development collateral to ensure quality and a consistent message.
  • Project-manages the developmentof all fundraising materials, including coordinating a year-round production schedule with the Creative Services team.
  • Maintains the communications calendar that project manages a comprehensive communications plan for the Development department.
  • Tracks progress of materials with in-house and outside designers, photographers, producers, printers and suppliers; coordinates their needs and ensures that work is completed in an efficient and cost effective manner.
  • Works closely with Marketingand Publications on additional collateral to maintain the Development sections of the SFS website, Playbill, and other relevant pieces, including marketing proofs for emails, print & electronic ads, and season materials.
  • Works with the Annual Giving Manager as a liaison to outside vendors (mailing houses, printers, designers, etc.).
  • Works with in-house and contracted designers to convey design needs and standards.
  • Provides logistical and scheduling support for photo/video shoots and interviews.
  • Works closely with Director of Development Strategic Planning to ensure effective and appropriate internal and external communications for Development department.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

  • Bachelor’s degree required and at least three years of relevant professional communications and copy-writing experience.
  • Exceptional verbal and written communications skills; strong creative writing as well as excellent copy editing skills.
  • Strong organizational skills; ability to prioritize and handle multiple projects simultaneously and to work calmly under pressure of deadlines.
  • Proven project management skills in publications and print production.
  • Knowledge of diverse media platforms, including new social media platforms.
  • Ability to work with variety of constituencies and to manage details as well as to maintain total project overview.
  • Ability to work independently as well as to be a team member with colleagues to achieve common goals; flexibility in finding solutions to problems.
  • Advanced computer skills in word processing, familiarity with desktop publishing, and preferably website design and maintenance.
  • Poise, maturity of judgment, sense of humor.

Preferred

  • Knowledge of In Design and Photoshop
  • Knowledge of Smartsheet
  • Knowledge of Tessitura
  • Advertising, branding or sales marketing background helpful.
  • Professional experience in fundraising within a large organization.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

To apply, please visit our website at Under the About Us tab, go to the Careers and Auditions page and click on “View jobs at the SF Symphony.” Search for this job and click on “Apply for this Position” to submit your resume, cover letter, and application

ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILE

The San Francisco Symphony, under Music Director Michael Tilson Thomas, is one of the country’s leading orchestras. Some 220 concerts each year reach an audience of more than 600,000, while national and international broadcasts, heard on more than 215 radio stations, reach millions more. The Symphony has its own recording label, SFS Media, and its recordings have won some of the world’s highest honors. Its multimedia initiative, Keeping Score, has reached over six million people with television and radio broadcasts, DVDs, and an interactive website. The Orchestra tours extensively throughout Europe, Asia, and the United States, and its outstanding artistic reputation enables it to attract the world’s finest guest artists and conductors to Davies Symphony Hall. More than 70,000 young people are served each year by the Symphony’s numerous education programs, including its internationally renowned Youth Orchestra and Adventures in Music (AIM), which reaches every 1st through 5th grader in San Francisco’s public schools. The organization is led by President Sakurako Fisher and Chief Operating Offer/Interim Executive Director Derek Dean.

The San Francisco Symphony’s mission is to set the highest possible standard for excellence in musical performance at home and around the world; enrich, serve, and shape cultural life throughout the spectrum of Bay Area communities; and maintain financial stability and gain public recognition as a means of ensuring its ability to fulfill its mission.

The San Francisco Symphony is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Rev 75/176/17