The Director of Development and Marketing is responsible for articulating the mission and vision of the Elgin Symphony Orchestra (ESO) to patrons, donors and the broader community. The role will have primary responsibility for the ESO’s fund development efforts and is responsible for overseeing the creation and dissemination of digital and print content. This position oversees the contract work of external firms handling graphic design, public relations and grant writing. The Director of Development and Marketing reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer.
Position Supervises:
Grant Writer (PT)
Graphic Designer/Web Developer (PT)
Public Relations Manager (PT)
Basic Functions of the Position:
Planning and evaluating fundraising campaigns and activities.
Managing the organization’s budget and fundraising income programs.
Identifying and stewarding prospective donors.
Recruiting and training fundraising staff and volunteer leaders.
Staying on top of fundraising trends and the nonprofit community.
Minimum Skills, Knowledge and Experience:
Understanding of the role of arts in society
Ability to articulate the mission, vision and brand of Elgin Symphony Orchestra to board, donors, orchestra and public. Ability to focus various communications around that brand. Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral skills
Prepared to devise creative strategies to bring in new audiences during a transitional time for the arts
Ability to be respectful of the diverse cultures of the people served by the ESO and to provide culturally appropriate, competent, and individualized treatment in accordance with each client's age, gender and gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, religious beliefs, and culture.
Ability to manage and monitor the progress and cost effectiveness of fundraising activities
Ability to work independently under stress, and successfully handle multiple projects simultaneously.
Other Duties
The Director of Development and Marketing is expected to work flexible hours, including late hours and weekend hours.
Interested candidates should send a resume and cover letter to admin@elginsymphony.org.
Elgin Symphony Orchestra is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.
Bachelor's degree in music, arts administration or equivalent experience.
Minimum 5 - 7 years of experience in fundraising, resource development and marketing communications, preferably in a nonprofit, and demonstrated success in at least two of the three categories.
About Elgin Symphony Orchestra Association
The Elgin Symphony Orchestra is one of the preeminent regional orchestras in the United States. Since its founding in 1950, the organization has developed a reputation for artistic excellence, innovative programming, and a deep commitment to the social advocacy and economic development of the diverse communities that it serves.
Named “Orchestra of the Year” an unprecedented four times by the Illinois Council of Orchestras, (1988,1999, 2005 and 2016) and winner of a 2010 Elgin Image Award, the Elgin Symphony Orchestra, now in its 67th season, is respected for exceptional performance, innovative education programs, and community outreach initiatives.
Founded in 1950 by Douglas Steensland at Elgin Community College, the Orchestra has benefited from the contributions of many talented conductors and musicians during its sixty-three year history. With the appointment of Grammy Award-winning conductor Margaret Hillis as Music Director in 1971, the Orchestra’s artistic growth advanced significantly. The Orchestra became fully professional in 1985 under the direction of conductor/composer Robert Hanson, who was named Music Director earlier that year. Maestro Hanson held the position u...ntil his retirement at the conclusion of the 2010-2011 concert season.
In 2013, after a two year international search in which over 250 applicants were reviewed, Andrew Grams was selected as the new Music Director of the Elgin Symphony Orchestra. A graduate of the Juilliard School and the Curtis Institute of Music, Grams is one of America’s most promising and talented young conductors, as well as an accomplished violinist.
