Summary/Objective

The Director, Development Communications will be the lead on planning and executing communication strategies to support the comprehensive fundraising goals for Philadelphia Ballet. These strategies will be in service of elevating Philadelphia Ballet’s position as arts leader in Greater Philadelphia region, and within the dance community. The role also actively supports fundraising efforts in Philadelphia Ballet’s multimillion dollar campaign to create the 58,000 sf Philadelphia Ballet Center for Dance. Duties also include proposal writing, writing correspondence and speech notes on behalf of the Ballet’s Artistic Director, Executive Director, Chief Advancement Officer, as well as when needed, for Board of Trustees’ Leadership. This position will also play a key role in overseeing the department’s written materials, including proof reading and style management.

Essential Functions:

• Develop and manage an extensive communications program for Advancement team’s development department, including solicitations and appeals, acknowledgment letters, stewardship communications (e.g. donor impact reports, endowment reports), grant proposals and reports; collateral materials, and event invitations.
• Serve as lead writer and editor for all communications generated by the department.
• Play a strategic role in shaping messaging and writing materials for the Ballet’s expansion campaign, and other related fundraising initiatives.
• Work with the CAO and other leadership to craft compelling narratives about Philadelphia Ballet and its role in the community.
• Possess an adaptable writing style that can capture the voice of various members of the Ballet’s leadership, including the Board Chairman, Artistic Director, Executive Director, and other senior leadership.
• Participate as a member of risk/crisis management team that coordinates strategies and emergency announcements (e.g., inclement weather, performance cancellations, cast changes, etc.).
• Drafting responses to inbound inquiries or comments from the public that require sensitivity.
• Participating in strategic conversations with leadership on appropriate community management strategies in support of protecting and advancing public perception of Philadelphia Ballet.
• Communicating strategies with staff and partners where appropriate.
• Other job duties as required.

Supervisory Responsibility: Supervise: Interns as needed.

Required Education & Experience: 

• College degree or equivalent relevant work experience

• Minimum 5 years of experience, preferably in a performing arts or non-profit environment.
• Proficient in standard computer software skills including Microsoft Office365 and SharePoint.

Required Competencies:

• Ability to write persuasively in a variety of different business styles, including a natural ability to craft narratives and to capture a variety of voices when writing for others.
• Strong editing and proofreading skills, including grammar usage, and keen attention to detail.
• Creativity as a thinker and writer with a commitment to looking for new and interesting ways to communicate ideas.
• Ability to set and meet deadlines, and to prioritize projects in a busy work environment.
• Passionate about dance, performing arts, and supporting the interests of a Philadelphia cultural treasure

• Comfortable interfacing with executives and interns alike in a professional and productive manner
• Establish and maintain effective and productive working relationships within a diverse and multicultural environment
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment
• Ability to collaborate well with others across all functional areas
• Take appropriate steps to follow, promote and enforce safe work practices in accordance with policies and protocols.

Work Authorization/Security Clearance: Must provide satisfactory background checks and child abuse clearances as may be required for role.

Other Duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Organizational Diversity: The Philadelphia Ballet is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are deeply committed to cultivating and sustaining an organization that is equitable, fair, and inclusive in artistic expression and organizational behavior, policy, and practice. We embrace diversity both on and off stage and strive to be an organization where all communities feel a sense of belonging. We hold each other and ourselves accountable to these intentions every day. 

Philadelphia Ballet provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees including medical, dental and vision insurance, Life/AD&D insurance, Short-term and Long-term insurance, 401(k) retirement savings plan, paid time off and more.