Development Communications Coordinator

THE CHICAGO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA ASSOCIATION
JOB DESCRIPTION
The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed
as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements.
TITLE: Development Communications Coordinator Reviewed: 12/2024
FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt
DEPARTMENT: Development
Salary range: $40K – $48K; Link to Benefits Summary: https://cso.org/benefitsftstaff
GENERAL SUMMARY
The Development Communications Coordinator manages a comprehensive communications project portfolio for the Development department. This position is integral to the CSOA’s effort to cultivate, inspire, solicit, and steward contributed revenue for the institution, across all constituencies. The Coordinator is responsible for collaboratively creating and sharing content, streamlining activities, ensuring the completion of projects, and upholding consistent editorial standards.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Assist in defining the messaging, content, design, processes, and timing of projects in the department.
2. Assist in ensuring strategic alignment, consistent standards, efficiency, accuracy, and timeliness across all development communications projects.
3. Foster strategic communications alignment interdepartmentally across the organization, to ensure appropriate and effective messaging to the donor constituency.
4. Develop communications content generated by other staff, as appropriate, including projects related to donor stewardship and engagement. Liaise with appropriate Marketing and Content staff colleagues on projects.
5. Gather and communicate information about institutional priorities, plans, and programs for the Development office, to facilitate the effective and efficient delivery of development communications. This includes gathering and arranging such information into clear, strategic, and effective messages.
6. Act as a primary content creator (i.e., writer, editor) for development communications, including: institutional giving, endowment campaign, individual leadership and major gifts, and other. Deliverables include: annual or impact reports; campaign collateral; case statements; grant and gift proposals; sponsorship proposals; donor profiles; program descriptions; executive remarks; news articles; video scripts; and other projects.
7. Create content for select institution-wide communications projects that are related to philanthropy or intended for donors. Deliverables may include: articles, speeches, web content, white papers, brochures or other projects about programs, performances, events, artists, festivals, or initiatives.
8. Develop and maintain institutional communication portfolio, including key information about institutional priorities, plans, and programs, and share information about its contents with front-line fundraisers and other staff.
9. Review and edit development communications and institution-wide communications to ensure accurate and appropriate messaging to and for the donor constituency.
10. Attend and assist with development-related events and concerts throughout the year including some evenings and weekends.
11. Other duties as assigned.
CSOA is an equal opportunity employer where all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, ancestry, or national or ethnic origin. We value diversity and inclusion and seek to build and maintain a community and culture that
THE CHICAGO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA ASSOCIATION
JOB DESCRIPTION
The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed
as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements.
celebrates and values diverse backgrounds, identities, and perspectives. We consider equivalent combinations of experience and education for jobs, and all candidates who believe they possess equivalent experience and education are encouraged to apply.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS
Reports to Senior Director, Development Operations and Annual Giving.
Collaborates with the Vice President for Development, other CSOA department leaders, and all Directors of Development. Other contacts include: donors, donor prospects, trustees, orchestra members, subscribers and staff.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
1. Bachelor’s degree; Major in English or similar field preferred.
2. Exceptional writing and editing 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.
3. Two years experience in development or related field preferred;; experience in preparing and managing complex communications projects preferred.
4. Ability to understand and interpret budgets, and the ability to draft explanatory notes on financial statements.
5. Strong project management, research, analysis, and oral communications skills.
6. Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, and donor databases.
7. Ability to work collaboratively with development colleagues to create a results-driven, team oriented environment.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Pleasant office environment.