Development + Communications Director
Reports to: Executive/Artistic Director
Supervises: Communications Coordinator, Development Intern
Hours: Full Time
Salary: DOE
About Velocity
Mayor’s Arts Award and Genius Award winning Velocity Dance Center (Velocity) is Seattle’s forward-thinking laboratory and essential incubator for dance and emerging ideas. With artist-driven, community-centered artistic programs, Velocity is instrumental in making Seattle a destination city with one of the most active dance communities in the nation. With artist-led classes and workshops every day, performances every week, ongoing humanities programs that activate thoughtful conversations, as well as weekly community events from social dances to family-style dinners, Velocity is a portal for those new to dance and an important community resource. Home to hundreds of independent dance artists and renowned for producing innovative, cutting-edge work, Velocity is Seattle’s only dedicated contemporary dance venue where groundbreaking work, disciplined practice, and community participation coexist.
Position Overview
The Development + Communications Director works in partnership with the Executive/Artistic Director and Producing Director as Velocity’s Management Team. Under the general direction of the ED/AD, the Development and Communication Director is responsible for four primary outcomes at Velocity: 1) Development of new and sustained support from philanthropic sources including individuals, foundations, government and corporations; 2) An integrated strategic communications process and strategy; 3) Management of an expanded monthly donor program; 4) Senior level strategic thinking and leadership. The Development + Communications Director position is an exciting opportunity for an innovative, creative and self-driven person to join an exceptional team and create lasting impact on the Seattle arts community.
Primary Responsibilities/Outcomes
1. Development of new and sustained support from philanthropic sources including individuals, foundations, government and corporations
- Lead and manage all fundraising planning and implementation
- Sustain and foster a strong major donor program
- Plan and oversee Velocity’s annual signature fundraising event in collaboration with ED/AD and Producing Director
- Manage Velocity’s grant writing program, including grant proposal and budget preparation, funder communication, invoices, and final reporting
- Support ED/AD with individual and organizational major gift solicitation
- Cultivate strong relationships with individuals, foundations, partner organizations, local businesses, corporate and government funders
2. An integrated strategic communications process and strategy
- Supervise Communication Coordinator
- Collaborate with ED/AD and board in the development and implementation of a strategic marketing plan
- Ensure marketing and communication efforts related to all Velocity programs are timely, effective and focused on community engagement
- Promote the mission of Velocity by proactively pitching stories to the local and national media on Velocity programs, events, artist/faculty achievements, etc.
- Enhance Velocity’s reputation and unique identity through strategic communications with stakeholders: donors, artists, students, teachers, community/business leaders, legislators and the media
- Oversee Social Media and velocitydancecenter.org, including status updates, web updates and design
- Represent Velocity at citywide events
2. Management of monthly donor membership program
- Implement and manage Monthly Velocity Partner (MVP) program
- Engage MVPs through a variety of activities, such as pre-show talks, social and informational events, volunteer opportunities, and more.
- Communicate with MVPs and public via email, social media, web, mail, phone and in-person
3. Senior level strategic thinking and leadership
- Work with Board committees and Board of Directors to harness the resources, talent and energy of the Board
- Track Velocity impact and attendance for grant proposals and other communications
- Collaborate with the ED/AD to advance the relationship between Velocity and various local, state, and regional organizations, including government agencies and advocacy groups, community and local business groups and arts organizations
- Work with the ED/AD and Board of Directors to develop and implement long-term strategies for continued organizational health and overall service of the organization’s mission, vision and values
- Serve as a liaison between Board of Directors and the organization; fostering board fundraising and communication, including working with ED/AD and Producing Director on preparation of monthly board reports
Qualifications:
- 3-5 years work experience in the nonprofit sector with resource development background
- Experience in Communication preferred
- Experience with nonprofit budgeting and finance preferred
- Significant experience with various development and marketing techniques, strategies, and best practices—ideally including major gifts, online fundraising, events, grant writing, corporate partnerships, and social media
- Ability to function as a dependable leader and team player
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; ability to vary communication style to meet the needs of the audience
- Proven management and leadership capabilities, high energy, and creative
- Must be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment while being flexible and detail-oriented
- Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and computer skills. Mac proficiency a plus.
- Must be able to work efficiently on several projects simultaneously and prioritize deadlines
- SalesForce and/or PatronManager experience preferred
- Demonstrated passion for the arts
- Knowledge of the Seattle arts & culture community a plus
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required
Compensation + Benefits
Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience. Health Benefits. Unlimited Free Dance Classes. Studio Rental at staff rate of $7/hr. Flexible Schedule. Velocity is an equal opportunity employer.
To Apply: Please submit a resume and thoughtful cover letter outlining how your skills and experience meet the qualifications of the position, in PDF format, to Tonya Lockyer at info@velocitydancecenter.org. Position open until filled, applications reviewed on a rolling basis.
