Development Communications Manager

Jobtailor; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Seattle Symphony is seeking a fundraising communications professional to help plan and execute donor-focused messages across print and digital channels. You will draft appeals and stewardship content, support annual campaigns, and collaborate with the design team to deliver assets from draft to final delivery.

You will also manage logistics, keep content updated for campaigns, and contribute ideas to strengthen donor engagement, with occasional evening/weekend duties for concerts and events.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in nonprofit work, fundraising communications or a related field.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in a nonprofit fundraising or donor communications position.
• Familiarity with fundraising campaigns such as annual appeals, year‑end giving, membership programs and stewardship communications.
• Excellent writing skills with experience drafting donor‑centric communications (emails, letters and impact storytelling).
• Familiarity with CRM/donor databases and email marketing platforms (e.g., Tessitura/Prospect2/ActiveCampaign).
• Strong organizational skills and a proven ability to manage multiple deadlines, track details and support complex campaign schedules in a fast‑paced environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams).
• Familiarity with project management tools such as Asana or similar platforms.
• Interest in fundraising strategy, donor psychology and audience engagement.
• A collaborative mindset and ability to work productively across diverse teams.
• Availability to work evenings and weekends for concerts and donor events.

Responsibilities

• Participate in the planning and execution of fundraising communications at the direction of the Director of Strategic Communications
• Draft communications that adhere to the established Seattle Symphony voice, including fundraising appeals, stewardship messages and campaign content across print and digital channels
• Assist in implementing annual fundraising campaigns (e.g., GiveBIG, year-end and subscription appeals, etc.)
• Manage day-to-day campaign logistics including creating communications, managing approvals, proofing and distribution across channels
• Participate in maintaining and updating Development content in the Encore concert program, including stewardship and cultivation messaging
• Work closely with in‑house design team to project manage creation of fundraising assets from draft through final delivery
• Contribute ideas for improving donor communications and strengthening engagement across audiences
• Participate in cross‑departmental communications and planning meetings
• Maintain project tracking and organization through Asana and similar tools
• Proofread and provide edits on organizational communications to ensure accuracy, quality and adherence to the Seattle Symphony’s style guide
• Support events and concert duty as required, including evenings and weekends
• Provide general support to the Development department as needed

Skills

Excellent writing

Campaign planning

Donor engagement

Collaboration

Evening/weekend availability

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Tools

Tessitura/Prospect2/ActiveCampaign

Asana

Microsoft Office

Job description

Responsibilities

• Participate in the planning and execution of fundraising communications at the direction of the Director of Strategic Communications
• Draft communications that adhere to the established Seattle Symphony voice, including fundraising appeals, stewardship messages and campaign content across print and digital channels
• Assist in implementing annual fundraising campaigns (e.g., GiveBIG, year-end and subscription appeals, etc.)
• Manage day-to-day campaign logistics including creating communications, managing approvals, proofing and distribution across channels
• Participate in maintaining and updating Development content in the Encore concert program, including stewardship and cultivation messaging
• Work closely with in‑house design team to project manage creation of fundraising assets from draft through final delivery
• Contribute ideas for improving donor communications and strengthening engagement across audiences
• Participate in cross‑departmental communications and planning meetings
• Maintain project tracking and organization through Asana and similar tools
• Proofread and provide edits on organizational communications to ensure accuracy, quality and adherence to the Seattle Symphony’s style guide
• Support events and concert duty as required, including evenings and weekends
• Provide general support to the Development department as needed

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in nonprofit work, fundraising communications or a related field
• Minimum 2 years of experience in a nonprofit fundraising or donor communications position
• Familiarity with fundraising campaigns such as annual appeals, year‑end giving, membership programs and stewardship communications
• Excellent writing skills with experience drafting donor‑centric communications (emails, letters and impact storytelling)
• Familiarity with CRM/donor databases and email marketing platforms (e.g., Tessitura/Prospect2/ActiveCampaign)
• Strong organizational skills and a proven ability to manage multiple deadlines, track details and support complex campaign schedules in a fast‑paced environment
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams)
• Familiarity with project management tools such as Asana or similar platforms
• Interest in fundraising strategy, donor psychology and audience engagement
• A collaborative mindset and ability to work productively across diverse teams
• Availability to work evenings and weekends for concerts and donor events

Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in nonprofit fundraising communications, including drafting donor‑centric content and managing campaign logistics. Proficient in project management and collaboration across teams to enhance donor engagement and support fundraising strategies.