Director of Development and Communications

Atlas Performing Arts Center; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 80,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental, Vision insurance

Paid vacation, holidays, personal days

Costco membership

Simple IRA

Job summary

Atlas Performing Arts Center seeks a Director of Development & Communications to lead fundraising and marketing efforts from its Washington, DC campus. You will manage major gifts, corporate sponsorships, and donor communications, while directing outreach across media and community partners.

Collaboration with leadership ensures sustainable revenue and heightened visibility. The role requires 3–5 years of nonprofit arts experience, proficiency with Patron Manager or Salesforce, and a passion for

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, nonprofit management, or related field.
• 3-5 years of development and marketing experience in a nonprofit arts organization.
• Experience securing major gifts and managing comprehensive marketing strategies.

Responsibilities

• Lead comprehensive fundraising strategy to meet annual revenue targets.
• Own donor portfolio through all stages of the donor lifecycle.
• Create annual and multi-year fundraising plans aligned with strategic goals.
• Develop fundraising communications (proposals, appeals, donor reports).
• Plan and oversee fundraising events (e.g., Atlas Annual Benefit).
• Collaborate with Board and senior leadership to leverage networks.
• Develop and manage corporate partnerships and sponsorship strategies.
• Lead planned giving and recurring giving initiatives.
• Maintain knowledge of grants landscape and support submissions.
• Develop and implement strategic marketing and communications plan.
• Oversee marketing materials, digital content, and branding.
• Oversee website and social media; drive audience engagement.
• Build relationships with media and community partners.
• Analyze marketing efforts to improve effectiveness.

Skills

Fundraising

Donor Relations

Marketing

Communications

Strategic Planning

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Nonprofit management

Tools

Patron Manager

Salesforce

Job description

The Director of Development and Communications is responsible for sustaining and growing the Atlas Performing Arts Center’s revenue through strategic fundraising and comprehensive marketing and communication efforts. This role will focus on developing relationships with major donors, corporate sponsors, and individual supporters while also overseeing marketing strategies that enhance the Atlas’s visibility and community engagement. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Development and Communications will set and track yearly projections and strategic long-term priorities for fundraising and marketing, supporting the Atlas's mission, vision, goals, and objectives. This position will collaborate closely with other departments to align development and communication strategies with organizational goals.

Description

Job Title:Director of Development & Communications

Reports To:Executive Director

Supervisory Responsibilities:Marketing Associate & Independent Contractors (Marketing & Fundraising)

Employee Class:Full Time, Exempt

Work Location:In-office: 1333 H Street NE, Washington DC, 20002

Compensation:$80,000- $95,000 annual salary

Benefits:

• Health, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Paid vacation, holiday, personal days and sick leave
• Costco membership
• and Retirement (Simple IRA)

Key Responsibilities

Development

• Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive fundraising strategy to meet and exceed annual revenue targets, focusing on major gifts, corporate sponsorships, individual giving, and planned giving.
• Own the full donor portfolio through all stages of the donor lifecycle, including identification, cultivation, solicitation, closure, and stewardship, to strengthen relationships and increase engagement.
• Create and implement annual and multi-year fundraising plans that align with the organization’s strategic goals and promote sustainable growth and diversified revenue streams.
• Develop compelling fundraising communications, including proposals, appeals, and donor reports, to effectively convey the impact of the Atlas's work and inspire donor support.
• Plan and oversee all fundraising events, such as the Atlas Annual Benefit, from strategy to logistics, ensuring successful execution and maximizing revenue and donor engagement.
• Collaborate with Board members and senior leadership to leverage their networks and involvement in fundraising activities, providing training and support to enhance their effectiveness as ambassadors and solicitors.
• Develop and manage corporate partnerships and sponsorship strategies, maximizing corporate engagement and support.
• Lead planned giving and recurring giving initiatives, cultivating long-term donor relationships to ensure sustainable funding for the Atlas's mission and programs.
• Maintain working knowledge of the institutional and government grants landscape, partnering with the Director of Administration to support grant applications, reporting, and compliance as needed.

Marketing

• Develop and implement a strategic marketing and communications plan to enhance the Atlas's visibility, reputation, and community engagement, ensuring alignment with the organization’s mission and goals.
• Oversee the creation, production, and distribution of marketing and communication materials, including digital content, social media, brochures, newsletters, and press releases, ensuring consistent messaging and branding.
• Oversee the organization’s website and social media platforms, ensuring content remains current, engaging, and reflective of the Atlas's programming, initiatives, and values.
• Develop and direct audience engagement campaigns to attract new patrons, retain existing audiences, and deepen community connections.
• Build and maintain relationships with media, influencers, and community partners to promote the Atlas's events and programs.
• Analyze marketing and communication efforts using data to refine strategies and improve effectiveness across all platforms.

Additional Responsibilities

• Coordinate with internal departments such as Programming, Production, Patron Services, Operations, and Finance to align efforts and support organizational priorities.
• Oversee volunteer coordination for events and campaigns, ensuring volunteers are well‑trained and effectively utilized.
• Other duties as assigned.

Physical Requirement

• Ability to work in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Must be able to safely lift and carry up to 25 lbs, as required for setting up events or transporting materials.
• Ability to work extended hours, including evenings and weekends, for events, meetings, or deadlines.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

Work Environment

• In‑office presence required at 1333 H Street NE, Washington, DC, 20002 five days a week.
• The office environment is collaborative and fast‑paced, requiring flexibility and adaptability to changing priorities and needs.
• Regular interaction with staff, volunteers, donors, board members, media, and community partners, requiring strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work well with diverse groups.
• Occasional travel within the local area for meetings, events, and community engagement activities.

Qualifications and Skills

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, nonprofit management, or a related field required. An advanced degree is preferred.
• 3-5 years of experience in development and marketing within a nonprofit arts organization, with a proven track record of success in securing major gifts and managing comprehensive marketing strategies.
• Relevant work experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.

Technical Skills:

• Proficiency in CRM/fundraising software such as Patron Manager or Salesforce (required). Patron Manager Admin Certification will be required upon hiring.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft O365 and various marketing tools/software.
• Experience in creating digital and print marketing materials, engagement campaigns, and social media strategies.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to create compelling narratives and present financial and impact information to diverse stakeholders.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships across the organization and with external partners.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within cross‑functional teams.

Leadership and Management:

• Proven leadership skills with the ability to manage cross‑functional teams and foster a collaborative environment.
• Ability to oversee multiple projects simultaneously and effectively prioritize tasks in a fast‑paced environment.
• High level of emotional intelligence and adaptability, with a positive “can‑do” attitude.

Personal Attributes:

• Highly organized and detail‑oriented.
• Flexible and adaptable, with the ability to work in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment.
• A creative thinker with a proactive approach to problem‑solving.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The Atlas Performing Arts Center is committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and diverse environment where all individuals are respected and valued. We honor the unique experiences and perspectives of our staff and strive to maintain a welcoming workplace for people of all backgrounds. We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage applications from candidates of all races, colors, religions, genders, gender identities or expressions, sexual orientations, national origins, genetics, disabilities, ages, or veteran statuses. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to these or any other legally protected characteristics.

About the Company

THE ATLAS STORYOriginally built in 1938, the Atlas was one of four movie theaters on H Street NE, for 30 years, the iconic movie house was a second home for film lovers throughout the H Street Corridor. The Atlas was reborn in 2006 as a community‑based organization that boasts a 59,000 square‑foot performing arts center with four performance spaces, dance studios, offices, back‑of‑house facilities and an expansive lobby with a bar.OUR MISSIONThe Atlas Performing Arts Center provides spaces for artists to create music, theatre and dance to entertain and engage audiences in exploring the ideas and issues of our time. We nurture an environment that welcomes artists representing our diverse community. We invest in partnerships and programs that reflect the best of the arts and our humanity.ATLAS PROGRAMSThe Atlas has four performance spaces, and we often host free events in our lobby. We produce Atlas Presents performances and rent our spaces to other artist groups so they can create their own productions. We support and partner with DC arts makers – our Resident Arts Partners – including Capital City Symphony, Mosaic Theater Company of DC, Visionaries of the Creative Arts (VOCA), and Joy of Motion Dance Center. The Atlas and our Resident Arts Partners collectively offer free and reduced‑cost arts programming and services valued at over $1.6 million per year.Atlas Arts Lab provides a platform for individual artists to develop new work and to serve the community through engagement initiatives that encourage civic dialogue and community cohesion.Rooted in social justice, Atlas’ award‑winning City at Peace youth development program uses performing arts as a learning tool to develop skills in dance, theatre, voice, and stage production, as well as skills in conflict resolution, personal storytelling, empathy, understanding, and leadership.The Atlas INTERSECTIONS Festival is a multi‑week performing arts festival that presents work that impacts our society, culture, and world by informing, inspiring, educating, and entertaining. The annual festival hosts over 600 artists and entertains thousands of audience members.We proudly partner with community nonprofit and arts organizations like St. Coletta of Greater Washington and BroadFutures as well as Glade Dance/NACHMO to integrate a wider community in the cultural life of the city at the Atlas.Additional Information:Atlas Performing Arts Center is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.