Philanthropy Communications Manager

The Rome Group; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra is seeking a Philanthropy Communications Manager to design and execute a comprehensive fundraising communications plan across Annual Fund, donor segments, and campaigns. You will collaborate with the Philanthropy, Marketing and Communications teams to deliver on-brand messaging and multichannel engagement.

Responsibilities include content creation, project management, donor recognition materials, social media and website updates, and supporting events.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, fundraising or related field.
• Minimum 3 years proven, successful persuasive writing for publications, nonprofit or corporate communications.
• Experience with multichannel direct response fundraising.
• Familiarity with development and office software; Adobe Creative Suite a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop communications strategy, writing, and implementation for Philanthropy programs including Annual Fund, Sponsorships, Legacy/Giving Circles.
• Coordinate messaging with Marketing and Communications teams to maintain consistency and timelines.
• Create donor collateral materials (appeals, newsletters, playbill, recognition).
• Manage materials production, budgets, and outside vendors to meet deadlines.
• Develop philanthropy messaging, case statements, and donor profiles across media.
• Oversee digital content on website, eblasts, and social platforms; update CMS.
• Support proposals, collateral, and philanthropy resources as needed.
• Design donor/sponsor recognition for events and materials promoting philanthropy.
• Support stewardship activities and donor events; assist other team efforts.

Skills

Persuasive writing

Content strategy

Project management

Editing/proofreading

Multichannel fundraising

Team collaboration

Social media

Donor communications

Education

Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, fundraising or related field

Tools

Adobe Creative Suite

InDesign

Microsoft Office

HTML

Job description

Philanthropy Communications Manager

REPORTS TO: Assistant Vice President, Philanthropy

POSITION SUMMARY

This position plays a critical role in creating and executing a comprehensive communications plan to engage, inform and solicit philanthropic investment in the SLSO. Works with the Philanthropy team to plan, manage, and execute strategic, consistent, timely and on‑brand communications with all giving segments including Friends of Music, Giving Circles, Corporate Partners and Legacy Circle. Plays a vital role in managing day‑to‑day assignments, including content creation, as well as project management. Plans and implements multichannel direct response fundraising and stewardship communications to achieve revenue goals as part of the SLSO’s Philanthropy team.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• In conjunction with Philanthropy team, develop communications strategy, writing, and implementation for all Philanthropy programs including, Annual Fund, Individual and Corporate Sponsorships, Legacy and Endowment Giving and Special Campaigns.
• Ensure clarity, consistency and effectiveness of all Philanthropy communications. Develop messages, talking points, and other communications tools in alignment with SLSO institutional messaging and brand positioning. Act as liaison between Philanthropy, Marketing and Communications teams to coordinate strategies, messaging and production schedules.
• Serve as project manager/content developer for and play a pivotal role in the creation of all Philanthropy collateral materials including appeals, newsletters, brochures, Playbill, donor recognition, etc., and coordinate the supply of collateral materials for use by the Philanthropy team.
• Provide project management of all Philanthropy materials, mailings, recognition, etc., including gathering input from appropriate staff, providing creative direction and creating content, coordinating department review/edit/approval process and coordinating production both internally and with outside vendors to ensure budget and timelines are met.
• Develop SLSO Philanthropy messaging, case statements and profiles to engage donors across all media platforms.
• Oversee all Philanthropy digital content on the SLSO website, in eblasts, and social media and utilize content management system to update information.
• Work with Philanthropy team to create and update proposals, collateral materials, and philanthropy resources, as needed.
• Design and update donor and sponsor recognition for concerts in Powell Hall, Noted Program articles/inserts, Wall of Honor signage and other materials promoting philanthropy.
• Support stewardship activities including events, donor touch points and concert duty.
• Assist other areas of the Philanthropy team as needed.

REQUIREMENTS

Knowledge: Requires strong knowledge of fundraising/communications best practices and multichannel direct response fundraising. Familiarity with development and office‑based software, print and mail vendors; web content management system. Experience with Adobe Creative Suite a plus.

Experience: Minimum 3 years proven, successful experience in persuasive writing for publications, non‑profit or corporate communications, as well as direct marketing/direct fundraising experience. Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, fundraising or related field.

Skills and Abilities:

• Above all else, a creative thinker and strategic communicator who overcomes obstacles with smart solutions.
• Energetic, self‑starter and resourceful– gets things moving and keeps them on track.
• Excellent writing and proofreading abilities, including extensive experience with philanthropic communications, particularly donor‑centered correspondence.
• Strong ability to successfully manage and traffic multiple projects with close attention to detail and prioritization to meet deadlines within budget.
• Shows flexibility and initiative, as well as the ability to achieve independent goals, combined with the skills for thriving in a fast‑paced team environment.
• Experience across social media platforms.
• Ability to illustrate a results‑focused approach and commitment to going the extra mile.
• Good interpersonal skills, can work effectively in a team environment, negotiate approvals diplomatically, and maintain composure and quality while navigating time sensitive deadlines.
• High professional and ethical standards for handling confidential information.
• A commitment to the music and the mission of the SLSO.
• Available to work events that are held during the evenings or weekends as needed.
• Experience using a variety of software/programs to design and edit select materials, including Adobe Creative Suite, InDesign, Microsoft Office, HTML, and other digital platforms.