The Cleveland Orchestra is seeking a Fundraising Communications Manager who will be responsible for the strategic creation and optimization of donor communications across digital and traditional channels. This role implements a robust calendar of communications to deepen donor engagement and increase philanthropic support, leveraging audience insights, personalization, and emerging communication technologies. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong fundraising writing, project management, and data-driven digital fundraising experience.

The manager works closely with colleagues in the Philanthropy and Advancement and Growth departments to develop donor communication strategies and implement projects to completion. Communications must be written and designed in a timely and cost-effective manner, targeted for specific audiences anywhere The Cleveland Orchestra performs, and of a quality commensurate with the world-class stature of The Cleveland Orchestra. 

Position responsibilities include the following:

• Manage, write, design, and edit high-quality content for the Philanthropy team.
  • Examples include producing donor newsletters and e-newsletters, solicitation emails and letters, brochures, signage, presentations, advertising, digital fundraising, and special campaign materials.
  • Programs supported most heavily include Broadbase, Major Gifts, Florida, Corporate, Special Events and Planned Giving.
• Serve as the email expert for fundraising, implementing dynamic content, personalized messaging journeys, automation, A/B testing, and performance analysis. Identify, test, and implement innovative fundraising communication strategies, technologies, and best practices to improve donor engagement and fundraising results.
• Manage a comprehensive communications calendar and oversee multiple concurrent projects from concept through delivery, ensuring deadlines, stakeholder alignment, and quality standards are consistently met.
• Design and implement donor communication journeys across acquisition, renewal, upgrade, stewardship, and re-engagement campaigns.
• Work closely with Philanthropy program managers and Growth team to develop a comprehensive development communications plan that fits within the broader institutional communications plan. Liaise with Marketing and Growth colleagues regarding upcoming campaigns for coordination of both internal communications and outbound patron communications.
• Alongside other communications-focused colleagues, regularly source new stories from musicians and program managers, particularly in the education and artistic departments.
• Liaise with external contacts including printers, advertisers, graphic designers, and video producers, managing relationships, logistics, and production process in creation of fundraising materials.
• Ensure that communication content and design are cohesive and adhere to brand standards and best practices, including providing editing assistance to P&A colleagues.
• Work Cleveland Orchestra concerts to support a positive donor experience.

The successful candidate will meet the following qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Marketing, English or related field
• 4+ years relevant work experience
• Superior writing skills (warm, creative, and persuasive) with excellent editing and proofing skills
• Proficiency and experience with email marketing software (Mailchimp, Braze, Prospect2, etc), including audience segmentation, dynamic content, workflow automation, and reporting
• Demonstrated success managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects with competing priorities and deadlines
• Adept at using Adobe Creative Suite (particularly InDesign and Photoshop)
• Experience liaising with printers
• Ability to use donor behavior, campaign performance metrics, and audience insights to guide communication strategy and content decisions
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and able to learn and use planning software such as Asana
• Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to communicate with diverse constituency groups
• Demonstrate independent, mature judgment
• Ability to consistently maintain a professional image and demeanor
• Strong problem-solving skills combined with a collaborative approach
• A firm understanding of the donor engagement, solicitation & stewardship process
• Knowledge of orchestral music is highly desirable
• Able to work a flexible schedule that includes evenings and weekends

We offer a competitive salary of $65,000-$75,000, excellent medical and dental plan benefits, generous paid time off, 403(b) plan with employer match, unlimited and free access to NEO parks and museums, and the opportunity to work with a world-renowned Orchestra.

About The Cleveland Orchestra

The Cleveland Orchestra is today hailed as one of the very best orchestras on the planet, noted for its musical excellence and for its devotion and service to the community it calls home. Under the leadership of Music Director Franz Welser-Möst, The Cleveland Orchestra has become one of the most sought-after performing ensembles in the world, setting standards of extraordinary artistic excellence, creative programming and community engagement. The New York Times has declared it “... the best in America” for its virtuosity, elegance of sound, variety of color and chamber-like musical cohesion.

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