Director of Development and Communications - Kidznotes

Organization Overview:

Kidznotes changes lives through ever-expanding participation in youth orchestras, bands, and choirs. We are a music for social change program based on the El Sistema model of youth orchestras, which started in Venezuela and has now spread worldwide. Since its inception in 2010, Kidznotes has provided over 900 children in East Durham, Southeast Raleigh, and Chapel Hill with intensive music training, developing participants’ artistic talent and building their self-discipline, persistence, and confidence.

For the 2019-20 school year, Kidznotes will enroll 500 public school students in grades Pre-K – 12, partnering with Title 1 elementary schools in Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill. Kidznotes provides full scholarships for each student, 10 hours of orchestral training each week, an instrument of their own, lessons in music theory and literacy, and opportunities throughout the year to excel and perform.

Kidznotes employs eight full-time staff members, two part-time staff, 40 contract teaching artists, and four contract program support staff. It is overseen by a 13-member Board of Directors. Kidznotes prides itself on demonstrating fiscal responsibility, valuing donor support, and holding administrative costs to a minimum so that programmatic needs can be met and the mission expanded. It has a fiscal year 2019-2020 operating budget of $1,250,000. The budget is made up of 95% contributed revenue, including foundation/government (51%), individual support (19%), corporate (10%), annual events (10%), and in-kind support (9%).

To learn more visit: www.kidznotes.org

Position Highlights and Responsibilities

The Director of Development and Communications will work in collaboration with the senior management team to co-create and implement a strategic, diversified, and comprehensive approach to fundraising and development to support Kidznotes’ mission and programs. The development plan will include innovative approaches to the cultivation, solicitation, tracking, and stewardship of individuals, businesses, foundations, and other organizations. The Director of Development and Communications will also be responsible for overseeing the marketing of Kidznotes and communication of the mission to the community at-large in order to drive brand awareness and greater engagement.  

We encourage you to apply if you have a demonstrated ability to:

• Speak passionately about the power of music to change lives.
• Develop and implement both traditional and creative fundraising and marketing strategies to advance the organization’s resource development efforts and profile in the community.
• Motivate and inspire others – donors, staff, board members, and other volunteers.
• Identify, cultivate, engage, and steward existing and new donors to grow support for the mission.
• Ask and close major gifts of $5,000+.
• Utilize well-developed interpersonal skills including the ability to build and sustain authentic relationships with diverse constituencies with integrity, warmth, and humor.
• Think strategically and execute on details.
• Work independently and collaboratively as a team with a high degree of accountability and accuracy.
• Write copy and develop inspiring and engaging communications materials across all written modes and online platforms.
• Communicate effectively via public speaking and interpersonal communication.
• Develop and ensure a well-organized, effective development office, fundraising systems, and record keeping.

Major Areas of Responsibilities:

Strategic Fund Development:

• Works with Executive Director to champion and evaluate all fundraising activities through a comprehensive development plan to ensure the achievement of annual contributed revenue goals of $1.5 million annually.
• Each month, initiates and personally participates in 6-8 unique, face-to-face cultivation or donation solicitation meetings with prospective or current donors, involving Executive Director and Board members as needed.
• Writes inspiring copy and oversees design, print production, and mailing of all collateral and communications for fundraising solicitations, special events, annual reports, special invitations, and donor correspondence. 
• Researches prospects, writes grant applications, and coordinates grant writing and grant reporting with other Kidznotes staff for donations, sponsorships, and grants, both cash and in-kind. 
• Ensures effective stewardship of donors and grantors, meeting all deadlines and reporting requirements. 
• Develops and oversees fundraising events, including an annual black-tie gala and dozens of point-of-entry cultivation events.
• Fosters a joyful culture of philanthropy within the organization.

Public Relations and Marketing:

• In conjunction with the Marketing Committee, Development and Marketing Associate, and Executive Director, oversees all aspects of public relations and marketing. 
• Ensures the positive integration of marking and development in building and sustaining a strong donor and volunteer base.
• Supervises design and print production of Kidznotes marketing materials and advertising. Assists other departments in achieving consistent branding and “Kidznotes voice.”
• Seeks and implements opportunities to make presentations and share information about Kidznotes at community events, forums, meetings. Utilizes other Kidznotes staff as appropriate.

Supervision and Administration:

• Supervises a Development and Marketing Associate, periodic contractors, volunteers, and interns. 
• Prepares regular reports of activity and accomplishments. 
• Develops and administers the annual division budget, workplan, and cash flow projections.

Institutional Leadership, Interaction, and Planning:

• Attends Board of Director’s meetings and leads the active engagement of the Board in resource development.
• Serves as the staff leader of the Development Committee.
• Participates in senior management and general staff meetings, providing input for decisions.
• Develops knowledge of and interaction with diverse audiences, communities, and clients, identifying and communicating needs to senior management and Executive Director.
• Represents Kidznotes on select community committees, groups, and/or panels.  

Education and Certifications:

• B.A. or B.S. college degree required.  Master’s degree or CFRE preferred.

Experience:

Minimum of 5 years progressively responsible fund development and marketing experience. Proven track record of planning, directing, managing and implementing a comparable, successful non-profit development and communications program, including direct solicitation and special events marketing experience is required. Arts background and related arts fundraising experience helpful. Clear record of effectiveness in motivating, supervising and managing staff and volunteers, and cultivating and stewarding donors. Candidate must demonstrate ability to communicate with and engage with a diverse community of supporters and participants. Proficient in Microsoft Office, Google Docs and a general understanding and prior use of a donor database system. Experience with Benevon Model of Sustainable Fundraising and knowledge of Salesforce, MailChimp, Classy are beneficial.

Salary and Benefits:

This is a full-time, exempt position. Salary is commensurate with experience and the size of the Kidznotes budget.  Kidznotes offers a benefits package for full-time employees that includes paid holidays, vacation, sick time and personal time, and health insurance.