Associate Director of Development

Chorus America is the advocacy, research, and leadership development organization that advances the choral field. Our mission is to strengthen singing communities with the advocacy, connections, and resources they need to be a vital part of society.  We do this by supporting and serving choral conductors, administrators, board members, and singers with a wide array of programs, publications, research, and professional services. These services strengthen their ability to build strong organizations that foster quality choral performances and leverage the unique characteristics of choral/group singing to build community. Chorus America currently serves more than 6,000 choruses, individuals, businesses, and organizations. 

The Associate Director of Development supports Chorus America’s broad development functions and has a special focus on grant writing and major gifts. The role is key to maintaining Chorus America’s effectiveness, growth, and national standing in serving choruses and the professionals who lead them. A successful candidate for this role is team oriented and is comfortable moving multiple aspects of work forward on similar timelines. The role works with the Fundraising Team, which includes the CEO, staff, and the Board.   

WORK LOCATION  

In addition to our fully remote team members, Chorus America currently supports a hybrid working environment. The Washington, DC area team is currently in the office 2 days per week downtown Washington, DC with 3 days per week working at home/remotely (this is subject to change). Our small staff has built a dynamic and strong team culture rooted in collaboration and relationship-building. We continue to actively adapt our culture and approach to teamwork to bridge in-person and remote staff communication. A fully remote position will be considered with travel expected for onboarding and for team building. Additional travel requirements are outlined below.  

RESPONSIBILITIES 

Leadership & Implementation  

• In partnership with the development team, help develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising plan inclusive of institutional, corporate, and individual giving with measurable annual goals that will enable Chorus America to meet its current budget and achieve future growth;  
• Work in collaboration with executive staff on annual and long-term financial planning to ensure organizational growth and sustainability;  
• Supervise, coach, and establish annual performance goals for development manager while fostering belonging and trust within the team; 
• In partnership with the development team, help lead, plan, and manage development events including cultivation and stewardship events and an annual fundraising Gala; 
• Support the development manager, as needed, in the design and preparation of all digital and online fundraising materials and communications in coordination with the Communications department; 
• Uphold the highest professional standards and ethics for fundraising and ensure compliance with all relevant federal, state and local regulations and guidelines.  
• Actively contribute to fostering a supportive, collegial, service-oriented culture at Chorus America. 

 Board of Directors 

• Participate as a supporting staff member liaison to the board development committee to communicate fundraising goals in major gifts and institutional advancement areas and participate in board meetings by providing reports and presentations, as needed; 
• Strategically leverage the time and connections of Chorus America Board Members, the Vice President of Programs, Strategy, and Development, and the CEO to achieve fundraising goals; provide support for CEO, VP, and Board member direct fundraising engagement. 

 Foundations and Individual Giving  

• With the VP and development manager, maintain and grow a robust portfolio of individual donors, focusing on major and legacy (planned gift) donors. Oversee all solicitation, stewardship and recognition; 
• Ensure that donors feel seen, valued, heard and known through a stewardship and moves management process managed by the development manager  
• Research and identify major individual giving and foundation support prospects within existing Chorus America relationships and beyond; supporting introductions, relationship development, and major asks and leading foundation applications with the VP and CEO; 
• Cultivate relationships with Chorus America’s existing major donors; building an engagement plan through the year; establishing tracking and management systems to implement, track plan progress, and evaluate effectiveness 
• With the development manager, manage donor and foundation engagement and data tracking through our new AMS and other tools;  
• Implement and manage foundation and government grant proposal processes; 
• Support the promotion and sponsorship manager, responsible for building compelling mission-aligned opportunities for program support, communicating the benefits of organizational support, and fostering meaningful relationships with current and prospective partners.   

 QUALIFICATIONS 

• Demonstrated success in annual giving, major giving, and grant-writing; Excellent understanding of planned giving, event planning, capital campaigns, and stewardship communications; 
• At least three years of progressively responsible fundraising experience;  
• Willingness and ability to work at both a strategic and tactical level; 
• Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading ability; 
• Strong interpersonal, verbal communication, and presentation skills; 
• Experienced in fostering collaborative efforts and coordinating with team members to ensure cohesive project outcomes; 
• Database and spreadsheet proficiency; 
• Must be able to travel and be available for weekend work occasionally, including but not limited to: onboarding, board meetings, cultivation meetings and events with current and potential donors, professional development opportunities, staff retreats, and one-week each year in June as staff for annual Chorus America Conference. 

 EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE PREFERENCE  

• Supervisory experience preferred;  
• Bachelor's degree; 
• Track record of cultivating individual donors leading to significant gifts; 
• A history of meeting or exceeding contributed income goals;  
• Previous management experience; 
• Experience in the field of nonprofit arts, business, culture and/or social justice is preferred.  

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Chorus America offers a salary range of $65K - $75K and a generous benefits package, including 100 percent employer paid health/dental/vision insurance; short- and long-term disability, life insurance, vacation; pre-tax transportation program; summer half-day Fridays; and a rejuvenation leave program. Our compensation ranges are based on salary ranges for similar-sized nonprofit organizations in the professional services sector and adjusted for local labor market rates and differentiated by geography. DC metro area salary range with relevant, competitive experience is $70K - $75K.