Development Director Job Description

Job Summary

The Development Director leads, directs, and manages Rush Hour’s development efforts, cultivating and maintaining Rush Hour’s relationships with individuals, foundations, businesses and corporations, and government entities that support arts and culture. The Development Director is responsible for creating annual and long-range development objectives and managing the implementation of the yearly development workplan. In addition to the ongoing stewardship of the current 11 members of the Board of Directors, the Development Director also assists in the identification and recruitment of new board members.

Organizational Background

Over the last decade, Rush Hour Concerts at St. James Cathedral (Rush Hour) has become a weekly destination for more than 450 people every summer Tuesday in Chicago, 25% of whom are under the age of 40.

Founded in 2000 by pianist Deborah Sobol, Rush Hour provides a unique classical music experience in a welcoming, widely accessible, and culturally rich environment. Entering its eleventh season in 2010, Rush Hour presents weekly, free, world-class concert events throughout the summer in Chicago, offering “great music for busy lives,” designed with contemporary lifestyles and diverse audiences in mind.

Rush Hour concerts (5:15 – 6:15pm every Tuesday from June through August) are FREE and presented to the public at historic St. James Cathedral in downtown Chicago. Each concert event offers complimentary refreshments and world-class music by internationally recognized artists. Rush Hour has been recognized by the “Artbeat” series on PBS’ NewsHour with Jim Lehrer and on the “What Works” series of the NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams. Mayor Richard M. Daley declared June 2, 2009 as “Rush Hour Concerts Day in Chicago” in honor of its 10^th anniversary. More than 5,800 people attended Rush Hour’s thirteen concerts in 2009.

Rush Hour also has changed the landscape for classical music audiences: cognoscenti sit next to those who have never heard a note of classical music; generational supporters of the arts sit next to those who simply cannot afford the price of tickets to most music events in Chicago; 70-year-olds next to 22-year-olds… and all listening with a palpable level of audience engagement for which Rush Hour has become known. For more information about Rush Hour, please continue to explore our website.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Determine annual and long-range objectives including revenue goals, benchmarks for growth in funds raised and relationships established, and targets for each category of giving, and create a comprehensive annual operating workplan to meet stated objectives.
• Work closely with the Executive Director to lead and empower the Board of Directors to serve as Rush Hour’s most valuable fundraisers, providing support as needed.
• Implement and manage all aspects of individual giving and the annual campaign, including yearly renewals/upgrades of donors, ongoing cultivation and solicitation of prospective donors, assistance with long-term planning for an individual giving program, and cultivation of donors at summer concerts and year-round special events.
• Implement and manage all aspects of foundation, government, corporate, and local business giving and partnerships, including the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of new and existing annual gifts.
• Lead strategy and execution of all special fundraising and cultivation events, working closely with the Executive Director and the Development Committee.
• Manage support staff and cultivate volunteers for all development programs and special events.
• Oversee the management of the development budget and the annual evaluation of development programs, including a ROI (return on investment) analysis.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the Board of Directors and its committees, staff colleagues, and volunteers to both strengthen existing constituencies and build new communities of committed support.
• Work closely with the Executive Director and board Nominating Committee to identify and cultivate new board candidates.
• Serve as an enthusiastic, articulate representative and spokesperson for the organization

Qualifications

Experience: Minimum of 5 years of development and fundraising experience is required, with a proven track record in the achievement of annual fundraising goals. Must have demonstrated success in developing strong relationships and interacting effectively with donors and funders, board members, corporate and community leaders, volunteers, and staff at all levels. Supervisory experience is desirable. Knowledge of the philanthropic climate and community in Chicago is required.

Education: A BA/BS is required. Course work in arts administration and/or an advanced degree is a plus. Knowledge of music is helpful.

Required skills: Superior verbal, interpersonal, written, and project management skills are essential. Must pay close attention to detail and be organized and deadline driven. Computer proficiency with Microsoft Office applications is required; experience with other donor database software is a plus.

Employment Details

Compensation: This is a part-time position. Salary will be commensurate with skills and experience.

Reporting Relationship: This position reports directly to the Artistic/Executive Director.

Start Date: Immediately

Application Process

Interested candidates should send cover letter, resume, and three references to:

Deborah Sobol, Artistic/Executive Director
Rush Hour Concerts at St. James Cathedral
65 E. Huron St.
Chicago, IL 60611
deborah AT rushhour.org
Email preferred. No calls, please.