Director of Development & Community Relations
American Contemporary Classical Orchestra (ACCO)
Part-time | 10 hours per week | Washington, D.C. Location: Flexible, primarily remote work with in-person meetings and events in the Washington, D.C., area
Reports to: General Manager: Works closely with Music Director and Conductor and Board of Directors Compensation: $1,250 per month Position term: This position is supported by grant funding for an initial one-year term, with the possibility of extension based on continued funding and satisfactory performance.
About ACCO The American Contemporary Classical Orchestra is a professional orchestra based in Washington, D.C., dedicated to presenting accessible, compelling contemporary orchestral music, with a particular focus on living composers of the Americas. Through performances and community partnerships, ACCO connects audiences with the music and composers of our time. Position Overview ACCO seeks a resourceful, relationship-oriented development professional to lead its fundraising efforts and strengthen its community partnerships. This person will maintain meaningful relationships with existing donors, cultivate new individual supporters, pursue corporate contributions and sponsorships, and develop partnerships with embassies, colleges and universities, arts organizations, and other community institutions. Working with ACCO’s artistic leadership, General Manager, and board, the Director will turn fundraising priorities into consistent outreach, thoughtful stewardship, compelling proposals, and financial support. This position is suited to someone who enjoys working independently within a growing arts organization, and who enjoys interacting with donors and community members. The position’s primary focus is fundraising. Community relations activities will support ACCO’s mission and connection within the community. Key Responsibilities Fundraising and Donor Relationships
● Serve as the lead fundraiser for ACCO’s five-year, $100,000 Crescendo Campaign, developing and executing strategies to achieve its fundraising goals.
● Develop and implement a focused annual fundraising plan with ACCO leadership, establishing achievable priorities, revenue goals, and a calendar of activity.
● Serve as a primary contact for current donors, maintaining regular communication, expressing appreciation, sharing the impact of their support, and encouraging renewed or increased giving.
● Identify, research, and cultivate prospective individual donors, using board introductions, audience connections, and targeted outreach.
● Make direct requests for support and prepare ACCO leadership and board members to participate in donor meetings and solicitations.
● Coordinate a manageable schedule of annual appeals and personalized fundraising communications, with support from ACCO’s marketing staff.
● Maintain accurate donor and prospect records, including contributions, pledges, relationship history, and next steps; coordinate timely acknowledgments and recognition with the General Manager. Corporate Giving and Sponsorship
● Identify and approach businesses whose interests align with ACCO’s mission, audiences, and programming.
● Develop clear sponsorship opportunities and tailored proposals for concert, season, and project support.
● Cultivate corporate relationships, solicit contributions and sponsorships, and coordinate fulfillment of agreed recognition and benefits.
● Track proposals, commitments, and renewal opportunities. Community Relations and Partnerships
● Maintain and strengthen relationships with existing community partners.
● Develop a focused group of prospective partners, including embassies, colleges and universities, arts organizations, and community institutions.
● Work with partners and ACCO leadership to identify achievable opportunities for collaboration, audience engagement, introductions, financial support, or in-kind contributions.
● Serve as a consistent point of contact and coordinate follow-through on agreed partnership activities.
● Represent ACCO at selected community meetings and networking events that advance established priorities. Board Collaboration, Reporting, and Concert Presence
● Attend ACCO’s quarterly board meetings and provide concise updates on fundraising results, donor cultivation, sponsorships, and partnerships.
● Help board members contribute effectively through introductions, donor outreach, stewardship, and participation in solicitations.
● Attend ACCO’s two to three concerts annually to welcome and engage donors, sponsors, prospective supporters, and community partners.
● Coordinate pre-concert invitations and post-concert follow-up for these relationships.
● Attend regular staff meetings with ACCO leadership Hours – Expectations – Working Relationships
● ACCO leadership fully understands the time constraints placed on this position, and expectations will reflect this reality.
● Flexible work schedule, with the expectation that half of the 10 hours per week will be during business hours for staff, donor, and partner meetings.
● The Director of Development may set their own schedule and it may fluctuate weekly. ACCO leadership requests advanced notice of proposed schedule each week.
● Occasional evening or weekend work is required for quarterly board meetings, concerts, and selected relationship-building activities.
● Required meetings and concert attendance are included in your working hours. Concert weeks will require a flexible schedule.
● ACCO’s General Manager will serve as the direct supervisor, with open-door access to the Music Director.
● ACCO leadership and board members will remain active fundraising partners. The Director of Development will create a strategy and run point on its implementation, but they will have the support of the other ACCO stakeholders. Qualifications
● Demonstrated experience in nonprofit fundraising, donor relations, corporate sponsorship, institutional advancement, or closely related relationship-based work.
● Ability to cultivate relationships and confidently ask individuals and businesses for financial support.
● Strong writing, interpersonal communication, and follow-through.
● Experience maintaining donor records in a CRM or comparable tracking system.
● Ability to prioritize effectively, manage a limited weekly schedule, and work independently while collaborating with a small team.
● Sound judgment, discretion, and respect for confidential donor information.
● Interest in ACCO’s mission and the role of live music in community life. Experience with performing arts organizations, the Washington-area philanthropic community, or embassy and university partnerships is welcome. College degree required. A degree in a particular field is not required, however, interest in music or the arts is a significant plus. Relevant work experience and demonstrated results are valued.
Initial Priorities and Measures of Success During the first 60 days, the Director will:
● Review ACCO’s donor history, current relationships, fundraising materials, and tracking practices.
● Establish a practical fundraising and stewardship calendar.
● Develop prioritized lists of individual prospects, corporate prospects, and community partners.
● Begin donor outreach and prepare a focused set of sponsorship opportunities.
● Agree with ACCO leadership on realistic goals for the remainder of the year. Performance will be evaluated through donor retention and renewals, new contributions and sponsorships, progress with qualified prospects, productive community partnerships, and demonstrated initiative and follow-through.
To apply, please send a résumé and brief letter of interest to accorchestraoffice@gmail.com with the subject line “ACCO Development & Community Relations.” In your letter, please describe any experience you have with fundraising, donor relations, and community engagement. Application deadline: Friday, November 13. Applications reviewed on a rolling basis. ACCO welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds and values the experiences and perspectives they bring to its work.
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