Director of Development & Communications

Job Title: Director of Development & Communications

Department: Development

Reports to: Executive Director

Effective Date: August 8, 2025

Full time, Exempt

Salary Range: $70,000 to $85,000/annual

About the Grand Cinema:

The Grand Cinema is the South Sound's nonprofit home for independent, international, and local film. As the only nonprofit cinema in Tacoma and Pierce County, we are committed to enhancing the cultural vitality of the community through quality film and educational programming.

OUR MISSION: The Grand Cinema enriches lives and enhances the cultural vitality of the Greater Tacoma community through the art of film.

We achieve our mission through these objectives: Encouraging passion for film for all audiences, Providing a high-quality theater experience, Educating the community about film.

Job Summary:

The Director of Development & Communications will build community relationships and support for the Grand Cinema through fundraising and effectively communicating the Grand’s programs. They will oversee the Grand’s membership program, onscreen advertising, and other fundraising and sponsorship opportunities. They will work closely with members of the team such as the Director of Education, Facilities & Information Manager, and others to maximize cross departmental opportunities.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Social Media & Content Manager
• Membership Coordinator (part time)

Duties/Responsibilities:

Individual and Corporate Fundraising 50%:

• Develop fundraising goals and implement plans to achieve those goals.
• Cultivate and steward donor relationships.
• Manage the Grand’s relationship with the contracted grant writer.
• Establish and maintain connections with community members, local organizations, and other stakeholders.
• Develop and oversee initiatives, events, and activities that promote community involvement and support the organization's mission.
• Act as a point of contact between the organization and the community, addressing concerns and facilitating communication.
• Oversee and grow the Grand Cinema’s membership program.
• Identify and pursue potential corporate partners through targeted research and outreach, developing and presenting compelling sponsorship proposals, and negotiating sponsorship agreements. Cultivate and sustain long-term partnerships.
• Coordinate logistics for sponsorship activations, ensuring timely delivery of sponsor benefits, and collaborate with internal teams to ensure successful integration of sponsors into events or programs.
• Work alongside board members in fundraising campaigns.
• Support events alongside the event team during special events.

Communications 40%:

• Oversee the on-screen advertising program.
• Oversee management of the Grand’s website and newsletters, publicizing news and updates.
• Develop organizational communication strategies.
• Oversee all media and social media resources.
• Articulate the organization's message and engage with the community through various channels (e.g., social media, events, newsletters).
• Assist in marketing efforts for film and education programs.
• Collaborate with Social Media Manager and other staff members with film related marketing.

Administration 10%:

• Tracking the effectiveness of fundraising and communication efforts, analyzing data, and making adjustments to improve outcomes.
• Participate in the creation and monitoring of budgets, timelines, performance metrics (KPIs) and other resources related to fundraising and communications.
• Ensure accurate reporting in collaboration with the finance team.
• Managing sponsor databases, processing payments, resolving past-due accounts, and ensuring compliance with internal and external requirements.
• Perform annual appraisals and development plans for direct reports.
• Participating in staff and other administrative meetings.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent sales, interpersonal, and customer service skills.
• Experience with board engagement.
• Experience with team supervision and accountability.
• Strategic thinker with strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate.
• Works independently with limited guidance.
• Understanding of general computer operating systems.

Preferred Skills/Abilities:

• Proficient in Google Business Suite or willing to learn.
• Proficient in donor CRM systems (Salesforce preferred) or willingness to learn.
• Experience with database systems
• Mission-aligned with a passion for inclusive arts programming.

Preferred Experience:

• Two years experience in a similar role.
• Two years experience working in a nonprofit organization.
• Two years experience working in a cinema or similar art related organization.

Location & Work Requirements:

• On site Hybrid: 60–80% onsite; standard hours M–F 9am–5pm.

Benefits:

• Fully paid healthcare
• PTO accrual
• Retirement plan with organizational matching
• Free movies, popcorn, and soda

To apply:

Please submit your resume and cover letter with the subject: “Director of Development & Communications - [your last name]” to hr@grandcinema.com. Priority consideration will be given to applicants that submit their complete application materials by 5pm on Monday, August 18, 2025.

Data shows that women and BIPOC candidates more frequently do not apply to a job because they don’t feel that they meet all the qualifications listed. We strongly encourage applications from people with diverse backgrounds and lived experience, even if you have some but not all the qualifications listed above. If you feel passionate about our mission and believe that you have the skills to contribute to the growth of our organization, we want to hear from you.

We do not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. All employees and contractors of The Grand are responsible for maintaining a work culture free from discrimination and harassment by treating others with kindness and respect.