Development and Communications Director
Organization: Media Burn Archive
Location: Chicago, IL (Hybrid; minimum 3 days per week in-office)
Compensation: $65,000 + benefits, flexible schedule
Reports to: Executive Director
Status: Full-time, Exempt
About Media Burn Archive
Media Burn is a nonprofit dedicated to video’s overlooked histories and its most fiercely independent voices, from the 1960s to today. Our mission is to create positive social change by amplifying underheard voices, both in contemporary dialogue and the historical record. We are entering an exciting period of growth and are seeking our first-ever Development and Communications Director to help expand our reach and impact.
Position Summary
The Development and Communications Director will play a central role in shaping Media Burn’s future. This new position combines fundraising leadership with strategic communications, building bridges between our mission, our audiences, and our supporters. The Director will be responsible for designing and executing strategies to expand philanthropic support (individuals, foundations, and corporations) and to grow Media Burn’s public profile through compelling storytelling and outreach.
The successful candidate will be an excellent communicator, relationship builder, and project manager who thrives in a small, collaborative team environment.
Key Responsibilities
Development (Fundraising & Stewardship)
- Design and implement annual fundraising strategies, including year-end appeals and campaigns to increase individual donor support.
- Cultivate, solicit, and steward relationships with major donors, foundations, and corporate partners.
- Conduct prospect research and prepare proposals, grant applications, and reports.
- Support the Executive Director in preparing for donor meetings and foundation conversations.
- Plan and execute donor stewardship and fundraising events.
- Maintain accurate donor records and acknowledgments in a CRM system.
Communications & Outreach
- Develop and manage Media Burn’s communications strategy, including newsletters, press outreach, social media, and storytelling about our programs.
- Oversee production of annual reports, campaign collateral, and donor materials.
- Represent Media Burn at conferences, public events, and partner gatherings.
Organizational Leadership & Collaboration
- Work closely with the Executive Director to align development and communications with organizational goals.
- Help shape long-term growth strategies for the Archive’s sustainability.
- Coordinate with staff to highlight stories from our collections that will be of interest to specific audiences.
Qualifications
- 5+ years of professional experience in development, communications, or related roles in the nonprofit sector (arts/culture experience a plus).
- Proven success in fundraising, including cultivating major donors and securing foundation support.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a talent for persuasive storytelling.
- Experience managing social media, email marketing platforms, and donor databases.
- Strong organizational skills with ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Ability to work collaboratively while also independently managing priorities.
- Must live in the Chicagoland area and be able to work from the office at least three days per week.
- Ability to attend evening and weekend events as needed.
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary: $65,000 per year
- Benefits package, flexible schedule, and hybrid work structure
- Opportunities for professional growth and leadership in a dynamic, mission-driven arts nonprofit
How to Apply
Please submit a cover letter, resume, and a short writing sample (such as a donor appeal or newsletter) to employment@mediaburn.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Our goal is for the candidate to begin work on April 1, 2026.
Media Burn Archive is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage candidates from historically underrepresented communities to apply.
