Development Manager & Grant Writer

Omaha Symphony.

Omaha (NE)

Hybrid

USD 60,000 - 63,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

403(b)

403(b) matching

Employee assistance program

Flexible spending account

Health insurance

Health savings account

Life insurance

Paid time off

Vision insurance

Job summary

Omaha Symphony is seeking a Development Manager/Grant Writer to advance fundraising initiatives, manage grants calendars, and cultivate donor relationships. The role balances grant writing with sponsorship coordination and board engagement.

Evening and weekend events are required for donor engagement, with in‑person work and one remote day per week. A Bachelor's degree in Development or equivalent experience is preferred.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in Development/Fundraising.
Experience with grant writing and reporting.
Strong writing and communication skills.

Responsibilities

Manage the annual grants calendar, write grant proposals, and submit reports to reach foundation and government goals.
Manage fulfillment of corporate sponsor benefits and sponsor recognition requirements.
Research, identify, and cultivate new funding opportunities from institutions.
Create sponsorship presentations and proposals tailored to each donor.
Maintain active relationships with current and prospective funders through outreach and stewardship.
Support for related committees and events as needed.
Track interactions and notes in Tessitura database.

Skills

Grant writing

Writing skills

Communication skills

Project management

Donor stewardship

Relationship building

Fundraising databases

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Development/Fundraising

Tools

Tessitura

Job description

Department: Development

Reports To: Assistant Director of Development

FLSA Status: Exempt

To perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty and/or responsibility satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Position Summary

The Development Manager/Grant Writer contributes to the success of the Omaha Symphony by implementing fundraising strategies that support annual giving, institutional giving, donor stewardship, and prospect development. This position leads grant‑writing efforts, manages donor and volunteer relationships, coordinates stewardship initiatives, and identifies opportunities to expand philanthropic support. This position helps advance the organization’s fundraising priorities through strong communication, project management, and relationship building. Working hours are often during traditional business hours, but evenings and weekends are required to align with Symphony concert program schedules as well as various donor engagement/networking events.

Position Duties and Responsibilities

Manage the annual grants calendar, write grant proposals, and submit reports to successfully reach foundation and government grant goals and compliance.
Manage fulfillment of corporate sponsor benefits and ensure sponsor recognition requirements are fulfilled.
Research, identify, and cultivate new funding opportunities from institutions.
Create sponsorship presentations and proposals tailored to each company’s unique interests.
Ensure active relationship building with current and prospective funders including intentional outreach and in-person stewardship opportunities.
Assist the Director of Development with the communication, administration, and programming logistics for the Council Bluffs Guild of the Omaha Symphony, Debutante Ball Committee, and Table Art Committee.
Administer the community in‑kind trade program including the management and stewardship of existing relationships and development of new partner opportunities.
Manage the production and distribution of the annual Impact Report.
Track all interactions and development notes in Tessitura database.
Provide support for special events and in donor lounge as requested.
May perform other duties as assigned.

Experience and Qualifications

Exceptional organization and time management/project management skills, with high attention to detail
Very strong writing skills
Experience with grant writing and reporting.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively with board, staff, musicians, community leaders and volunteers
Must be self‑motivated, and able to work well both independently and cooperatively; proven success working as member of a team
Position requires a high degree of professionalism, tact and diplomacy, in addition to sensitivity to highly confidential information
Flexible, detailed, adaptable, and energetic with an engaging personality
Strong computer skills needed, including word‑processing, spreadsheets, and familiarity with fundraising databases
Must be an enthusiastic fundraiser with a deep respect for philanthropy.

Evenings and weekends required to align with concert program schedule

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in Development/Fundraising required.
Minimum of 3 years in a not‑for‑profit role preferred.

Physical Demands

Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.
Required to sit for extended periods of time.
Requires the ability to move about for extended periods of time.
The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate.

Equipment/Machinery Used

Compensation

Salary: $60,000 - $63,000 commensurate with experience. Benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as 403b retirement match, as well as paid vacation and flexible personal days. The Symphony covers much of the premium cost for individual medical insurance coverage, while employees are responsible for any additional cost for dependent or family coverage. Full‑time, exempt.

This is an in‑person role, with the option to work remotely one day per week.

To learn more about the Omaha Symphony, visit: www.omahasymphony.org

To learn more about Omaha, visit: https://www.visitomaha.com/

The Omaha Symphony is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Pay: $60,000.00 - $63,000.00 per year