Donor Engagement Manager

Detroit Symphony Orchestra; Detroit (MI); Hybrid; USD 50,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

No-cost medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

Paid parental leave

403(b) retirement account

Job summary

The Detroit Symphony Orchestra is seeking a Donor Engagement Manager to plan, execute, and evaluate donor-focused events that deepen engagement and strengthen relationships with supporters.

This full-time, hybrid position requires excellent event planning skills, experience in donor relations, and strong communication abilities. The role involves managing event logistics, designing donor experiences, and collaborating across departments.

We offer a competitive salary range of $50,000 - $55,000 and excellent benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience in event planning, preferably in nonprofit or performing arts organizations.
• Confidence in dealing with senior-level executives, volunteers, and donors.
• Strong computer skills, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage a calendar of donor stewardship events.
• Design meaningful experiences for donors.
• Manage event budgets and timelines.

Skills

Event planning

Donor relations

Communication

Collaboration

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Tools

CRM systems

Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Job description

Job Details

• Location: Detroit, MI 48201
• Position Type: Full Time
• Salary Range: $50,000 - $55,000
• Work Style: Hybrid (office and travel as needed)
• Reporting: Director of Donor Engagement

Position Summary

The Donor Engagement Manager is responsible for planning, executing, and evaluating donor-focused events that deepen engagement and strengthen relationships with supporters of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. This role ensures a high‑quality patron experience that reflects the prestige and artistic excellence of the organization.

Responsibilities

Event Planning & Execution

• Develop and manage a comprehensive calendar of donor stewardship events (receptions, musical feasts, governing member signature events, guest artist dinners, donor breakfasts).
• Coordinate logistics for in‑person and virtual events, maintaining records through Momentus.
• Manage event communications, including invitations, RSVPs, reminders, and follow‑up.

Donor Stewardship

• Design meaningful experiences that recognize and engage donors at all giving levels.
• Partner with Advancement staff to support cultivation and retention strategies for governing members, institutional and corporate partners.

Project Management

• Create event timelines, budgets, and run‑of‑show documents.
• Manage vendors, contracts, and event‑related expenses.

Cross‑Department Collaboration

• Work closely with Advancement, Communications, Artistic, and Stage Crew teams to ensure cohesive project management.
• Coordinate with musicians and guest artists when applicable.

Additional Responsibilities

• Act as staff liaison at DSO events and the Donor Lounge approximately two times per month.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• 3–5 years of experience in event planning, preferably in nonprofit or performing arts organizations.
• Confidence in dealing with senior‑level executives, volunteers, and donors in‑person and via phone, email, and mail.
• Experience acting with integrity, diplomacy, tact, and maintaining confidentiality.
• Ability to act independently, take initiative, and meet changing priorities.
• Experience identifying, evaluating, investigating, and offering alternative solutions to problems.
• Successful experience working in, and contributing to, a collaborative, team environment.
• Strong computer skills, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience working with donor relations or fundraising teams.
• Experience with CRM systems (e.g., Tessitura).

Benefits

• Salaried, non‑union position.
• Eligibility for the DSO’s exceptional benefits package, including no‑cost medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid parental leave, a 403(b) retirement account, and ancillary benefits.
• Adherence to a varying schedule, including nights and weekends, to accommodate the DSO’s performance schedule.
• Background check required prior to employment; a criminal record does not automatically disqualify candidates.

Physical Requirements

The role primarily works in an office environment. Required physical tasks include prolonged sitting, standing, walking, lifting and carrying up to 50 lbs, pushing/pulling, climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, manual dexterity, driving a motorized vehicle, and repetitive motions.

The DSO is an Equal Opportunity Employer.