Donor Engagement Manager

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

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.

• 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.

• 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.

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

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

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

• 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.

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

• 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.

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.