Development Manager

Mercury Chamber Orchestra is a dynamic, Houston-based chamber orchestra known for historically informed performances, innovative programming, and deep community engagement. Currently celebrating its 25th season, Mercury has achieved phenomenal growth over the last decade, presenting over 30 performances and reaching more than 30,000 audience members annually through distinctive concert series, community events, school outreach, and concert streaming. Under the artistic leadership of Antoine Plante, Mercury serves the community by celebrating the power of music—Baroque and beyond—by teaching, sharing and performing with passion, intimacy and excellence.

Mercury has an annual operating budget of $2.2 million.

The Development Manager is an essential member of Mercury’s development team, responsible for driving annual fund performance, managing a personal portfolio of donors at the entry and mid-levels, and providing hands‑on support across all fundraising activity. Reporting to the Development Director, this role owns the day‑to‑day execution that keeps Mercury’s donor pipeline healthy and growing. The Development Manager plays a central role in Gala logistics and is a key operational partner to the Development Director across individual giving, institutional support, and donor stewardship.

• Manage and grow Mercury’s annual fund with a primary focus on donors giving up to $2,500 in partnership with the Development Director.
• Own a personal portfolio of entry and mid-level donors and prospects, with responsibility for cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Execute direct mail, email, and digital annual fund appeals in coordination with the marketing team.
• Track donor activity and moves management in Spektrix, maintaining clean and current records across the portfolio.
• Identify lapsed donors and execute re‑engagement strategies to recover and grow the base.
• Monitor annual fund performance against goals and provide regular progress reports to the Development Director.

• Serve as the primary logistics coordinator for Mercury’s annual Gala, working closely with the Development Director, other team members, and event vendors.
• Manage event logistics including venue coordination, catering, rentals, run‑of‑show planning, and day‑of execution, and post‑event evaluation.
• Coordinate invitation production and distribution, RSVP tracking, and seating in partnership with the marketing team.
• Support sponsorship fulfillment and ensure Gala donors and sponsors receive appropriate recognition.
• Manage event volunteer coordination including recruitment, training, and on‑site supervision.
• Collaborate with the Audience Experience Manager on silent auction logistics and ensure seamless integration with overall event operations

• Process gifts, generate acknowledgments, and reconcile development records with Finance Manager in a timely manner.
• Draft acknowledgment letters, handwritten notes, and other donor communications that reflect Mercury’s voice and values.
• Coordinate donor recognition across concert programs, the website, and other materials.
• Manage fulfillment of donor benefits and ensure timely, accurate delivery at all giving levels.
• Support the Development Director in preparing materials for major donor meetings and solicitations.
• Assist with donor cultivation events and ensure strong follow‑up after each touchpoint.
• Support Board engagement in fundraising by preparing materials, tracking Board giving, and coordinating follow‑up.
• Assist with campaign planning and execution, including Mercury’s Beyond 25 Campaign and future growth initiatives.

• At least 3 years of experience in…