Institutional Giving Specialist

INSTITUTIONAL GIVING SPECIALIST JOB DESCRIPTION

Department: Advancement

FLSA Status: Exempt

Work Location:Primarily onsite with some remote work

FT/PT:Full-time

Last Revision Date: June 6 2025

How to apply: A cover letter is required for consideration of this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address:

• Your specific interest in the position and working at the Detroit Symphony Orchestra
• Outline your skills and experience that directly relate to the responsibilities of the role

The Organization: The Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO) is known internationally for trailblazing performances collaborations with the worlds foremost musical artists and a deep commitment to serving our community. Making its home in historic Orchestra Hall at the Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center the DSO actively pursues its vision to be an inclusive and culturally relevant community where all people can experience their world through music.

The DSO is a complex organization. Operating 365 days per year in historic Orchestra Hall one of Americas most acoustically perfect concert halls we are a performing arts institution an educational facility and a community center. We are governed by an independent Board of Directors and employ both union and non-union employees as musicians stage crew and administrative staff. Creating a unified culture throughout the institution is an organizational imperative and we are guided by our values of excellence diversity resilience collaboration and innovation. The DSO is also deeply invested in the city of Detroit; through our Detroit Strategy initiative we are expanding the DSOs participation in the growth and well-being of the city.

The DSO offers a unique fast-paced working environment an excellent overall compensation package and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. For more information visit .

Position Summary: The Institutional Giving Specialist plays a key role in advancing the Detroit Symphony Orchestras foundation corporate and government fundraising efforts. Working closely with the Director and Manager of Institutional Giving the Specialist is responsible for grant writing project management and partnership stewardship across a portfolio of donors that support the DSOs artistic educational and community programs.

This role combines strong writing and research skills with a detail-oriented collaborative mindset. The Specialist will manage a pipeline of grant deadlines oversee timely and accurate reporting and serve as a liaison to program staff to ensure effective communication of impact. This position is ideal for a candidate who is passionate about the arts and eager to support a dynamic and mission-driven advancement team.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

Grant Writing & Reporting
Draft edit and submit compelling grant proposals letters of inquiry and reports for foundation corporate and government donors
Collaborate with program staff finance and leadership to gather content budgets and supporting materials
Maintain an up-to-date calendar of deadlines and deliverables to ensure timely submissions
Ensure accurate and timely tracking of all proposals and reports in Tessitura and grant management systems

Project Management
Maintain organized records of institutional gifts requirements and partnership history
Coordinate internal timelines for proposal development and reporting facilitating input from multiple departments
Support cross-functional efforts to prepare investment packages and donor-facing materials
Assist in the preparation of fundraising updates dashboards and analytics for internal and board reporting

Partnership Stewardship & Fulfillment
Ensure funder deliverables including recognition benefits invitations and event participation are fulfilled with care and professionalism
Coordinate with Marketing & Communications to ensure accurate branding and public recognition of funders
Support donor engagement activities such as site visits program observations and donor events
Develop customized stewardship materials to demonstrate impact and reinforce long-term partnership goals

Cross-Departmental Collaboration
Work closely with artistic education and finance staff to align institutional asks with programmatic priorities
Serve as a resource for internal teams in developing materials that support funding opportunities
Participate in team meetings and cross-departmental planning efforts as needed

Staff at minimum three two concerts in the Herman & Sharon Frankel Donor Lounge each month

Perform other duties as assigned in support of the DSOs fundraising functions.

Required Qualifications

2 years of experience in grant writing nonprofit fundraising or related field
Exceptional writing editing and proofreading skills
Strong organizational and project management skills with keen attention to detail
Experience with donor databases CRM platforms or grant tracking systems
Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines independently
Collaborative team player with excellent interpersonal communication skills
Interest in classical music education or the nonprofit arts sector

Desired Qualifications

Bachelors degree or equivalent combination of education and experience
Experience with Tessitura or similar donor database
Familiarity with nonprofit budgeting and financial reporting
Comfort working across departments and with external partners or funders

Additional Information:

• This is a salaried non-union position
• Successful candidates must be available to work a varying schedule including nights and weekends to meet the needs of funding partners and prospects
• All positions at the DSO require the successful completion of a background check prior to beginning employment. A criminal record does not automatically disqualify candidates.

Physical Requirements: This role primarily works in an office environment and frequently has prolonged periods of sitting and looking at a computer screen.

Primary Reporting Responsibility: Manager of Institutional Giving

Direct Reports: N/A

If an accommodation is needed to ensure your successful participation in the
application or interview process please reach out to for assistance.