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Donor Engagement Manager

Detroit Symphony Orchestra

Job Location:

Detroit, MI - USA

Monthly Salary: $ 50000 - 55000

Posted: 14 June 2026 (30+ days ago)

Application Deadline: 11 September 2026

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

The job posting is outdated and position may be filled

Job Summary

Description

DONOR ENGAGEMENT MANAGER JOB DESCRIPTION

Department: Advancement

FLSA Status: Exempt

Salary Grade: 5

Salary Range: $50000-$55000

Work Location: Hybrid

FT/PT: Full Time

Last Revision Date: June 9 2026

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 collaboration inclusion care 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 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.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

Event Planning & Execution

Develop and manage a comprehensive calendar of donor stewardship events (e.g. receptions musical feasts Governing Member signature events guest artist dinners donor breakfasts).
Coordinate logistics for in-person and virtual events maintained through event management tool Momentus.
Manage event communications invitations rsvps reminders and guest 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 Stage Crew teams to ensure cohesive project management.
Coordinate with musicians and guest artists when applicable.

Additional

Act as staff liaison at DSO events and the Donor Lounge approximately 2 times per month.
Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelors 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 maintain 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 (i.e. Tessitura)

Not sure you meet 100% of the qualifications If this role speaks to you and you believe that you can excel we encourage you to apply. The Detroit Symphony Orchestra is committed to considering candidates with diverse workplace experiences and backgrounds who are interested in building and delivering impactful services and programs.

Additional Information:

This is a salaried non-union position.
This position is eligible for the DSOs exceptional benefits package including $0 cost medical dental vision paid parental leave 403b retirement account and great ancillary benefits.
Successful candidates must be available to work a varying schedule including nights and weekends to meet the needs of the DSOs performance schedule.
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. Additional requirements include:

	Never 0%	Seldom 5% - 25%	Occasionally 26% - 50%	Periodically 51% - 75%	Frequently 76% - 100%
Standing		x
Walking		x
Prolonged Sitting				x
Lifting/carrying up to 10 lbs.		x
Lifting/carrying 10 - 25 lbs.	x
Lifting/carrying 26 - 50 lbs.	x
Lifting/carrying more than 50 lbs.	x
Pushing/Pulling	x
Climbing	x
Stooping/Kneeling/Crouching/ Crawling	x
Reaching		x
Manual dexterity		x
Driving a Motorized Vehicle	x
Repetitive Motions					x