Event Coordinator

EVENT COORDINATOR JOB DESCRIPTION
Department: Advancement
FLSA Status: Exempt
Work Location: Hybrid
FT/PT: Full time
Last Revision Date: 11/29/22
The Organization: The Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO) is known internationally for
trailblazing performances, collaborations with the world’s 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 America’s 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’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is paramount to who we are; we work
to create an environment where all employees are seen, valued, and supported to enable their
best every day. This is essential as we pursue our mission to impact lives through unforgettable
musical experiences by sustaining a world class orchestra for the city of Detroit and the global
community.
The DSO offers a unique, fast-paced working environment, an excellent overall compensation
package, and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. For more information visit www.dso.org.
Position Summary:
Reporting to the Signature Events Manager, the Events Coordinator is responsible for
creating, planning, and executing successful events for the DSO’s Advancement
department, to build stronger relationships with donors and institutional partners with an
emphasis on engagement and cultivation.
Specific Duties and Responsibilities:
• Devise and manage master event calendar, in coordination with other
departments
• Design and execute events such as major gift announcements, season kickoffs, lecture
series, corporate sponsor receptions and DSO Impact Campaign events
• Support the Signature Events Manager with yearly signature events
• Support the DSO’s Annual Meeting and other DSO special events
• Create and maintain timelines and manuals for event planning as an institutional
record.
• Contribute to publications, print materials, and the website to promote DSO
Advancement events and programming.

mailing lists, event production, sponsorship fulfillment, working with committees and
post-event follow up.
• Plan intimate dinners with guest artists, legislators, special guests, and DSO Musicians
pre- and post-concert for DSO Impact Campaign donors, Maestro Circle members
(donors $10K ), other major donors and prospects.
• Ensure participation and integration of DSO Musicians and artistic staff in
advancement events.
• Support other department projects as needed
Required Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree or related experience required
• Ability to act independently, take initiative, and meet changing priorities
• Successful experience working in, and contributing to, a collaborative, team environment
• 2-5 years’ experience in event coordination and fundraising support
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, formulating multi-year strategies and
conceiving the plans required to achieve the strategy
• Must be able to generate creative ideas for holistic event planning from start to
finish
• Project management skills with a track record of exceeding expectations while
delivering on-time and on-budget results in a complex, fast-paced environment
where autonomy work coupled with the ability to lead teams of colleagues
• Strong computer skills required, including Microsoft Office
Desired Qualifications:
• Experience with databases, especially Tessitura, a plus
• An understanding of the dynamics of customer loyalty and retention a plus
• Demonstrated experience and investment in issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion
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: Signature Events Manager
Supervision Provided: None
The DSO recommends all employees be vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19.