Donor Engagement Manager

Donor Engagement Manager Job Description

Department: Advancement

FLSA Status: Exempt

Salary Grade: 5

Salary Range: $50,000-$55,000

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 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, 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 DSO’s 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 www.dso.org.

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, rsvp’s, 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:

• 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 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 DSO’s 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 DSO’s 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

Position Reports to: Director of Donor Engagement

If an accommodation is needed to ensure your successful participation in the

application or interview process, please reach out to hr@dso.org for assistance.