| The NJSO is New Jersey's premier performing arts organization, with concert series in six venues around the state and robust education and community engagement programs. The Manager of Donor Relations and Travel plays a critical role within the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra’s (NJSO) Development Department (the “Department”). She/he oversees a comprehensive donor relations program aimed to engage, build key relationships with and recognize prospects, donors and Trustees at all levels. This includes, but is not limited to, management of donor travel opportunities—international, national, regional and local—and donor cultivation and stewardship events. She/he works toward meeting the strategic priorities and annual financial goals of the Department and the NJSO, and will work with staff, Trustees, donors, vendors, external travel professionals, and other third parties in undertaking her/his responsibilities. The position requires high-level strategic thinking and planning, and significant experience with the hands-on detail and organizational work associated with successfully overseeing a diverse range of donor trips and events. The successful applicant will be driven, focused, have excellent interpersonal skills, and will be able to manage and implement several diverse activities at the same time. The successful applicant will also be able to work extremely closely and completely successfully with the NJSO’s Manager of Special Events who oversees galas and other major fundraising events. The position has both planning and hands-on, detail-oriented responsibilities to it. It reports to the Vice President of Development with dotted line reporting to the Director of Individual Giving. JOB RESPONSIBILITIES Donor Relations - Manage the donor cultivation and stewardship program to engage patrons through consistent and meaningful contact. This requires the ability to think strategically about donor potential, engagement and advancement.
- Design and manage opportunities to support donor retention and acquire new donors.
- Oversee a donor benefits program that includes the planning and production of concert receptions, backstage tours, open rehearsals, recognition events, cultivation receptions, program site visits and donor-focused communication pieces.
- Manage all timelines, logistical planning and on-site aspects of donor events.
- Work with appropriate Department colleagues to generate guest lists, send invitations and track replies.
- Select vendors, negotiate contracts and manage vendor relationships.
- Develop processes that support good stewardship as a strategy for advancing relationships and to support the work of Gift Officers.
- Formulate event follow-up strategies for groups or individual event participants and hosts.
- Serve as a point of contact for donors.
Donor Travel - Plan, manage and implement customized, high-end donor travel opportunities including (but not limited to) ensuring all aspects of trips are designed so as to support fundraising priorities.
- Oversee all logistical aspects of donor trips in a timely, cost-effective and efficient manner, including being able to handle international travel, developing itineraries, selecting and working with trip operators and vendors, negotiating contracts, and identifying and securing lodging, dining, ground transportation and activities.
- Work with donors to identify travel needs and interests, and ensure the NJSO travel program meets the identified needs of existing and potential donors.
- Ensure timely marketing for upcoming NJSO donor trips, including outreach to previous trip attendees, people who have expressed interest in NJSO donor trips, and the extended NJSO community.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for the travel program for vendors and participants.
- For many trips, be available to serve as a member of the on-site staff team or the sole staff member accompanying the trip, and be responsible for all in-travel logistics.
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