Position Summary: The Manager of Donor Hospitality will develop and implement a comprehensive Donor Stewardship Program at the DSO. This role is responsible for maximizing engagement via the concert experience, including ticketing and the Herman and Sharon Frankel Donor Lounge, while driving excellence in all aspects of Advancement Event operations. Further, the position manages all concert-related stewardship for the Advancement team. Additional primary responsibilities include oversight of vendors related to enhancing the concert experience and managing two part-time employees. We value creativity and innovation to fully engage the donor community. The Manager works collaboratively across the DSO and within the Advancement team to support a wide range of fund-raising activities, support for programs, future strategic goals, and organizational initiatives.
Specific Duties and Responsibilities:
Collaborates with Advancement team to proactively engage donors with individualized stewardship strategies across all funding sources – individuals, institutions, government.
Manages staffing, budgeting, spending, and the overall experience of the DSO’s Herman and Sharon Frankel Donor Lounge. As such, works many evenings and weekend hours aligned with DSO concert schedule.
Oversees and manages the DSO Governing Member benefits program. This includes ticketing support for DSO Governing Members (donors >$2,500) in collaboration with two direct reports who serve as two part-time ticketing specialists.
Develops, manages, and executes ad hoc stewardship and engagement events throughout the year, such as post-concert receptions, season kickoffs, lecture series, donor orientations, corporate sponsor receptions, exclusive artist meet and greets, and other opportunitiesto be envisioned.
Develops and manages the Advancement Events calendar, in collaboration with Manager of Advancement Events and other departments.
Manages event logistics and set up for all Advancement Events, including entry in DSO-wide event software, Momentus Elite.
Manages donor lounge staffing plan for Advancement team and ensures participation and integration of DSO musicians and artistic staff.
Develops system for tracking and reporting donor preferences.
Prepares donor briefing materials and reports for senior management.
Oversees and maintains concert-related donor recognition, including data integrity, and donor lists in print and digitalpublications, e.g.: Performance magazine, donor walls, etc.
Plays a leadership role in ensuring best-in-class cultivation and stewardship for DSO donors and prospects with measurements of success related to both quantity and quality of donor engagements.
Handles donor complaints related to their benefits and the concert experience when necessary.
Supports other department projects as needed.
Required Qualifications:
3-5 years' experience working in hospitality or event management.
Demonstrated experience designing and implementing experiences with an acute attention to detail.
Dynamic self-starter who can provide solutions, with excellent project management and communication skills.
Ability to act independently, take initiative, and meet changing priorities.
Sensitive to the needs of individuals and able to maneuver within and across multiple departments; successful experience working in, and contributing to, a collaborative, team environment.
Ability to work well under pressure; embodies the values of persistence, perseverance, tenacity, integrity, and patience.
Demonstrated experience and investment in issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Desired Qualifications:
5+ years working in hospitality or event management, and experience with fundraising.
Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience leading collaborative teams of professional staff.
Experience working with a donor or ticketing database like Tessitura or Raiser’s Edge.
Demonstrated ability to problem-solve, analyze, and communicate via concise briefing and solicitation materials.
The acclaimed Detroit Symphony Orchestra is known for trailblazing performances, collaborations with the world’s foremost musical artists, and a deep connection to its city. Led by Music Director Jader Bignamini since 2020, the DSO makes its home at historic Orchestra Hall within the Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center, offering a performance schedule that features the PVS Classical, PNC Pops, Paradise Jazz, and Young People’s Family Concert series. In addition, the DSO presents the William Davidson Neighborhood Concert Series in metro area venues, as well as eclectic multi-genre performances in its mid-size venue The Cube, constructed and curated with support from Peter D. & Julie F. Cummings. A dedication to broadcast innovation began in 1922, when the DSO became the first orchestra in the world to present a live radio broadcast of a concert and continues today with the groundbreaking Live from Orchestra Hall series of free webcasts.
Since its first school concerts a century ago, and particularly since the founding of the Civic Youth Ensembles in 1970, the DSO has been a national leader in bringing the benefits of music education to students, teachers, and families in D...etroit and surrounding communities. The DSO remains committed to expanding its participation in the growth and well-being of Detroit through programs like its Detroit Neighborhood Initiative—cultural events co-created with community partners and residents—and Detroit Harmony, a promise to provide an instrument and instruction to any student in the city who wants to learn. With unwavering support from the people of Detroit, the DSO actively pursues a mission to impact lives through the power of unforgettable musical experiences.
