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 the 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 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’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: The Associate Director of Annual Giving will develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy to secure financial support resulting in $1.3M from donors contributing less than $2,500 annually. The Associate Director will be responsible for the oversight of multi-channel mass appeals inclusive of direct mail, telefunding, digital fundraising, on-site signage and activations, and other special initiatives. We value creativity and engaged thinkers who are asking what’s possible. The DSO has an in-house team of creatives who will work alongside you to meet these goals; from story-telling specialists to an innovative brand graphic designer.
Additional key responsibilities include the ownership of the DSO Annual Fund brand and communications to Annual Fund donors and management of two full-time employees. The Associate Director 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:
Annual Giving Program (<$2,500) - Program Leadership, Project Management, and Communications
Develop and manage Annual Giving fundraising plan, primarily consisting of at minimum twelve annual fundraising campaigns, including:
Direct Mail - Develop and implement direct mail strategies to effectively engage our target audiences, including:
Strategic Briefs
Creative Briefs (copy, design, and other content needs or recommendations)
Data segmentation (target segments)
Development of print materials utilizing outside vendors – such as print shops and mail-houses – to ensure timely delivery and cost-effective executive execution of direct mail appeals
Ensure accuracy and quality control of all direct mail materials, including letters, brochures, donation forms, and envelopes
Telefunding - Manage telefunding partner and relationship, including oversight of:
Data segmentation
Database integration and data integrity
Email, Digital, Social, and Onsite - Coordinate the integration of fundraising messaging on DSO channels including email, paid and organic social, and on-site signage and building activations
Leverage paid and earned media opportunities to achieve fundraising goals
Track and analyze the performance of Annual Giving Program and make data-driven recommendations for improvement
Manage benefits programs, ensuring stewardship of donors giving <$2,500 annually
Support and develop Annual Giving as a pipeline for the Major Giving program, leveraging Tessitura and ensuring accurate and timely data collection
Major and Principal Giving Program (>$2,500) - Project Management & Communications
Manage in-house Major Giving renewal mailing process, approximately four-six times annually, including: content development, data accuracy, and production
Management of stewardship communications, including oversight of donor acknowledgement process, donor data integrity, and donor lists in print and digital publications, e.g.: Performance magazine, dso.org, donor walls, etc.
Management and Team-related Duties:
Lead, manage, and coach the DSO’s Donor Communications Specialist and Data & Research Specialist in their day-to-day operations and annual strategic goal setting
Staff at minimum three concerts in the Herman & Sharon Frankel Donor Lounge each month
Staff three annual signature benefit events
Attend at least one concert hosted through the DSO Neighborhood or Community concert initiatives annually
Required Qualifications:
3-5 years' experience working in fundraising or fund development
Demonstrated experience designing and implementing fundraising processes with an acute attention to detail
Dynamic self-starter who can think strategically and provide solutions; excellent project management and communication skills
Ability to act independently, take initiative, and meet changing priorities.
Strong analytical skills, action-oriented, decisive, accurate and timely
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
Strategist that is motivated by deadlines and measurable outcomes
Demonstrated experience and investment in issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion
Desired Qualifications:
5+ years working in fundraising or fund development with experience in direct mail and/or telefunding
Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience
Experience managing and coaching professional staff
Experience working with a donor database like Tessitura or Raiser’s Edge
Demonstrated ability to problem-solve, analyze, and communicate synthesized and segmented volumes of data into concise briefing and solicitation materials
Additional Information:
This is a salaried, non-union position
Successful candidates must be available to work a varying schedule, including nights and weekends, to meet the needs of the DSO’s performance schedule
The DSO remains a hybrid and flexible organization; the Advancement team is onsite at The Max Tuesday and Wednesday each week
Physical Requirements: This role primarily works in an office environment, and frequently has prolonged periods of sitting and looking at a computer screen. See job posting for additional requirements.
Primary Reporting Responsibility: Director of Individual Giving
Direct Reports: Donor Communications Specialist, Data & Research Specialist
Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Other
Industries
Performing Arts
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