Manager of Donor Hospitality

MANAGER OF DONOR HOSPITALITY JOB DESCRIPTION 

Department: Advancement 

FLSA Status: Exempt 

Work Location: Hybrid 

FT/PT: Full time 

Last Revision Date: June 12, 2025 

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 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 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, with an emphasis on providing flawless ticketing concierge services and an enhanced Herman and Sharon Frankel Donor Lounge experience, while driving excellence in all aspects of Advancement Event operations at The Max. Further, the position manages all concert-related stewardship for the Advancement team. Additional primary responsibilities include cultivating partnerships with vendors related to enhancing the concert experience. 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:   

•  Oversees and manages the ticketing concierge service for all DSO Governing Members (annual donors >$2,500).  
• 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. 
• 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 opportunities to 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 digital publications, 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. 

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. 

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 and events 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 frequently has prolonged periods of sitting and looking at a computer screen. Additional requirements include: 
 

 
Primary Reporting Responsibility: Director of Donor Engagement 

Direct Reports: N/A 

 
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. 

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