Institutional Giving Manager

Detroit Symphony Orchestra•Detroit, MI

1d•$55,000 - $60,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Institutional Giving Manager supports the Detroit Symphony Orchestra’s foundation, corporate, and government fundraising efforts as part of the Institutional Giving team. The role combines grant and report writing, research, project management, donor service, and coordination of events, receptions, and sponsor fulfillment across a portfolio of donors supporting the DSO’s artistic, educational, and community programs. The manager oversees grant deadlines and reporting, maintains accurate donor and project records, and liaises with program staff to coordinate scheduling, follow-ups, and communications about impact. The position works with artistic, education, finance, marketing, and communications staff, as well as external funders and partners. It is salaried, non-union, and hybrid, primarily onsite with some remote work. Employees must be available for a varying schedule, including nights and weekends, and staff at least two to three concerts each month in the Herman & Sharon Frankel Donor Lounge. The role primarily works in an office environment, with frequent prolonged sitting and computer use. A background check is required before employment begins.

Requirements

Three to five years of background in grants and contracts, nonprofit proposal development, or related areas.
Exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
Strong organizational and project management skills with keen attention to detail.
Experience with donor databases, CRM platforms, or grant-tracking systems.
Ability to independently manage multiple priorities and deadlines while moving work forward.
Professional decorum and VIP-level hospitality skills.
Collaborative approach and excellent interpersonal communication skills.
Outstanding problem-solving skills.
Ability to learn new systems, especially Monday.com and Tessitura.
Ability to effectively use AI tools with coaching.
Availability for a varying schedule, including nights and weekends, to meet the needs of funding partners and prospects.
Successful completion of a background check before beginning employment.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Successful track record on an advancement or fundraising team working with grant- and proposal-driven donors.
Experience with Tessitura or a similar donor database.
Comfort working across departments and with external partners or funders.
Interest in classical music, education, or the nonprofit arts sector.

Responsibilities

Maintain organized records of institutional gifts, requirements, and partnership history.
Support cross-functional preparation of investment packages and donor-facing materials.
Assist with fundraising updates, dashboards, and analytics for internal and board reporting.
Contribute to project management for reports, proposals, and follow-up steps, including updates.
Track proposals and reports accurately and on time in Tessitura and project management tools.
Update Tessitura records, including contacts and contact information, plans, and statuses.
Support data gathering and prepare first drafts of grant proposals, letters of inquiry, and reports for foundation, corporate, and government donors.
Collaborate with program and artistic staff to gather content and supporting materials.
Conduct prospect research and navigate donor portals.
Help coordinate sponsor deliverables, including recognition, benefits, invitations, and event participation.
Coordinate with Marketing & Communications to ensure accurate funder branding and public recognition.
Support donor engagement activities, including site visits, program observations, and donor events.
Work with artistic, education, and finance staff to align institutional requests with program priorities.
Participate in team meetings and cross-functional departmental planning as needed.
Coordinate gift coding with Finance to ensure proper campaign allocations and alignment with fundraising goals.
Staff at least two to three concerts each month in the Herman & Sharon Frankel Donor Lounge.
Perform other duties as assigned in support of the DSO’s fundraising functions.