Institutional Giving Manager

Detroit Symphony Orchestra•Detroit, MI

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Institutional Giving Manager advances the Detroit Symphony Orchestra’s foundation, corporate, and government fundraising efforts as part of the Institutional Giving team. The position combines grant and report writing, project management, donor research, VIP-level customer service, and planning for events, receptions, and sponsor fulfillment across a portfolio of donors supporting the DSO’s artistic, educational, and community programs. The manager tracks grant deadlines and reporting, liaises with program staff, and helps communicate the impact of institutional support. This is a salaried, non-union, full-time position with a hybrid arrangement that is primarily onsite with some remote work. The role works primarily in an office environment and requires a varying schedule, including nights and weekends, to meet the needs of funding partners and prospects. The position reports to the Director of Institutional Giving and has no direct reports.

Requirements

3–5 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 team player with excellent interpersonal communication skills.
Outstanding problem-solving skills.
Ability to quickly learn new systems, including Monday.com and Tessitura.
Ability to effectively use AI tools with coaching.
Availability to work a varying schedule, including nights and weekends.
Successful completion of a background check before beginning employment.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree or 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 next steps, including updates.
Accurately and promptly track proposals and reports in Tessitura and project management tools.
Update Tessitura records, including contacts and contact information, plans, and status updates.
Help gather data and assemble 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.
Coordinate sponsor deliverables, including recognition, benefits, invitations, and event participation.
Work with Marketing & Communications to ensure accurate branding and public recognition of funders.
Support donor engagement activities such as site visits, program observations, and donor events.
Coordinate with artistic, education, and finance staff to align institutional asks with program priorities.
Participate in team meetings and cross-functional departmental planning as needed.
Manage gift coding with Finance to ensure proper campaign allocations and alignment with fundraising goals.
Staff at least 2–3 concerts in the Herman & Sharon Frankel Donor Lounge each month.
Perform other duties as assigned in support of the DSO’s fundraising functions.