Institutional Giving Manager

Detroit Michigan - Detroit, MI 48201

• Position Type: Full Time

INSTITUTIONAL GIVING MANAGER JOB DESCRIPTION

Department: Advancement

FLSA Status: Exempt

Salary Grade: 6

Salary Range: $55,000 - $60,000

Work Location: Hybrid role, primarily onsite with some remote work

FT/PT: Full-time

Last Revision Date: August 19, 2026

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 historic Orchestra Hall at the Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center, the DSO actively pursues its vision of ‘music for everyone’.

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, collaboration, inclusion, innovation, and care. 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 Institutional Giving Manager plays a key role in advancing the Detroit Symphony Orchestra’s foundation, corporate, and government fundraising efforts. This is a team member of the Institutional Giving team, which includes corporate and foundation donors. Skillsets expected include grant and report writing, project management including notes and next steps, VIP-level customer service and planning for events, receptions and sponsor fulfilment across a portfolio of donors that support the DSO’s artistic, educational, and community programs.

This role combines strong writing and research skills with a detail-oriented, collaborative mindset. The position will manage a pipeline of grant deadlines, oversee timely and accurate reporting, and serve as a liaison to program staff to support scheduling, follow-ups and ensure effective communication of impact. This position is ideal for a candidate who is passionate about the arts and eager to support a dynamic and mission-driven advancement team.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

Project Management

• Maintain organized records of institutional gifts, requirements, and partnership history
• Support cross-functional efforts to prepare investment packages and donor-facing materials
  Assist in the preparation of fundraising updates, dashboards, and analytics for internal and board reporting
• Contribute to project management for reports, proposals and next steps, including updates.
  Ensure accurate and timely tracking of all proposals and reports in Tessitura and project management tools
• Conduct ongoing updates to Tessitura records including contacts and contact information, Plan updates and status updates

Grant Writing & Reporting

• Support team in data gathering and assembling first drafts for 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 effectively navigate donor portals

Sponsor VIP Support and Fulfilment

• Assist in coordination of deliverables including recognition, benefits, invitations, and event participation
• Coordinate 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
  

Cross-Departmental Collaboration

• Work closely with artistic, education, and finance staff to align institutional asks with programmatic priorities
• Participate in team meetings and cross-functional departmental planning efforts as needed
• Manage gift coding through collaboration with Finance team to ensure proper allocations to campaigns and alignment with fundraising goals
• Staff at minimum 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

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• 3-5 years 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 manage multiple priorities and deadlines independently while moving work forward
• Professional decorum and VIP-level hospitality skills
• Collaborative team player with excellent interpersonal communication skills
• Outstanding problem-solving skills
• Quick learner, especially for new systems like Monday.com and Tessitura
• Ability to effectively utilize AI tools with coaching
• Interest in classical music, education, or the nonprofit arts sector

Desired Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Successful track record in an advancement / fundraising team with grant and proposal-driven donors.
• Experience with Tessitura or similar donor database
• Comfort working across departments and with external partners or funders
  

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 funding partners and prospects
• 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 primarily works in an office environment and frequently has prolonged periods of sitting and looking at a computer screen.

Primary Reporting Responsibility: Director of Institutional Giving

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.