Position
Advancement Specialist Job Description Department: Advancement FLSA Status: Exempt Salary Grade: 4 Salary Range/Wages: $43,000-$50,000 Work Location: Hybrid FT/PT: Full Time Last Revision Date: 1.15.2026
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 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 Advancement Specialist supports the Detroit Symphony Orchestra’s fundraising and stewardship efforts through management and execution of donor acknowledgements, the bi-monthly renewal process, benefit fulfillment, pledge reminders, and other projects and general program support as needed. This role is essential to fostering positive donor relationships by ensuring timely, accurate, and thoughtful communication across all levels of giving. Working closely with Advancement staff, Finance, and Executive Leadership, the Specialist plays a key role in sustaining donor engagement and supporting the DSO’s contributed revenue goals.
Specific Duties and Responsibilities Donor Communications
Draft and send timely acknowledgement letters for all gifts, including customized language for major contributions and new campaigns.
Support the comprehensive renewal letter process for Governing Members including managing data flow, integrity, and drafting personalized solicitation letters.
In collaboration with the Associate Director of Annual Giving, lead quarterly updates of gift acknowledgement language.
Set up Acknowledgement Rules in the DSO donor database for new campaigns and initiatives. Manage other donor acknowledgement processes as needed.
Lead the year-end donor tax summary mailing process.
Coordinate additional stewardship touches, such as musician notes, handwritten leadership thank-you letters, and holiday cards, following the Acknowledgement matrix.
Support Friends of the DSO direct mail efforts as needed.
Maintain and update inventory of GM and Friends collateral; coordinate reordering and creation of new materials as needed.
Generate pledge reminders with tailored messaging, including donor invoices (individual, corporate, and foundation) as requested by Advancement staff.
Stewardship & Donor Engagement
Prepare personalized communications for VIP donors at the direction of senior leadership to support high-level stewardship and cultivation, including ordering small gifts.
Coordinate special-occasion communications (e.g., birthdays, anniversaries) for Governing Members and VIP donors in collaboration with Advancement and leadership.
Benefits Fulfillment & Donor Recognition
Fulfill donor benefits, including sending welcome packets, for new and upgraded GM and Friends members.
Primarily responsible for the preparation of donor listings for Performance Magazine, the DSO website, and signage at Orchestra Hall—in coordination with the Advancement Operations Manager and Associate Director of Annual Giving.
Monitor and manage the DSO Friends phone line and inbox; maintain accurate records in Tessitura.
Oversee inventory of donor premiums and procurement of additional collateral in collaboration with Associate Director of Annual Giving, external vendors, and design teams.
Gift Processing & Data Coordination
Collaborate with Finance and the Gift Processing Coordinator to ensure timely, accurate gift entry and coding.
Support the monthly charging process and oversee the timely collection of pledge payments through regular reminders and invoicing.
Events & Administrative Support
Staff the Donor Lounge two (2) times per month and support special event logistics.
General administrative support for DSO Advancement as required.
Qualifications Required Qualifications:
Strong oral and written communication skills.
Rigorous attention to detail and excellent organizational skills.
Demonstrated ability to manage competing deadlines and commit to simultaneous projects.
Experience with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook).
Ability to act independently, take initiative, and manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment, with a donor-centric mindset.
Successful experience working in, and contributing to, a collaborative, team environment
Customer service experience, especially with demonstrated ability to solve customer issues, and assist high-level clients.
Desired Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
1-2 years of experience working in an office setting, with a preference for a background in fundraising or nonprofit administration.
A strong foundation in core Microsoft Office Suite skills including mail merge, basic formulas and VLOOKUP, spreadsheet formatting, and word processing.
Experience working in a CRM.
Experience supporting direct mail campaigns, event logistics, or donor recognition programs.
Background in or knowledge of the performing arts, music, or cultural organizations.
Not sure you meet 100% of the qualifications? If this role speaks to you and you believe that you can excel, we encourage you to apply. The Detroit Symphony Orchestra is committed to considering candidates with diverse workplace experiences and backgrounds who are interested in building and delivering impactful services and programs.
Additional Information
This is a salaried, non-union position.
This position is eligible for the DSO’s exceptional benefits package, including $0 cost medical, dental, vision, paid parental leave, 403b retirement account, and great ancillary benefits.
Successful candidates must be available to work a varying schedule, including nights and weekends, to meet the needs of the DSO’s performance 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 primarily works in an office environment and frequently has prolonged periods of sitting and looking at a computer screen.
Position Reports to Advancement Operations Manager
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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Advancement Specialist Job Description Department: Advancement FLSA Status: Exempt Salary Grade: 4 Salary Range/Wages: $43,000-$50,000 Work Location: Hybrid FT/PT: Full Time Last Revision Date: 1.15.2026
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 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 Advancement Specialist supports the Detroit Symphony Orchestra’s fundraising and stewardship efforts through management and execution of donor acknowledgements, the bi-monthly renewal process, benefit fulfillment, pledge reminders, and other projects and general program support as needed. This role is essential to fostering positive donor relationships by ensuring timely, accurate, and thoughtful communication across all levels of giving. Working closely with Advancement staff, Finance, and Executive Leadership, the Specialist plays a key role in sustaining donor engagement and supporting the DSO’s contributed revenue goals.
Specific Duties and Responsibilities Donor Communications
Draft and send timely acknowledgement letters for all gifts, including customized language for major contributions and new campaigns.
Support the comprehensive renewal letter process for Governing Members including managing data flow, integrity, and drafting personalized solicitation letters.
In collaboration with the Associate Director of Annual Giving, lead quarterly updates of gift acknowledgement language.
Set up Acknowledgement Rules in the DSO donor database for new campaigns and initiatives. Manage other donor acknowledgement processes as needed.
Lead the year-end donor tax summary mailing process.
Coordinate additional stewardship touches, such as musician notes, handwritten leadership thank-you letters, and holiday cards, following the Acknowledgement matrix.
Support Friends of the DSO direct mail efforts as needed.
Maintain and update inventory of GM and Friends collateral; coordinate reordering and creation of new materials as needed.
Generate pledge reminders with tailored messaging, including donor invoices (individual, corporate, and foundation) as requested by Advancement staff.
Stewardship & Donor Engagement
Prepare personalized communications for VIP donors at the direction of senior leadership to support high-level stewardship and cultivation, including ordering small gifts.
Coordinate special-occasion communications (e.g., birthdays, anniversaries) for Governing Members and VIP donors in collaboration with Advancement and leadership.
Benefits Fulfillment & Donor Recognition
Fulfill donor benefits, including sending welcome packets, for new and upgraded GM and Friends members.
Primarily responsible for the preparation of donor listings for Performance Magazine, the DSO website, and signage at Orchestra Hall—in coordination with the Advancement Operations Manager and Associate Director of Annual Giving.
Monitor and manage the DSO Friends phone line and inbox; maintain accurate records in Tessitura.
Oversee inventory of donor premiums and procurement of additional collateral in collaboration with Associate Director of Annual Giving, external vendors, and design teams.
Gift Processing & Data Coordination
Collaborate with Finance and the Gift Processing Coordinator to ensure timely, accurate gift entry and coding.
Support the monthly charging process and oversee the timely collection of pledge payments through regular reminders and invoicing.
Events & Administrative Support
Staff the Donor Lounge two (2) times per month and support special event logistics.
General administrative support for DSO Advancement as required.
Qualifications Required Qualifications:
Strong oral and written communication skills.
Rigorous attention to detail and excellent organizational skills.
Demonstrated ability to manage competing deadlines and commit to simultaneous projects.
Experience with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook).
Ability to act independently, take initiative, and manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment, with a donor-centric mindset.
Successful experience working in, and contributing to, a collaborative, team environment
Customer service experience, especially with demonstrated ability to solve customer issues, and assist high-level clients.
Desired Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
1-2 years of experience working in an office setting, with a preference for a background in fundraising or nonprofit administration.
A strong foundation in core Microsoft Office Suite skills including mail merge, basic formulas and VLOOKUP, spreadsheet formatting, and word processing.
Experience working in a CRM.
Experience supporting direct mail campaigns, event logistics, or donor recognition programs.
Background in or knowledge of the performing arts, music, or cultural organizations.
Not sure you meet 100% of the qualifications? If this role speaks to you and you believe that you can excel, we encourage you to apply. The Detroit Symphony Orchestra is committed to considering candidates with diverse workplace experiences and backgrounds who are interested in building and delivering impactful services and programs.
Additional Information
This is a salaried, non-union position.
This position is eligible for the DSO’s exceptional benefits package, including $0 cost medical, dental, vision, paid parental leave, 403b retirement account, and great ancillary benefits.
Successful candidates must be available to work a varying schedule, including nights and weekends, to meet the needs of the DSO’s performance 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 primarily works in an office environment and frequently has prolonged periods of sitting and looking at a computer screen.
Position Reports to Advancement Operations Manager
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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