JOB DESCRIPTION
Event Coordinator
The Organization
The Detroit Symphony Orchestra 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, 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. The DSO offers a unique, fast-paced
working environment and an excellent overall compensation package. The Detroit
Symphony Orchestra is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
The DSO makes its home in historic Orchestra Hall, one of America’s most acoustically
perfect concert halls, and actively pursues a mission to impact and serve the community
through music. For more information visit www.dso.org.
Position Summary
Reporting to the Signature Events Manager, the Events Coordinator is responsible for
creating, planning, and executing successful events for the DSO’s Advancement
department, to build stronger relationships with donors and institutional partners with an
emphasis on engagement and cultivation.
Specific Duties and Responsibilities
• Devise and manage master event calendar, in coordination with other
departments
• Design and execute events such as donor-home hosted recitals, major gift
announcements, season kickoffs, lecture series, corporate sponsor receptions and
DSO Impact Campaign events
• Execute the Musicians’ Anniversary Luncheon to engage donors and prospects,
celebrating DSO musicians and creating an inspiring event that grows in
attendance yearly.
• Support the DSO’s Annual Meeting and other DSO special events
• Create and maintain timelines and manuals for event planning as an institutional
record.
• Contribute to publications, print materials, and the website to promote DSO
Advancement events and programming.
• Create evaluations for events, detailing successes, challenges and
recommendations for following years
• Plan, manage, and execute aspects of donor and sponsor events including:
event collateral, catering, volunteer management, event
timelines, mailing lists, event production, sponsorship fulfillment, working with
committees and post-event follow up.
• Plan intimate dinners with the Music Director, guest artists, and DSO Musicians
pre- and post-concert for DSO Impact Campaign donors, Maestro Circle members
(donors $10K+), other major donors and prospects.
• Ensure participation and integration of DSO Musicians and artistic staff in
advancement events.
• Support other department projects as needed.
Experience
• 2-5 years’ experience in event coordination and fundraising support
• Bachelor's degree or related experience required
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, formulating multi-year strategies and
conceiving the plans required to achieve the strategy
• Must be able to generate creative ideas for holistic event planning from start to
finish
• Project management skills with a track record of exceeding expectations while
delivering on-time and on-budget results in a complex, fast-paced environment
where autonomy work coupled with the ability to lead teams of colleagues
• Strong computer skills required, including Microsoft Office
• An understanding of the dynamics of customer loyalty and retention a plus
• Experience with databases, especially Tessitura, a plus
Personal Attributes and Competencies
• Dynamic self-starter with entrepreneurial spirit
• Action-oriented, decisive, quick study with proven ability to accurately analyze
information and act
Must have exemplary attention to detail
High energy with a positive attitude and the ability to provide superior patron
service
• Ability to work well under pressure; persistence, perseverance, tenacity, integrity
and patience
• Must be able to work independently but keep the Advancement team updated on
event
progress.
• Ability to cope with high volume of work and strict deadlines
Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and to multi-task
Please send resume to advancementjobs@dso.org for consideration.