Career Center

Reporting to: Senior Director of Corporate and Institutional Relations

POSITION SUMMARY: The Manager of Foundation Relations is responsible for cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of institutional funders including private foundations, corporate foundations and public agencies. 

The Manager of Foundation Relations will manage a major gifts portfolio of foundation, corporate and public funding partners, identifying funding opportunities and developing forward-thinking, dynamic, and comprehensive strategies to support the SLSO annual campaign, special events, and long-term funding initiatives.

The successful candidate will be highly motivated, strategically minded, and an exceptional writer. A collaborative team player who is passionate about the mission of the SLSO and possesses the interpersonal acumen to build and sustain strong relationships with a broad range of stakeholders. Join the SLSO during a pivotal time in the history of the institution. A leading arts organization in our region, the SLSO returned to Powell Hall at the Jack C. Taylor Music Center in September 2025 and approaches its 150^th anniversary in 2030.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Work collaboratively with the Senior Director of Corporate and Institutional Relations, the Chief Philanthropy Officer and other colleagues to develop, execute and support solicitation strategies that drive institutional revenues exceeding $3,000,000 annually.
• Create and execute strategic solicitation plans that align SLSO funding needs with current and prospective funders based on institutional donor priorities and interests.
• Actively manage and grow a defined donor portfolio. Develop, maintain and grow relationships with foundation donors introducing them to the SLSO mission and funding opportunities.
• Identify, create and produce grant applications, proposal submissions and impact reports for institutional funders/partners.
• In partnership with philanthropy team members, use analytics and research tools to identify and engage actionable new prospective institutional donors, while maintaining and increasing support from current donors.
• Schedule, prepare materials, and accompany staff and volunteers (when appropriate) on corporate, foundation, and government agency solicitations.
• In partnership with philanthropy team members, assure that all grants, proposals and solicitation materials align with SLSO case for support and brand guidelines.
• In partnership with philanthropy team members, develop donor stewardship plans that engage institutional funders in the mission and work of the SLSO.
• Work with SLSO staff, board members, advisory council members and other volunteers to leverage their networks to engage current and prospective institutional donors.
  
  

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications or related field or combination of education and relevant work experience.
• Five years of not-for-profit development experience, preferably in a grants development role.
• Exceptional skills in written and verbal communications with the ability to convey a compelling case for donor investment in the SLSO.
• Exceptional organizational, strategic thinking and research skills.
• Exceptional personal and professional integrity and discretion.
• Accountability for individual and team revenue goals and outcomes.

• Willingness and ability to work independently and as a member of a team.
• Ability to prepare applications and reports using prescribed and/or “free-form” format.
• Ability and willingness to work flexible hours to meet frequent deadlines.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (including Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and donor databases and grants software strongly preferred.
• Ability to work on multiple projects concurrently and meet deadlines.

The SLSO embraces a world in which every life is enriched through the power of music. We are committed to cultivating a culture of inclusion and access where employees can grow and thrive. The collective sum of our employees’ individual differences, experiences, knowledge, self-expression, and talent are represented in our culture, innovative spirit and the SLSO’s achievements. In recruiting for our team, we welcome candidates’ uniqueness in culture, social identities, expression, and viewpoints. The SLSO is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

About St. Louis Symphony Orchestra

Celebrated as one of today’s most exciting and enduring orchestras, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra is the second-oldest orchestra in the country, marking its 144th year with the 2023/2024 season and its fifth with Stéphane Denève, The Joseph and Emily Rauh Pulitzer Music Director. Widely considered one of the leading American orchestras, the Grammy® Award-winning SLSO maintains its commitment to artistic excellence, educational impact, and community collaborations—all in service to its mission of enriching lives through the power of music.  The core of the SLSO’s artistic foundation is its dynamic partnership with Denève, whose energetic musicianship, visionary storytelling, and collaborative spirit have created stronger connections with local and visiting artists, as well as advanced the SLSO’s role as a leader in music education. The SLSO musical family also includes two resident choruses: the St. Louis Symphony Chorus, founded in 1976, performs choral-orchestral music from the Baroque era to today; and the St. Louis Symphony IN UNISON Chorus, founded in 1994, focuses on the performance and preservation of music from the African diaspora. The St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchest...ra, founded by Conductor Laureate Leonard Slatkin in 1970, is the region’s premiere training orchestra for high school and college students. In March 2023, the SLSO broke ground on a 65,000-square foot expansion and renovation of the orchestra’s home, Powell Hall—the first major renovation project at the historic Grand Center building since it became the SLSO's permanent home in 1968. Led by the internationally acclaimed architecture firm Snøhetta, the project will transform the audience and artistic experience while protecting Powell Hall's historic character and celebrated acoustics, creating a state-of-the art center for community, innovation, and powerful music experiences. While construction is underway, the SLSO will perform throughout the community. The revitalized Powell Hall will open in 2025 to coincide with the building's centennial. An integral part of the vibrant St. Louis community, the SLSO enjoys a long history of robust and enduring artistic collaborations with individuals and organizations locally and around the world. Orchestra musicians share dozens of education and community performances throughout the region each year at medical facilities, places of worship, community centers, and schools. For 20 years, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra: Live at the Pulitzer?series has highlighted today’s leading musical voices through innovative performances in collaboration with, and reaction to the exhibitions at, the Pulitzer Arts Foundation. The SLSO has served as the resident orchestra for Opera Theatre of Saint Louis for more than 45 years. The orchestra also continues to foster new artistic collaborations, including a chamber music collaboration with The Sheldon in 2023/2024, as well as regular partnerships with The Muny, The Big Muddy Dance Company, the Saint Louis Art Museum, and others. Beyond the St. Louis region, the SLSO's impact is realized through Saturday night concert broadcasts on St. Louis Public Radio and Classic 107.3, acclaimed recordings, regular touring activity, and a digital portfolio that includes a robust online education platform with curriculum materials, interactive programs, activities, and learning opportunities for all ages. Since the arrival of Marie-Hélène Bernard as President and CEO in 2015, the SLSO has aligned its mission to make music more accessible, while fostering a culture welcoming to all. Building on its momentum, the SLSO serves as a convener of individuals, creators, and ideas, and is committed to building community through compelling and inclusive musical experiences. As it continues its longstanding focus on equity, diversity, inclusion, and access, the SLSO embraces its strengths as a responsive, nimble organization, while investing in partnerships locally and elevating its presence globally. For more information, visit slso.org. 

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Connections working at St. Louis Symphony Orchestra