Donor Relations & Events Manager

Donor Relations & Events Manager
Immediate Opening April 2026

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Donor Relations & Events Manager organizes and executes all fundraising events and stewardship projects, increases donor engagement, helps the department achieve revenue and patron value goals, ensures effective and timely communication between key internal and external stakeholders, and provides high level administrative support in all areas of work assignments.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

EVENTS AND BENEFITS MANAGEMENT

With the guidance of the Vice President of Philanthropy and the Assistant Vice President of Philanthropy, plan, manage, and help execute all fundraising, donor benefit, cultivation, stewardship, recognition, and sponsor events

• Create and manage the master Philanthropy events calendar and track fundraising progress
• Organize volunteer fundraising committee meetings, including preparation and follow-up
• Develop, track, and reconcile budgets
• Manage event and donor room logistics, including contracts and communications with vendors, catering, set-up, and other related details
• Develop timelines and briefings to ensure events run smoothly and deadlines are met
• Request and manage data-informed invitation lists
• Manage the design and production of invitations, envelopes, name tags, signage, event programs, and supporting materials
• Manage event invitations, RSVPs, and participant communications
• In collaboration with Events Consultant, coordinate and manage day-of event execution
• Organize and maintain files of Philanthropy photos; propose and manage event follow-up plans
• Lead event debriefing meetings, track feedback, and recommend future improvements
• Monitor community events for donor interest and identify potential scheduling conflicts

STEWARDSHIP

With the guidance of the Assistant Vice President of Philanthropy and in partnership with the Annual Giving Manager and Senior Director of Corporate & Foundation Giving:

• Facilitate donor and sponsor benefits arrangements including Open Rehearsals, VIP parking, and delivery of sponsor tickets and benefits
• Manage all stewardship projects and mailings
• Respond to donor requests including ticket exchanges, donations, and stock transfer information, and assist with benefits fulfillment and other VIP needs

ADMINISTRATION

• Schedule Philanthropy team meetings, and prepare agendas and fundraising dashboards
• Monitor department budget and expenses, process invoices, ensure monthly reconciliation 
• Maintain inventory of department supplies 
• Assist with preparing printed and digital materials to support the department’s work
• Enter contact memos and assist with keeping the donor database current and accurate 
• Ensure letters, proposals, and reports are copied, filed, and mailed in a timely manner; maintain thorough and accurate hard-copy and digital donor files 
• Serve as back-up to the Executive Assistant to the President & CEO as needed 
• Perform concert duty and other responsibilities or assignments as needed

 QUALIFICATIONS:

• At least two years of fundraising, events, or non-profit experience, preferably with a performing arts or cultural institution
• Strong organizational and project management skills with attention to detail and the ability to meet deadlines while managing multiple priorities and timelines
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills 
• Desire to work in a fast-paced, collaborative, and supportive work environment where innovation and initiative are valued
• Strong critical thinking skills with excellent judgement and professionalism
• Ability to support and implement the mission, vision and values of the North Carolina Symphony; knowledge of, and interest in, orchestral music or performing arts
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs including Teams and Copilot, Zoom, and donor databases
• Ability to travel and work outside traditional office hours 
• Bachelor’s degree required
• An equivalent combination of education and experience

This is a full-time salaried position based in the Triangle region of North Carolina. The salary is $50,000. The benefits package includes health insurance through Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, long-term disability coverage, life insurance, an employee assistance program and voluntary vision and dental insurance. Enrollees in our optional 403(b) retirement plan receive an employer match and our Health Savings Account offering provides a bi-annual employer contribution.

Because driving between worksites and to various locations may be a central function of the position, administrative staff must maintain a valid driver’s license and have reliable transportation.

Applicants must be authorized to legally work in the United States.

TO APPLY:

Email cover letter, resume, three references, and a writing sample (solicitation, proposal, or stewardship report) to: 
Rebecca Gunn, Assistant Vice President of Philanthropy 
humanresources@ncsymphony.org

No phone calls please.