Specialist, Non-Profit & Social Impact, PR ​/ Communications

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

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 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 (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Fulfill donor benefits,…