The Des Moines Symphony & Academy is seeking an innovative and results-driven Development Manager to take a lead role in shaping our fundraising success. You’ll plan and manage creative annual fund and donor stewardship campaigns that raise more than $1.5 million each year and deepen connections with our community of supporters.
Reporting to the Director of Development, you’ll oversee all aspects of annual individual giving, serve as the organization’s lead grant writer, and assist in the design of donor engagement activities and events. You’ll also play an active role in major fundraising initiatives, ensuring donors feel appreciated, informed, and inspired to give.
If you’re a natural relationship-builder with excellent writing skills, strategic vision, and a passion for the arts, this role offers the opportunity to make a measurable impact.
Evening and weekend hours are required for performances and events.
POSITION DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Develop and implement both long-range and short-term strategic and tactical plans to achieve the Symphony & Academy’s annual fundraising goals.
Collaborate with the Director of Development to plan and execute various components of comprehensive fundraising campaigns.
Provide strategic direction for annual giving programs while supporting broader development and campaign objectives.
Design and manage a coordinated communication and solicitation strategy that may include email, digital, social media, direct mail, phone outreach, events, personal visits, and volunteer engagement—all aimed at building a sustainable culture of annual support.
Lead communication and solicitation efforts within targeted market segments identified for their high growth potential.
Manage a portfolio of leadership annual donors, with defined goals for personal visits and giving outcomes.
Conduct comprehensive analysis of annual giving programs, monitor trends, make mid-course adjustments to achieve fiscal year goals, and use data to inform annual objectives.
Stay informed on trends and innovations in annual giving; recommend and implement new strategies to foster program growth.
Serve as the organization’s lead grant writer, managing the entire grant cycle: identify prospective funders, research opportunities, write and submit proposals, monitor grant expenditures and outcomes, and prepare final reports.
Oversee, in coordination with the Development Coordinator, the timely and accurate fulfillment of donor benefits, such as complimentary tickets and special receptions (e.g., Open Rehearsals, Maestro’s Circle).
Participate in planning and executing the Symphony’s premier fundraising event, The Viewing Party for Yankee Doodle Pops, and other fundraising and donor cultivation events.
Manage meeting logistics for the Foundation Board of Directors, including preparing agendas and recording meeting minutes.
Partner with the Director of Development on special fundraising projects as needed.
Provide support in the Donor Lounge during Symphony concerts.
Perform other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
We’re looking for a highly organized, motivated, and detail-oriented self-starter who thrives in a small team environment. This role calls for strategic thinking, strong organizational and project management skills, and the ability to lead initiatives while collaborating effectively. Candidates should bring at least two years of experience in development, marketing, or a related field, plus a solid understanding of fundraising best practices. You should be comfortable managing multiple priorities, taking initiative, solving problems proactively, and engaging with donors with professionalism and ease. Proficiency in database management (PatronManager/Salesforce preferred), Microsoft Office (especially Excel), and social media tools is essential.
Experience in a nonprofit arts organization, an interest in symphonic music and music education, and knowledge of the Des Moines philanthropic and corporate communities are a plus. If this role excites you—even if you don’t check every box—we encourage you to apply.
THE ORGANIZATION
The Des Moines Symphony is a not-for-profit, professional orchestra formed in 1937 to enrich, educate and provide the Central Iowa community with innovative programming and inspiring performances of great orchestral music. The Des Moines Symphony Academy, housed in the beautifully restored Temple for Performing Arts in downtown Des Moines, was launched in 2003 to provide quality music education opportunities for Central Iowans of all ages. The Symphony Association, governed by a 24-member volunteer Board of Trustees and operating on an annual budget of $4.2 million, supports the Symphony Academy and its numerous education programs including four youth orchestras, a Youth Wind Ensemble, a Youth Jazz Ensemble, chamber music, and private and group lessons to over 450 students each week; and supports the Des Moines Symphony Orchestra, led by Music Director & Conductor Joseph Giunta, who this season celebrates his 37th anniversary with the Orchestra.
Each season, the Orchestra performs seven pairs of Masterworks concerts, a Pops series including the traditional New Year’s Eve Pops, education and other special concerts in its home at the acoustically acclaimed Des Moines Civic Center. In summer 2019 the Orchestra launched its new summer series of concerts at the newly-opened Lauridsen Amphitheater at Water Works Park. In addition, the Des Moines Symphony produces and performs the annual Yankee Doodle Pops concert in July on the grounds of the Iowa State Capitol which is Iowa's largest single-day concert event, attracting tens of thousands of attendees.
COMPENSATION
The salary range for this position is $46,000 - $52,000, commensurate with experience. Medical, dental, life insurance, 401(k) and vacation benefits are provided.
APPLICATION PROCESS
To apply, please email a cover letter, résumé and writing sample to Renée Davenport, Director of Development at renee@dmsymphony.org. Application screening will begin immediately.
