Reports to: Director of Institutional Advancement

The Vision: As Charleston continues to grow into a dynamic cultural hub, the Charleston Symphony (CSO) is embracing an ambitious vision for the future—one that elevates artistic excellence, deepens community impact, and ensures long-term sustainability. With the region’s population projected to surpass one million by 2028, the CSO is committed to serving as a cultural leader, fostering transformative musical experiences, and expanding access to the arts for all. Rooted in nearly 90 years of history, the CSO is at the forefront of innovation in orchestral music, driven by our core values of excellence, collaboration, and integrity. Our musicians, staff, and supporters are united by a belief in the power of music to inspire, unite, and enrich lives. Through world-class performances, educational initiatives that reach over 20,000 students annually, and a steadfast commitment to artistic and financial growth, we are shaping the future of orchestral music in Charleston and beyond. The CSO is at a pivotal moment, solidifying its place as a premier cultural institution and an industry leader in redefining how a modern symphony serves its community. With ambitious goals for artistic growth, operational excellence, and community impact, we seek to engage a dynamic Advancement Operations Manager to lead donor engagement as essential support in our goal to transforming CSO philanthropy.

THE OPPORTUNITY

 The Charleston Symphony is seeking a full-time Advancement Operation Manager to spearhead the planning and execution of all donor and special events to the highest standards representing the Charleston Symphony while supporting the Director of Institutional Advancement in achieving fundraising and stewardship goals. The Charleston Symphony prioritizes providing an unmatched experience of Charleston hospitality to ensure all supporters of the CSO enjoy premier service at all levels of engagement.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Special Event Management and Execution: Exceptional Stewardship and Signature Charleston Hospitality  

• Lead event planning, design, and production while managing all project delivery elements by designated deadlines in a timely manner to the highest-quality standards.
• Produce best-in-class donor events to curate and deliver VIP experiences of premier quality.
• Communicate with partner facilities and internal CSO departments including production and artist management to deliver all event details including décor, catering, musician needs, guest lists, invitations, RSVP counts, on site equipment, and promotional materials.
• Partner with the Marketing department to promote and publicize events as needed while designing impressive invitations and event collateral in line with CSO brand standards.
• Proactively handle and troubleshoot arising issues while acting as the lead point person for event needs on the day of and during the event. Responsible for breakdown of all Advancement events.
• Manage event budgets while keeping careful track of invoices to submit requests for vendor payment.
• Conduct pre and post event evaluations and report on event progress to Director of Institutional Advancement.
• Research similar markets and organizations to identify and recommend potential stewardship event opportunities.

Donor Stewardship & Executive Support: Enabling Transformational Philanthropy 

• Serve as a critical partner to the Director of Institutional Advancement by generating donor reports, coordinating targeted renewal mailings, and preparing timely, personalized acknowledgment letters to support year-round cultivation efforts.
• Execute key components of the CSO’s comprehensive Annual Fund stewardship strategy, including high-touch gestures such as personalized thank-you mailings, curated musician notes on patrons’ seats, celebratory birthday messages, and timely recognition gifts—all while proactively managing the Director’s calendar, meetings, and donor engagements.
• Support strategic prospecting and donor pipeline development by maintaining accurate records, flagging giving trends, and assisting in the preparation of customized materials for cultivation and solicitation meetings.
• Serve as a professional ambassador of the CSO at concerts and donor events, providing warm and informed engagement with patrons across Masterworks, Pops, and community performances—including regular evening and weekend responsibilities.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Previous background in curating and managing top-notch special events
• Passion for the mission of the Charleston Symphony and orchestral music
• A profound sense of curiosity and enjoyment of enhancing existing practices.
• A friendly, congenial manner and enjoyment of building meaningful relationships
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office – especially Microsoft Excel
• Demonstrated ability to organize and prioritize work in a dynamic and complex environment
• Strong written skills
• Must be available for work on necessary evenings and weekends (performances, donor events, community engagements, etc.)

NICE TO HAVE/PREFERRED 

• Portfolio of previous special event experience including visuals and samples of design work.
• Writing sample demonstrating a robust ability to communicate effectively and appropriately through dynamic content.

BENEFITS

• Health Insurance, 401k matching program, five weeks paid vacation, long term disability, paid holidays, flexible hours

To apply, interested candidates should email a resume and cover letter to HR@charlestonsymphony.org.