ABOUT THE CSO

The Charleston Symphony is a full-time orchestra performing Masterworks and Pops series at the Charleston Gaillard Center, as well as providing robust education programs and community events throughout the year. The Symphony employs 24 core musicians and 12 support staff. Our vision is to truly be Charleston’s Symphony, a symphony that connects with and reflects the whole of our community through our musical programming and educational and engagement offerings. The Symphony also remains committed to presenting the highest-quality musical experiences and direct access to the arts to our community’s children, thereby narrowing the gap of educational inequality for over 20,000 students across the Lowcountry each season. We are looking for a candidate to support our fundraising efforts as we continue nurturing our position as a cultural sanctuary for all of Charleston.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Charleston Symphony is seeking a full-time Development Operations Manager. The Charleston Symphony is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that raises approximately $2.5 million per year. The Development Operations Manager will spearhead the planning and execution of all donor and special events to the highest standards representing the Charleston Symphony while supporting the Director of Development in achieving fundraising and stewardship goals.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Special Event Management and Execution

• Lead all development event planning, design, and production while managing all project delivery elements by designated deadlines in a timely manner.
• Liaise with Director of Development and CSO leadership to curate desired visions, experiences, outcomes for all special events.
• Propose ideas to improve current event quality and future opportunities for donor stewardship surrounding special events.
• Communicate with partner facilities and internal CSO departments to manage all event details including décor, catering, musician needs, guest lists, invitations, RSVP counts, on site equipment, and promotional materials.
• Coordinate staff and musician needs for all events.
• 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.
• 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 Development.
• Research similar markets and organizations to identify and recommend potential stewardship event opportunities.

Donor Stewardship and Executive Support

• Pull reports and facilitate mailings for renewal campaigns and prepare acknowledgement letters to support the Director of Development.
• Assist in the activation of comprehensive Annual Fund stewardship plans including but not limited to managing the Director of Development’s calendar, scheduling meetings and visits, sending thank you cards and flowers, placing notes from musicians on patrons’ seats, birthday messages etc.
• Support CSO prospecting efforts.
• Communicate professionally with donors and supporters while also representing the CSO at Masterworks, Pops, and other community performances as needed (some nights and weekend work included).

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 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 some 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, three weeks paid vacation, long term disability, paid holidays, flexible hours

Submit your resume, cover letter, and additional application materials using the form below.