Major Gift Officer

Major Gift Officer Job Description

Department: Advancement

FLSA Status: Exempt

Work Location: Primarily onsite, with some remote work

FT/PT: Full time

Last Revision Date: 3/10/25

How to apply: 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 Organization: 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’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is paramount to who we are; we work to create an environment where all employees are seen, valued, and supported to enable their best every day. This is essential as we pursue our mission to impact lives through unforgettable musical experiences by sustaining a world class orchestra for the city of Detroit and the global community.

The DSO offers a unique, fast-paced working environment, an excellent overall compensation package, and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. For more information visit www.dso.org.

Position Summary: The Major Gift Officer (MGO) strategically manages a portfolio of approximately 125-150 individual donors and donor prospects, focusing primarily on gifts of $5,000 and above, with emphasis on higher-level gifts of $10,000 and above. The MGO is responsible for meeting annual contributed revenue targets across all DSO funding priorities including annual operations, special projects, benefit events, endowment, and capital initiatives. This role is responsible for achieving revenue targets through personalized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship, aligning donor interests with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra’s fundraising priorities and enhancing long-term donor relationships.

Specific Duties And Responsibilities

• Manage a personal portfolio of approximately 125-175 individual donors, and donor prospects including lapsed donors and new prospects, achieving personal fundraising goals and contributing to overall Advancement Department objectives.
• Oversee all aspects of the donor gift cycle, including identification, engagement, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Participate in annual and long-term fundraising planning processes to ensure alignment within the department and across the organization.
• Develop and regularly update a detailed yearly work plan.
• Research and draft briefing memos and targeted solicitation strategies, supporting volunteer and senior leadership engagement.
• Initiate and lead donor cultivation efforts, including developing customized major gift proposals and gift agreements.
• Conduct timely and strategic solicitation meetings independently or in collaboration with the Executive Team and other staff.
• Develop tailored written investment opportunities and stewardship communications.
• Prioritize consistent, empathetic, and proactive stewardship, reflecting sensitivity to donors' and prospects' needs.
• Collaborate with Advancement colleagues to strengthen the donor pipeline and engage new, qualified prospects.
• Document all interactions promptly and accurately in Tessitura to support cohesive and effective donor relationship management.
• Secure financial support aligned with organizational priorities, including unrestricted annual funds, special projects, capital initiatives, and endowment growth.
• Coordinate closely with all DSO departments, musicians, and volunteer leadership to execute cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activities.
• Provide strategic advice on prospect management to staff and volunteers, identifying and facilitating volunteer connections.
• Staff at least three concerts per month in the Herman & Sharon Frankel Donor Lounge and participate in at least one DSO Neighborhood or Community concert initiative.
• Coordinate with Finance and administrative staff to ensure accurate gift processing, coding, and acknowledgments.
• Actively participate in Advancement Department events, donor stewardship functions, board engagement activities, and strategic planning sessions throughout the year.
• Fulfill additional duties as assigned to support DSO fundraising operations.
  
  

Required Qualifications

• Ability to act independently, take initiative, and effectively manage shifting priorities.
• Successful experience in collaborative team environments.
• Exceptional attention to detail and appreciation for structured processes.
• Dynamic self-starter with strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities.
• Strong analytical skills, action-oriented, decisive, accurate, and timely.
• Sensitive interpersonal skills, capable of navigating diverse organizational relationships.
• Ability to perform under pressure, embodying persistence, integrity, perseverance, tenacity, and patience.
• Motivated by clear deadlines and measurable outcomes.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
  
  

Desired Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent education and relevant professional experience.
• Experience in fundraising or development.
• Proven problem-solving abilities and analytical skills, translating complex data into concise and impactful communications.
• Excellent project management and communication skills with meticulous attention to detail.
• Ability to act independently, anticipate needs, and adapt to changing priorities.
• Experience in collaborative team environments, contributing positively to organizational culture.
• Proven ability to manage pressure, demonstrating persistence, perseverance, integrity, tenacity, and patience.
• Demonstrated commitment and experience advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
  
  

Additional Information

• This is a salaried, non-union position
• Successful candidates must be available to work a varying schedule, including nights and weekends, to meet the needs of the DSO’s performance schedule
• The DSO remains a hybrid and flexible organization; the Advancement team is onsite at The Max Tuesday and Wednesday.
  
  

Physical Requirements: This role primarily works in an office environment, and frequently has prolonged periods of sitting and looking at a computer screen. Additional physical requirements include:

Seldom

5% - 25%

Occasionally

26% - 50%

Periodically

51% - 75%

Frequently

76% - 100%

Standing

X

Walking

X

Prolonged Sitting

X

Lifting/carrying up to 10 lbs.

X

X

Lifting/carrying 10 - 25 lbs.

X

Lifting/carrying 26 - 50 lbs.

X

Lifting/carrying more than 50 lbs.

X

Pushing/Pulling

X

Climbing

X

Stooping/Kneeling/Crouching/

Crawling

X

Reaching

X

Manual dexterity

X

Driving a Motorized Vehicle

X

Repetitive Motions

X

Primary Reporting Responsibility: Senior Director of Advancement

Direct Reports: N/A