Director of Donor Relations and Volunteer Services

Description

Director of Donor Relations and Volunteer Services

Summary

Reports to:  Senior Director of Development

                Status:  Full-Time; Exempt

The Director of Donor Relations and Volunteer Services is a dynamic leadership role focused on fostering meaningful relationships with donors and volunteers to advance the Nashville Symphony's mission. This position oversees key donor engagement programs, including Governing Members and the Crescendo Club, by designing impactful events, managing communications, and fulfilling donor benefits. Additionally, the director leads the organization’s volunteer program, including recruitment, training, retention, and recognition, while ensuring positive interactions between volunteers and staff. This role also manages stewardship for Symphony annual fund donors.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

Donor Relations

• Serves as the staff liaison and leader of the Governing Members program – with main duties in the following areas:
  • Service – Design committee structure, set goals, manage GM volunteers
  • Access – Create thoughtful and meaningful behind-the-scenes opportunities for GMs to learn about and engage with our musicians, guest artists and institution.
  • Social – Design and manage calendar of events which fosters a sense of community amongst GMs.
  • Communication – Send weekly emails to Governing Members communicating concert reminders and Founders Hall open/closed information; manages additional GM communications in conjunction with Director of Development Communications and Operations.
• Oversees management of Crescendo Club via Assistant Director of Donor Relations and Volunteer Services.
  • Acts as back-up point of contact for service, renewal, social and communication.
  • Collaborates with Asst Dir and Sr Dir of Development on critical decisions related to Crescendo Club planning and execution.
• Manages development team staffing for Founders Hall.

Stewardship

• Manages the donor acknowledgment process, donor packets and benefits fulfillment for annual donors; works closely with Development Operations to secure data, cross-check levels of recognition, etc.
• Works with other members of the Development team to develop and fulfill stewardship strategies that strengthen long-term relationships with donors.
• Identifies best practices at other organizations for donor events and stewardship.
• Oversees the planning, scheduling, and some logistics for donor engagement and cultivation events as needed, such as open dress rehearsals for patrons, special Founders Hall receptions, meet and greets, and volunteer/chorus/staff donor thank you events, in partnership with department leaders.
• Collaborates with the Senior Director of Corporate Partnerships on fulfillment of corporate sponsorship packages.

Volunteer Services

• Works with all Symphony departments to identify and develop new volunteer opportunities.
• Manages volunteer recruitment, retention, training and supervision.
• Manages volunteer engagement and events, including the annual volunteer recognition and awards event.
• Acts as the Symphony resource and liaison for the volunteer program.
• Ensures positive volunteer/staff/musician interactions and experiences.
• Makes recommendations for changes to Volunteer Policies and Procedures as needed.
• Manages the Schermerhorn Symphony Center Docent program including training and continuing education.
• Recruits members and coordinates the work of the Volunteer Advisory Council that meets bi-monthly to provide input on volunteer program design, training and data analysis.
• Assumes responsibility for special projects or other activities as directed by the Sr. Director of Development and Chief Development Officer.
   

The duties listed above are not all inclusive.  The person in this position is expected to perform other work-related duties as assigned even though they may not be considered primary duties.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Oversees the Assistant Director of Donor Relations and Volunteer Services

Qualifications

Work Requirements and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree
• 3 years experience in non-profit stewardship, event or volunteer work; or adjacent field
• Previous volunteer management experience required
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills
• Possess an understanding of individual donor needs and perceptions
• Knowledge of donor databases and prospect tracking systems
• Outstanding capacities for personal presentation, organization, self-motivation, accuracy, follow-through, timeliness, consistency, great attention to detail, and the ability to handle a multitude of tasks under deadline pressure
• Ability to work independently and use independent judgment while keeping supervisor informed of work activity and issues
• Ability to work as a team member with a positive, helpful attitude in developing creative response and solutions to needs and issues
• Ability to effectively interact with all levels of staff, volunteers, donors and prospects
• Ability to handle confidential information with appreciation for the importance of protection of the privacy of donors and prospects is vital
• Ability to work flexible hours depending on operational needs of the organization