Manager of Events & Donor Engagement

The Grand Rapids Symphony seeks a full-time Manager of Events & Donor Engagement to join our team. Reporting to the Assistant Vice President of Development, the Manager of Events & Donor Engagement will be responsible for overseeing the planning and execution of all GRS events. This role is pivotal in supporting the Symphony's mission by strengthening relationships and expanding fundraising opportunities across all donor levels.

This is an office-based professional position with some nights and weekends required.

Key Responsibilities

Events

• Designs, coordinates, and executes a variety of internal and external events including, but not limited to, fundraising galas, pre- and post-concert cultivation receptions and toasts, private parties, luncheons, staff and board retreats, trustee events, gatherings, dinners, holiday parties, etc.
• Regular communication with leadership on event vision, decisions, and approvals.
• Develop and maintain collaborative relationship with Production, Box Office, and Communications departments to ensure event deadlines and goals are achieved.
• Liaisons for special events committees, when appropriate.
• Formulates and manages event budgets.
• Researches venues and vendors; finalizes contracts.
• Cultivates relationships and works with vendors on in-kind event support.
• Develops content for event materials and works with Communications Department to produce invitations and event collateral.
• Handles all general event administration, including event order review and menu selections, travel planning, registration and RSVPs, seating charts and nametag preparation, and all aspects of issue resolution.
• Collaborates with the Director of Corporate Giving to research and identify corporate prospects across various business sectors that align with the Grand Rapids Symphony’s funding goals and program needs, building a sustainable event sponsorship pipeline.
• Work with Volunteer Manager to develop robust volunteer support for events.
• Manages all day-of logistics; acts as primary point-of-contact.
• Participates in staff concert rotations, as assigned (typically one per month).

Donor Marketing & Development

• Manages and engages all broad base donors with portfolios up to $500 through ensuring all benefits are met and helping to create donor appreciation and cultivation events.
• Monitors our donor database and identifies opportunities to move and manage qualified donors to the next applicable Development Team member.
• Plans, creates and executes Grand Rapids Symphony annual, summer, and winter solicitation campaigns as well as Grand Rapids Youth Symphony annual campaign including developing print, email, and social media marketing strategies.
• Works to deepen relationships with new and existing donors through communication and marketing strategies such as donor newsletters and social media postings.
• Begin exploration of the revitalization to the Symphony Friends initiative.
• All other duties as assigned.

Skills and Qualifications

• Some college education in hospitality management, business management, or related field preferred.
• Our ideal candidate will have at least two years of event planning experience, preferably with a nonprofit organization.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure and maintain a positive and customer-service mindset.
• Experience in managing budgets and tracking expenses preferred.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills; attention to detail essential.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Word and Excel, is expected.
• A self-motivated individual with creative thinking and a growth mindset is critical.
• Interest in the performing arts is a significant plus.

What We’re Offering

• Salary: Commensurate with Experience.
• Benefits include health, vision, and dental insurance, LTD and Life Insurance, generous paid time off and holiday schedule, subsidized downtown parking, and 401k.
• Variety - every day is different, and creativity is encouraged!

To apply for this position, please send a resume and cover letter to GRS Human Resources via email at [email protected]. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until Tuesday, February 3rd, 2026. No phone calls, please.

For complete information about the Grand Rapids Symphony visit

We are an equal opportunity employer.

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person