Donor Engagement Coordinator

JOB DESCRIPTION | Donor Engagement Coordinator

Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra

Job Title:
Donor Engagement Coordinator

Organization:
Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra

Reports to:
Vice President of Advancement

Class:
Full-time, Salary; Exempt

The Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra is seeking qualified candidates for a full-time Donor Engagement Coordinator to join our collaborative and enthusiastic team. The person in this position will have the opportunity to energetically engage with Symphony donors and sponsors to advance the organization's contributed revenue goals.

Position Summary:

Working directly with the Vice President of Advancement, the Donor Engagement Coordinator will assist in the implementation of a shared patron/donor engagement strategy. Primary duties will include cultivating and stewarding relationships with new and existing KSO donors, providing event support, gift data entry, utilizing a database to effectively engage donors through reporting, writing communications collateral, proposing and creating systems that improve the donor experience, and overseeing gift acknowledgement efforts. This individual manages and seeks to improve all aspects of the KSO experience for its stakeholders, will work with volunteers, and must be able to pitch in on tasks small and large.

Primary Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Management of the Annual Fund campaign, including campaign planning, list management, mailings, acknowledgments, and reporting. Coordinate various individual giving programs for the KSO such as memorial and tribute gifts, and in-kind gifts.
• Maintain and manage Tessitura (CRM) donor records in the database for daily gift entry, constituent record maintenance, and reporting.
• Cultivate and steward relationships with existing and potential KSO sponsors and donors utilizing customer relationship management (CRM) software (Tessitura).
• Establish and nourish relationships with all existing and potential KSO sponsors, and donors through creatively crafted written communication (letters, notes, emails, etc.).
• Manage the organization's use of Tessitura's Plans & Portfolios moves management system to track revenue team goals.
• Analyze patron data to identify potential donors based on engagement and ticket purchase history.
• Work with the Vice Presidents of Advancement and Marketing to implement an effective donor email strategy in the institution's email platform, WordFly.
• Collaborate with the Vice President of Advancement and Tessitura (CRM) Power User for set up of annual campaigns, funds, appeals, sources, and Plans & Portfolios maintenance.
• Plan, support, and manage special events for the organization, including management of the annual Gala.

Other duties as assigned or requested.

Key Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree or beyond
• Demonstrated success in sales or fundraising activities
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, and comfort speaking with new people
• Familiarity and confidence in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
• Demonstrate the ability to balance multiple projects, meet deadlines, and communicate effectively in a flexible and fast-paced environment
• Donor-centered and with a strong customer service ethic
• Diplomacy in handling sensitive and confidential information
• Must have a positive attitude, strong problem-solving skills, be able to work as part of a high-functioning team

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong comfort level with phone communication
• Excellent writing skills
• Passion for the performing arts
• Familiarity with Tessitura (CRM)

Compensation and Culture

The compensation range for this position is commensurate with experience, between $38,000-$42,000, paid bi-weekly. We offer a flexible work environment but do maintain in-person office time for most of our work. Benefits include generous paid vacation days, personal days, and sick time, as well as health, vision, and dental insurance, 403(b) with a 3% match, life insurance, and short- and long-term disability insurance. Additional benefits include complimentary concert tickets and free on-site parking and a diverse offering of voluntary benefits. You'll be joining a team where all members are valued. KSO promotes a positive work environment with a trust-based culture of flexibility. Team members collaborate, communicate, and contribute to the collective goals and environment of the KSO.

About the KSO

Making symphonic music a part of everyday life for over 100 years, the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra serves its community through lifelong musical experiences and learning throughout our community. The KSO is actively collaborating with other Kalamazoo area organizations to inspire, care for, educate, and connect people through the arts. The KSO is the state's third-largest orchestra, with a professional roster of more than 80 musicians and a dedicated administrative staff working together to curate exceptional symphonic music, world-class guest artists, and vibrant educational programs.

The KSO receives major support from the Irving S. Gilmore Foundation, the Burdick Thorne Foundation, and the Kalamazoo Community Foundation. The KSO is a member of the most recent cohort of the Catalyst Incubator Fund of the League of American Orchestras to advance equity, diversity, and inclusion in the orchestra field. Kalamazoo Kids in Tune, an innovative after-school orchestra immersion program, has received recognition from Carnegie Hall's Weill Music Institute. The KSO also receives generous support from other local foundations as well as state government, private, and corporate support.

To Apply:

To apply for this position, please submit a cover letter of introduction outlining your specific experience and qualifications and resume in PDF format to For best consideration, please apply by October 17, 2025. Resumes will be reviewed as they are received, and the position will remain open until filled. No phone calls, please. Background checks will be required for all final candidates.

At the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra, we are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), national origin, disability status, marital status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Candidates from all backgrounds and walks of life are encouraged to apply. Additional information about the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra can be found on our website