Description

The Development Manager is responsible for leading and strengthening the Symphony's annual fundraising and donor stewardship efforts while building the systems, processes, and relationships necessary to support long-term organizational growth.

Working closely with the Executive Director, Board leadership, and Development Committee, the Development Manager will cultivate and steward donors, strengthen donor retention, grow subscriber-to-donor conversion, and build a sustainable major gift pipeline. This role requires an individual who is equally comfortable building authentic donor relationships and creating the organizational systems that ensure consistent stewardship and follow-through.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, self-directed, relationship-oriented, and committed to advancing the mission of Mid-Texas Symphony through thoughtful donor engagement and exceptional stewardship.

Mid-Texas Symphony offers a competitive salary range of $58,000-$65,000, a SIMPLE IRA employer match up to 3%, an employer-paid healthcare membership, hybrid work flexibility, paid time off, professional development opportunities, and eligibility for an annual performance incentive. We are committed to providing a collaborative, flexible, and supportive workplace where employees can thrive professionally and personally.

Requirements

Donor Relations & Fundraising

• Cultivate, steward, and strengthen relationships with current and prospective donors.
• Develop and implement donor engagement strategies that increase retention, loyalty, and long-term support.
• Assist in identifying, cultivating, and soliciting major gift prospects.
• Support the Executive Director and Board leadership in donor cultivation and stewardship activities.
• Manage donor acknowledgment, recognition, and stewardship processes.
• Coordinate donor receptions, cultivation events, and engagement opportunities throughout the season.
• Help grow subscriber-to-donor conversion and annual giving participation.

Development Systems & Infrastructure

• Maintain accurate donor records and relationship histories within the donor database.
• Develop and manage donor stewardship systems and tracking processes.
• Create and maintain fundraising dashboards, reports, and performance metrics.
• Implement portfolio segmentation strategies to improve donor engagement.
• Assist in developing a sustainable major gift pipeline and donor journey process.

Marketing & Communications Support

• Collaborate with staff and volunteers to support donor communications and fundraising campaigns.
• Assist with donor-focused marketing materials, appeals, and stewardship communications.
• Support efforts to communicate the impact of donor investment and community engagement.

Organizational Leadership & Community Engagement

• Represent Mid-Texas Symphony at concerts, donor events, and community functions.
• Support front-of-house donor engagement activities during performances and special events.
• Participate as an active member of the Symphony team, contributing to a collaborative and mission-driven culture.
• Other duties as assigned in support of development and organizational goals.

Core Competencies

• Relationship Building: Builds authentic, trust-based relationships with donors, patrons, volunteers, board members, and community stakeholders to strengthen long-term engagement and support.
• Planning & Organizing: Effectively manages multiple priorities, donor relationships, stewardship activities, and reporting through strong organizational systems and consistent follow-through.
• Initiative: Takes ownership of responsibilities, identifies opportunities, and advances projects and relationships with minimal supervision.
• Collaboration: Works cooperatively with staff, musicians, volunteers, board members, and community stakeholders to achieve goals and support a positive team culture.
• Adaptability & Emotional Intelligence: Demonstrates self-awareness, professionalism, and adaptability while building trust and working effectively with a variety of personalities.

Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience preferred.
• Two or more years of experience in fundraising, donor relations, advancement, nonprofit management, arts administration, hospitality, customer relations, or a related field preferred.
• Experience managing databases, CRM systems, donor management software, or similar relationship management platforms preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed for concerts, donor events, and special programs.
• Passion for the arts and commitment to the mission of Mid-Texas Symphony.

Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $58,000 - $65,000 based on experience

In addition to base compensation, the Development Manager may be eligible for an annual performance incentive based on overall performance and achievement of agreed-upon annual goals.

Additional benefits include:

• Employer-paid Direct Primary Care membership with no employee cost
• 3% employer match through the organization's SIMPLE IRA retirement plan
• Hybrid work schedule with up to two remote workdays per week, based on organizational needs and performance schedules
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities
• Flexible scheduling opportunities following concerts, donor events, and major organizational activities
• Opportunity to help shape and grow the Symphony's fundraising program