Manager, Society Program

About the position

The Manager, Society Program, serves as a critically important bridge between the Friends of the BSO and the major gifts program. The successful candidate will be a critical thinker who will contribute to the Annual Funds program’s fundraising strategies using a data-driven approach. The Manager is a team player who must become well-versed in BSO’s patron and donor program system. This position must possess impeccable attention to detail, a keen interest in data, and excellent relationship building skills. We welcome candidates who are excited in participating in creating a foothold for the BSO’s next century, and to build an industry-leading, contemporary culture of philanthropy across the BSO.

Responsibilities

• Support the Associate Director of Individual Giving, Annual Funds, in implementing direct mail appeals for all levels, with a special attention for uniqueness of Society donors appeals.
• Manage email marketing efforts for Society donors for both appeals and benefit fulfillment.
• In collaboration with the gift officers, manage broad-based stewardship efforts for Society donors including welcome packets, event invitations, thank you notes, and other benefit distributions.
• Run and monitor reports to inform data-driven Annual Funds strategies, with particular emphasis on donor retention.
• Respond to initial inquiries about special gifts and direct them to the appropriate team member as needed.
• Manage a portfolio of 30-40 mid-level Society donors identified for qualification, increased support and renewals.
• Identify, engage and solicit individuals who demonstrate potential for growth.
• Serve as individual point of contact and steward for 400-500 Society donors who require occasional solicitation and/or stewardship but primarily engage with the Boston Symphony through attendance at performances and use of donor benefits.
• Closely monitor annual fund results for that group.
• Identify opportunities for data segmentation and strategies to reach fundraising goals set for these individuals.
• Assist for the Friends program, through customer service, gift processing and reports as needed.
• Occasional travel to Tanglewood, the BSO’s summer home in Lenox, MA for a few days during the summer season.

Requirements

• BA/BS or equivalent.
• 3 years’ work experience including 2 years’ experience in development.
• Experience with direct donor contact.
• Skilled in MS Word and Excel, demonstrated facility in working with fundraising databases.
• Experience with Tessitura a plus.
• Strong data analytics skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Proven customer service or relationship-building skills demonstrating discretion and independent judgment.
• Detail-oriented to ensure accuracy and high integrity.
• Ability to organize, prioritize, plan and meet competing deadlines in a timely manner.
• Must be flexible, team oriented, and collaborative.
• Interest in and/or background in the performing arts preferred.

Benefits

• Equal opportunity employer.
• Encouragement of applications from female and minority candidates.