Donor Relations Specialist

POSITION SUMMARY

The Donor Relations Specialist (DRS) will play a key role in implementing one of the most important donor benefits that Milwaukee Repertory Theater has to offer. This role’s main focus is supervising the Lubar Lounge during Milwaukee Rep performances and fostering relationships with major donors. The DRS will report to the Associate Director of Stewardship.

Major Duties and Responsibilities Include:

• Serve as the primary host in the donor lounge during Milwaukee Rep performances from November-June.
• Welcome and check-in guests using nightly guest lists and donor records by running reports and viewing records in donor database Tessitura.
• Provide a warm, helpful presence throughout the evening, including during intermission and post-show.
• Communicate with bar staff to ensure seamless operations.
• Confirm guest eligibility for lounge access and handle sensitive information with discretion.
• Coordinate ADA access and other needs with Front of House staff as needed.
• Provide professional and high-quality hospitality.
• Demonstrate a high level of engagement and familiarity with major donors.
• Prepare weekly Donor Lounge Reports for the Major Gifts team.
• Assist with the execution of donor stewardship tasks prior to and during performances.
• Administrative support as needed, including donor research and recording donor notes in Tessitura.
• Other jobs and duties as assigned.

SCHEDULE

This is a full-time, annual position. During the season, the typical work week will be Tuesday - Friday, 3:00pm - 11:00pm, and Saturday, 1:00pm - 6:00pm, depending on the runtimes of shows. During the off-season, hours may vary, but will resemble more of a typical 9-5pm. Hours of the position are non-negotiable, must be able to work evenings, weekends, and some holidays.

REQUIREMENTS OF THE POSITION:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Be able to problem solve and think on your feet.
• Strong strategic and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to adapt quickly and resolve conflict independently.
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail.
• Previous experience in customer service, hospitality, events, or front-of-house roles preferred.
• Familiarity with donor/member/guest service protocols preferred.
• Familiarity with donor database Tessitura preferred.
• A love or appreciation for the performing arts preferred.
• Ability to pass a background check in accordance with state and/or federal laws.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; talk or hear; and use hands to handle, or touch objects or controls. The employee is regularly required to stand and walk, and stand in place for periods of an hour or more. On occasion the incumbent may be required to stoop, bend or reach above the shoulders. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.