Philanthropy Manager

The May Festival, Vocal Arts Ensemble, and Cincinnati Boychoir seek a detail-oriented, collaborative, and enthusiastic professional to serve as Philanthropy Manager. Reporting to the Executive Director, this role supports all aspects of fundraising, including donor communications, stewardship, cultivation, event coordination, grant support, and fulfillment of donor benefits. The ideal candidate demonstrates exceptional attention to detail, strong relationship-building and communication skills, and a commitment to the values of the May Festival.

These three organizations operate under a shared services agreement that streamlines administrative functions while preserving each group’s unique mission. This collaborative model enhances efficiency, strengthens donor engagement, and supports dynamic choral programming across Greater Cincinnati. 

Position Responsibilities: 

Philanthropy, Donor Engagement & Communications

• Serve as a key interface for individual donors, sponsors, and funding partners, supporting cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship efforts with a strong emphasis on relationship-building.
• With the Executive Director, manage and support a portfolio of donors and prospects, ensuring consistent, personalized communication and meaningful engagement opportunities throughout the year.
• Assist in the development and execution of strategies to grow a broad-based donor pipeline and identify major gift prospects through data analysis, events, and personal interaction opportunities.
• Support annual fundraising efforts including ArtsWave, Ohio Arts Council, and other public and private funding applications, with attention to alignment between donor priorities and organizational mission.
• Help design, implement, and manage donor benefits and recognition programs that connect donor passions to programs and organizational impact.
• Support fundraising initiatives by coordinating donor outreach, campaign materials and correspondence, and stewardship activities.
• Coordinate and support all donor-facing communications, including timely gift acknowledgements, pledge reminders, invoices, benefit fulfillment materials, and campaign-related donor communications.

Festivals, Events & Sponsorship Support

• Play a lead support role in the planning and execution of philanthropic related events, working closely with leadership, staff, and cross-departmental teams.
• Coordinate donor and sponsor logistics for events, including hospitality areas, donor suites, and on-site stewardship.
• Serve as a visible and welcoming presence at events, hosting donors, sponsors, and partners to ensure a high-quality donor experience.

Data, Grants & Reporting

• Ensure accurate, up-to-date donor and sponsor records through database management and tracking, collaborating with data team.
• Support the development of formal proposals and reports for foundation, corporate, and public funding sources. 

Collaboration & Organizational Support

• Work closely with Leadership, Marketing and Communications to align donor messaging, event promotions, and sponsorship recognition with organizational brand standards. 
• A commitment to the organization’s values of integrity, collaboration, innovation, diversity of thought, and engagement.
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

• 3-5 years of experience in nonprofit development, fundraising, or donor relations with a track record of successful donor engagement and event support. 
• Strong relationship-building skills with donors, sponsors, and volunteers; ability to communicate the organization’s mission and impact effectively. 
• Skilled in event coordination and donor stewardship, ensuring meaningful experiences and benefit fulfillment. 
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and donor management systems (e.g., Tessitura); detail-oriented with strong organizational and reporting capabilities. 
• Passion for the arts and commitment to advancing community impact; flexible to work evenings and weekends for concerts and special events. 

Reporting Relationship: Executive Director of the May Festival 

Annual Wage:  $52,000 - $58,000 with Annual Bonus Potential – Negotiable within range