Why You Should Apply:
Joining Cincinnati Ballet means becoming part of a prestigious institution with a rich history and a forward-thinking approach to the art of dance. You'll have the opportunity to collaborate with some of the industry's most skilled and creative minds, contributing to a diverse array of performances and educational programs that make a real impact on the community. Be part of our mission to inspire and engage audiences locally and globally and help shape the future of dance.
Position Summary:
Cincinnati Ballet is excited to offer an opportunity for a self-motivated and detail-oriented fundraising professional to join our Development Department as a Donor Relations Manager. This vital role reports directly to the Vice President of Philanthropy and supports the department in engaging with Cincinnati Ballet’s donor community. The Donor Relations Manager will manage a diverse set of activities and work independently on projects, ensuring confidentiality and professionalism at all times.
The successful candidate will thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, working closely with staff, dancers, the Board of Trustees, and donors. Organization, attention to detail, flexibility, and a proactive attitude are essential for success in this role.
Key Responsibilities:
- Track and record donations using the Tessitura database and ensure accurate maintenance of donor records, including contact information, preferences, and agreements.
- Administer acknowledgment letters, invoices, recognition, and other benefits in accordance with donor specifications.
- Maintain electronic donor files and produce annual donor tax letters.
- Serve as the single concierge for donor ticketing and patron services, managing all ticketing requests and ensuring the timely and accurate fulfillment of donor benefits tied to giving levels. Provide exceptional, personalized service to donors and patrons to enhance their engagement and experience with the organization.
- Oversee donor communication, ensuring fulfillment of benefits tied to agreements and giving levels, including program ads, social media posts, recognition, and event perks.
- Develop and implement an annual stewardship plan, including drafting acknowledgment letters, impact reports, and creating event invitations and donor communications.
- Lead stewardship efforts such as thank-a-thons, including logistics, volunteer coordination, catering, technology, and materials.
- Coordinate development team staffing for events, ensuring pre-event, day-of, and post-event tasks are managed effectively.
- Create and distribute the quarterly donor e-newsletter and advance casting notifications.
- Participate in donor cultivation and Signature Events, overseeing logistics, check-in processes, RSVPs, and post-event evaluations.
- Prepare and distribute meeting materials, track assignments, and manage key internal meeting calendars.
- Manage accurate development reports and donor lists using Tessitura.
- Serve as the HIVE project manager super user, ensuring effective collaboration within the development team and across departments, including managing forms, marketing collateral, and donor interactions.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Key Professional Experience:
- Passion for Cincinnati Ballet’s mission and programs.Respect for diversity and inclusion in all aspects of
- work.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with attention to detail.
- Strong organizational and data management skills, able to synthesize information to support development planning and decision-making.
- Proactive problem solver with the ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple projects.
- Demonstrated ability to build strong relationships and work as part of a collaborative team.
- Capacity to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
- Strong administrative skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook).
- Familiarity with fundraising and marketing efforts is preferred.
- Experience with Tessitura and HIVE project management software is a plus.
- A background in and passion for dance is a plus.
Experience and Education:
- 2+ years of professional experience preferred.
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent certification preferred.
Expected Work Hours and Travel:
- Flexible schedule, with occasional weekends and evenings required depending on events and performance schedules.
- Occasional travel may be necessary for conferences, events, or donor meetings.
Other Duties:
Please note that this job description is not exhaustive and may evolve as the needs of the organization change. Responsibilities and duties may be added or modified at any time.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
At Cincinnati Ballet, we celebrate diversity, inclusivity, and boundless creativity! We believe every dancer, dreamer, and doer brings something extraordinary to our organization, regardless of background, ability, or pointe shoe size. We provide equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of race, color, creed, religion, gender, gender identification, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law. We invite you to join us!
