Development Coordinator

Development Coordinator

The Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra (FWSO) stands as one of Texas's leading cultural institutions and one of the most artistically vibrant regional orchestras in the United States. Since its nonprofit founding in 1912, the Orchestra has been a cornerstone of Fort Worth's cultural identity and a vital force within the city's thriving arts community, reaching over 100,000 audience members with a 46-week concert season, a core orchestra of 72 unionized musicians, and an annual operating budget of $16 million.

Reporting to the Director of Individual Giving, the Development Coordinator plays a critical role in helping to organize and implement the annual development plan. This includes prospect research, data entry, weekly acknowledgments, monthly renewals, assisting with donor events, scheduling meetings, and providing exceptional donor service. The ideal candidate has an understanding of common fundraising strategies; experience with customer service and events; exceptional accuracy and attention to detail; and strong research skills.

Key Responsibilities:

• Work closely with the Development Team to support the organization and implementation of the annual development plan.
• Respond to donor and prospect inquiries and provide exceptional donor service.
• Conduct weekly board prospect research and bios using tools like DonorSearch.
• Maintain and update the board directory and the board listing on the FWSO website.
• Assist with all donor events, providing logistical support to the Donor Events Manager.
• Maintain event calendars, timelines, checklists, guest lists, and other related event documentation.
• Merge and mail weekly acknowledgment letters and monthly renewal letters.
• Maintain the donor database by updating addresses for returned mail, merging duplicate records, and assigning correct attributes to donor segments.
• Print packets and name tags for staff and board meetings.
• Maintain office supplies and orders.
• Fully embrace an agile mindset and work style to take on other projects as assigned.
• Support the Development team during concerts and special events. All team members take an active role in attending performances and stewarding donors.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite.
• Naturally empathetic, with the ability to connect, listen, and be responsive to donor needs.
• Must possess high levels of poise and professionalism as an ambassador of the FWSO.
• Exceptional accuracy and attention to detail are required.
• Can effectively manage multiple priorities while meeting deadlines and maintaining high-quality standards.
• Can confidently and clearly communicate FWSO's mission and work.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, organizational skills, and technological savvy.
• Ability to conduct detailed research on donor prospects.
• A team player who anticipates needs, contributes creative ideas, and proposes solutions.
• Flexible approach and demeanor to align with shifting demands in a fast-paced environment.
• Desire to learn and grow as a development professional.
• Must possess discretion and the integrity to work with confidential donor information.
• Flexible schedule to accommodate evening and weekend performances and events.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree
• At least two years' work experience with nonprofit administration, fundraising, or equivalent education and experience.
• Knowledge of common fundraising strategies.
• Experience with donor service or customer service.
• Event experience a plus.

Physical Requirements:

Sedentary work that primarily involves being stationary up to 75% of the time.

Salary and Expected Work Hours:

This is a full-time position with a competitive salary commensurate with experience. The role is expected to work a minimum of 40 hours per week. Some evening and weekend work is expected of Development staff during the performance season.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

The Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra is committed to performing great symphonic music at the highest level of artistic excellence to educate, entertain, and enhance cultural life. In service of that mission and to create an incredible place to work, the FWSO prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability, genetics, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Please send a cover letter and resume to careers@fwsymphony.org with Development Coordinator in the subject line. No phone calls, please.