Development & Special Events Associate

Location: Savannah, Georgia
Term: Full-time position, exempt
Reports to: Development Manager
Date posted: August 21, 2024

The Development & Special Events Associate works to process, record, and acknowledge gifts to the Savannah Music Festival, produce special events that support donor cultivation and retention goals and fulfill festival ticketing services for SMF’s donors. In addition to maintaining the CRM database (DonorPerfect), this person coordinates fundraising activities, including direct mail appeals, sponsorship benefit packages and fulfillment of individual donor benefits. The Development Associate reports to the Development Manager.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Manage CRM database (DonorPerfect), including gift/pledge history, contact information, and donor preferences.
Process, log, acknowledge and file individual, corporate and foundation gifts.
Fulfill individual donor ticket orders using Tessitura throughout the season.
Assist with research and cultivation of prospective donors
Communicate with donors via phone, email, and letters on matters such as pledge gift reminders, stewardship calls and RSVPs to events
Produce all donor appreciation, cultivation and fundraising events
Maintain an events calendar, prepare event budgets that meet/exceed goals, handle event logistics, sponsor packets, RSVPs and registration, and recruit volunteers, where applicable
Assist in benefit fulfillment respective of giving level, including reserved seating, recognition at sponsored concerts, and personalized ticketing assistance throughout the season
Assist in securing in-kind donations specific to special events
Update and maintain development-related information on the SMF website and assist with development-related information in organizational documents
Assist with direct mail appeals, including mail lists, merges and fulfillment
Perform other related duties as assigned to ensure the effective operation of the department
Board of Directors responsibilities: coordinate board meetings and development committee meetings, record meeting minutes, secure venue locations and set up, collect RSVPs, send meeting reminders, and other responsibilities as needed
Other duties as required

TRAITS AND QUALIFICATIONS

Research shows that women and people from underrepresented groups often only apply to jobs if they meet 100% of the qualifications. As no one ever meets 100% of the qualifications, we encourage you to apply if you feel that much of the following matches your experience:

Bachelor’s Degree
Minimum two years experience in a related field
Strong writing and speaking skills are required
Must be highly organized when handling multiple details and have the ability to multi-task and prioritize multiple projects
Have a deep curiosity about all kinds of music.
Committed to creating a safe, welcoming environment that embraces inclusion, equity, and diversity
Proficient in the use of Google Suite, Microsoft Office, Mac OS, and Zoom
Familiarity with donor databases and ticketing software; working knowledge of Tessitura and DonorPerfect is a plus
Detail-oriented in internal and external communications
Excellent penmanship
Ability to work respectfully with others and meet deadlines
Willingness to adjust work hours to meet deadlines
Flexibility, patience, and grace under pressure
Collaborative working style with a hands-on approach to teamwork
Self-starter with the ability to perform with minimum supervision
Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality
Willingness to work long hours during the 17-day Festival and work donor-specific and education/outreach events throughout the year
Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to lift upwards of 30 lbs

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
The benefits package for the full-time, exempt position includes paid time off and employer contribution to medical, dental, and vision care, life, short-term, and long-term disability insurance, a simple IRA plan, and parking. The pay range is $40,000 – 50,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume to jobs@savannahmusicfestival.org.

Savannah Music Festival is an equal-opportunity employer. All aspects of employment, including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.

ABOUT SAVANNAH MUSIC FESTIVAL

The Savannah Music Festival (SMF) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to presenting exceptional live music that entertains, educates, inspires, and unites communities. SMF started as Savannah OnStage International Arts Festival in 1989 with the vision of bringing high-quality artists from around the world to perform in Savannah’s Historic District. The organization operates year-round to plan and produce an annual multi-day, multi-venue music festival, off-season concerts, and free music education programming. The annual springtime festival presents a diverse selection of music genres, including classical, jazz, American, and international roots music. The festival features original productions, cross-genre collaborations, free artistic lectures and Q&As, and commissioned works that are staged at various venues throughout Savannah. With its performances and education programming, SMF serves annually, on average, more than 30,000 music enthusiasts from many backgrounds, locations, and age ranges.