Philanthropy Operations Manager in Cincinnati, Ohio at Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra

The Philanthropy Operations Manager is a non-donor-facing role that serves as an operational partner to the Chief Philanthropy Officer (CPO) on special campaigns. This position is responsible for managing internal fundraising operations and ensuring alignment across teams, systems, and initiatives. The Manager plays a critical role in supporting the execution of large-scale campaigns and related stewardship activities. This role combines high-level executive support with project management and operational leadership.

Job Responsibilities:

Executive Operations & Support

• Serve as operational lead supporting the Chief Philanthropy Officer on special campaigns.
• Manage complex scheduling, communications, and event and/or travel logistics with discretion and efficiency.
• Prepare and organize materials for meetings, including agendas, briefings, minutes, and follow-ups.
• Act as liaison between the CPO and internal/external stakeholders, ensuring timely and accurate communication.

Fundraising Operations Management

• Oversee internal fundraising operations, including systems, workflows, and reporting.
• Maintain and optimize Tessitura (donor database) and other platforms to support campaign tracking, donor pipeline management, and performance analytics.
• Ensure data integrity and leverage reporting tools to inform strategic decisions and activity.
• Develop and maintain internal documentation, dashboards, and operational protocols.

Project Management

• Lead coordination and execution of assigned fundraising activities and campaigns.
• Track progress across multiple workstreams, ensuring deadlines, deliverables, and stakeholder alignment.
• Collaborate with internal teams (e.g., Philanthropy, Communications, Finance) and external partners (e.g., consultants, board members) to drive project success.
• Drive logistics and planning for campaign-related events, meetings, and milestones.
• Assist in preparing presentations, reports, and materials for senior leadership and board meetings.
• Monitor progress against strategic goals and recommend adjustments as needed.
• Create and maintain detailed project plans, timelines, and status reports.

Internal Communications & Alignment

• Facilitate clear and consistent communication across the Philanthropy team and with cross-functional partners.
• Ensure alignment between campaign goals, departmental priorities, and executive leadership.
• Coordinate with the Executive Office, including the President & CEO’s team, to support shared initiatives.
• Serve as a central point of contact for operational updates, timelines, and deliverables.
• Demonstrate the organization’s mission, vision, and values in all aspects of your work while fostering a respectful workplace culture.
• Other duties as assigned

Reports To: Chief Philanthropy Officer

• 3 to 4 years of experience in project management, philanthropy, operations support, or executive administrative support.
• Excellent communications skills (written and verbal)
• Ability to manage multiple work streams and strategically braid goals and objectives together
• Experience working cross departmentally with a variety of stakeholders including board leadership, staff, volunteers, donors and prospects
• Experience with project management
• Takes initiative in problem solving and make sound decisions
• Experience with relational databases such as Tessitura or Raiser’s Edge
• Ability to work outside traditional business hours (nights and weekends)
• Experience in PC/Microsoft environment
• Enthusiasm for the performance of live music

Employee Benefits We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being, flexibility, and professional growth. This includes generous PTO, 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave, employer contributions to both an HSA and 401(k), affordable health and dental coverage, free mental health support services, annual incentive compensation opportunities, dedicated professional development funds for all employees, and flexible work arrangements.