Job Opportunity: Patron Relations Coordinator
Organization Overview:
Serving the Lowcountry of South Carolina, the Summerville Orchestra (S.O.) is the epitome of community serving community. Originally founded in 2003 by a small group of musicians who wanted to play for the pure joy of it, the S.O. has transformed into one of the nation’s largest and most accomplished community orchestras. This year the S.O. earned the 2023 American Prize “Top Performing Community Orchestra” in the nation!
The S.O. programs full-scale professional repertoire while also being a “rogue traditionalist” by performing newer works, unusual works, and creating both classical and non-classical music experiences at each concert. Under the vibrant direction of music director Wojciech Milewski along with a dedicated and energetic board and staff, the orchestra offers a robust roster of offerings, including five full-concert, main-stage performances, more than 10 chamber performances, a 10-part adult educational series titled “Music Chats with Wojciech,” a podcast, live-streaming opportunities, and, as of 2022, a new youth orchestra.
Position Overview:
The Patron Relations Coordinator will play a crucial role in nurturing relationships with our patrons and driving increased support for the Summerville Orchestra. The focus of the coordinator will be on engaging individuals through various channels, including in-person interactions, online engagement, and targeted communication efforts.
The position will start at $20 an hour for 25 hours a week. Hours will vary and some hours will include nights and weekends as events occur.
Duties:
- Engage in personalized conversations with individual patrons and donors, sharing our story and fostering strong relationships and deepening their connection with the orchestra.
- Lead efforts to solicit new and increased donations from individual patrons, using your interpersonal skills to articulate the value of their support and secure their commitment.
- Coordinate personalized outreach for previous donors and patrons and appreciation efforts for current donors and patrons, ensuring that they feel valued and appreciated for their contributions.
- Manage online interactions with patrons, including social media engagement and e-blast communications, to keep them informed about upcoming events, special opportunities, and ways to get involved.
- Utilize CRM software to manage touchpoints and interactions with patrons, ensuring a personalized and seamless experience for each supporter.
- Other duties as assigned by the executive director.
Preferred Qualifications:
- A warm and approachable demeanor with exceptional interpersonal skills, capable of building genuine connections with individuals from all walks of life.
- Proven experience in donor relations, fundraising, or a related field, with a track record of making successful solicitations and securing donations from individual donors.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to tailor messages to resonate with individual donors and patrons.
- Strong organizational abilities and attention to detail, with the capacity to manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively.
- Proficiency in social media platforms and digital communication tools, with a creative flair for engaging individual patrons and donors online.
- Passion for the arts and a deep commitment to advancing the mission and vision of the Summerville Orchestra.
How to Apply:
If you are a charismatic individual with a talent for building relationships and a passion for making a difference in the cultural community, we invite you to apply for this rewarding opportunity.
Please submit a resume, cover letter, three references and any additional materials showcasing your relevant experience to andrew@summervilleorchestra.org.
The Summerville Orchestra is an equal opportunity employer and follows all national laws related to equal opportunity employment.
Thank you for considering joining our team and contributing to the vibrant cultural life of our community. We look forward to reviewing your application.
