Spoleto Festival USA is one of America+rsquo;s leading performing arts festivals. Each spring, for 17 days and nights, the Festival fills Charleston+rsquo;s historic theaters, churches, and outdoor spaces with more than 150 performances in opera, theater, dance, and chamber, symphonic, choral, and jazz music. The 2026 Season will run from May 22 through June 7.
Spoleto is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with an annual operating budget of $10+ndash;12 million and a year-round staff of approximately 30. During the Festival season, the team expands to more than 500 seasonal employees and contractors.
Job Description
The Donor Engagement Manager strengthens relationships with Spoleto Festival USA+rsquo;s donors by coordinating renewal, stewardship, and benefits programs as well as managing ticketing, seating, and special access for major supporters. This position plays a key role in partnering with the Development team to deliver an exceptional donor experience that drives engagement, loyalty, and long-term giving.
Reporting to the Associate Director of Individual Giving + Annual Fund, the Manager works closely with Development, Box Office, and Marketing teams to coordinate donor communications, ticket fulfillment, and VIP service during the Festival and throughout the year. The role also coordinates and ensures timely benefit fulfillment, donor communications, and event support to ensure a seamless and rewarding experience for Festival Circle and Spoleto Society members and other key contributors.
The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, proactive, and thrives in a fast-paced environment that values collaboration, creativity, and exceptional service. The position requires occasional support for evening and weekend events and must be available leading up to and during the full length of the Festival.
Position Type: Full-time, exempt, and benefit-eligible
Hours: A standard 40-hour work week; including work nights, holidays, weekends, and extended hours as required; on-call during Festival period
Anticipated Start Date: December 2025
Location: Charleston, SC (on-site)
Department: Development
Reports to: Associate Director of Individual Giving + Annual Fund
Responsibilities
Donor Engagement + Stewardship
Support efforts to raise annual operating funds as well as funds for designated gifts, and sell tickets to Spoleto+rsquo;s two annual fundraising events
Assist the Individual Giving team in managing Festival Circle and Spoleto Society to enhance the program and grow the number of donors each year, including tailored outreach and solicitation of potential members
Work closely with the entire Development team to review the donor program and enhance it each season
Support annual fundraising and membership renewal goals through personalized donor communications and stewardship.
Manage fulfillment of donor benefits, acknowledgments, and recognition.
Coordinate donor pre-sales and special access opportunities.
Document donor notes, details, and preferences in the CRM.
Coordinate donor communications (both annual and customized) that demonstrate the impact of support and fund usage.
Ensure timely and appropriate thank-you letters and acknowledgments are sent.
Work closely with fundraising, communications, and leadership teams to align stewardship efforts with organizational goals.
Ticketing + Benefits Management
Coordinate donor pre-sales and communicate details to donors, tailored by giving level.
Lead ticketing and seating fulfillment for Board, Spoleto Society, and major donors (individuals and institutional funders).
Coordinate program subscriptions for Spoleto Society donors.
Serves as the primary point of contact for any ticket-related inquiries or issues.
Clearly communicates the status of ticket benefits and other perks to donors.
Oversees the donor benefit fulfillment program and mailings
Assist donors with building their donor experience and schedule, and coordinate with the Marketing team to ensure daily communications to donors during the Festival
Work with Operations team and Front of House management to ensure smooth performance experience for donors
Track and record ticket purchases, event RSVPs, renewals / acquisition donations, and event tickets in the CRM
Maintain accurate records, ticket and seating preferences, and notes in CRM systems (Tessitura or equivalent).
Supervise seasonal support staff assisting with donor ticketing needs.
Administrative + Cross-Team Support
Serve as a key liaison between donors and internal teams to ensure exceptional service, by responding to phone and email inquiries.
Assist with planning calendars and timelines for all donor events and benefits communications and mailings in the individual giving program.
Assist with timely gift acknowledgements for all individual giving efforts.
Attend and provide on-site support for various Spoleto parties and events held throughout the year.
Required Qualifications
Brings 3+ years of experience in fundraising, donor relations, event planning, sales, or customer relationship management.
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills are essential for interacting with donors, leadership, and other teams.
Expertise with fundraising and customer relationship management (CRM) software.
Strong project management and organizational skills, with exceptional attention to detail.
Ability to think creatively and strategically about how to effectively engage and steward donors.
Proactive and collaborative mindset with an aptitude for creative problem-solving.
Desired Qualifications
Familiarity with Tessitura and Raiser's Edge.
Background in the arts, culture, or live performance sector.
Additional Requirements
Physical requirements include sustained focus and visual concentration on screens, frequent communication in various formats, the ability to sit or stand for extended periods, and lift, push, or pull up to 50 lbs. Must be able to work at a desk for long periods, use computer equipment, and travel between facilities and venues while carrying materials. Reasonable accommodations will be provided in accordance with the ADA.
Ability to work in a constant state of alertness and in a safe manner.
Must possess (or be able to immediately obtain upon hire) and maintain a valid driver+rsquo;s license. Must be able to drive a Festival-provided vehicle and have access to reliable personal transportation.
Must be able to pass and maintain a clear background check.
Demonstrated commitment to fostering an equitable, accessible, and inclusive environment for Festival staff, artists, audiences, and communities.
Flexibility with work schedule, including work nights, holidays, weekends, and extended hours as required; must be available to work long days, nights, and weekends during the Festival with a positive attitude.
This position is based in Charleston, SC, with on-site presence required during the Festival period. Remote or hybrid work may be possible with prior approval from the supervisor.
Compensation
The salary range for this position is $50,000 +ndash; $65,000 annually. The salary offered will be commensurate with the selected candidate's experience and qualifications.
Full-time Employee Benefits + Perks:
Comprehensive Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
Health Savings Account and Health Reimbursement Arrangement
Life and Disability Insurance
401(k) Retirement Plan with Employer Match
Employee Assistance Program
Generous Time Off: Paid Vacation Days + Paid Office Closures (11 Holidays + 23 Office Closures)
Paid Sick Leave
Free Onsite Parking
Complimentary Festival Performance Admission for Staff and Guest
To apply: Please send a resume and cover letter to careers@spoletousa.org with the subject line +ldquo;Donor Engagement Manager.+rdquo; Three references with email addresses are required. No phone calls, please.
Spoleto Festival USA is an equal opportunity employer and committed to diversity in hiring. Equity is central to our culture, mission, and who we are as an arts organization. Spoleto Festival USA does not discriminate in employment on the basis of an individual+rsquo;s race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, hairstyles or hair texture, national origin, religion, age, sexual orientation, individuals with disabilities, pregnancy, parental status, marital status, military status, or any other status protected by federal, state or local law. Our greatest strength comes from our ability to come together as unique individuals +mdash; come as you are and bring the best version of yourself.
Uncertain if you fulfill every requirement in our job description? Don't let that deter you! If you think you have the potential to shine in this role, we wholeheartedly invite you to apply. At Spoleto Festival USA, we enthusiastically evaluate a wide spectrum of candidates, valuing their diverse workplace backgrounds and experiences. Whether you're entering the world of arts and culture administration, reentering the workforce after a break, contemplating a career shift, or pursuing advancement on your career journey, we're eager to consider you for exciting opportunities within our organization. Your application will be met with appreciation and thorough consideration.
