Position summary
Present Music seeks a hands-on Fundraising Manager to grow contributed revenue through grant writing, annual giving (primarily $50–$1,000 donors), and fundraising campaigns/events support. This is an execution-focused role for someone who can write well, stay organized, and build relationships with donors and funders in a creative, mission-driven environment.
Key responsibilities
Individual Giving + Stewardship
- Manage relationships and renewals for donors in the $50–$1,000 range
- Create donor touchpoints (calls, notes, invitations, tailored follow-up)
- Support cultivation moments at concerts and small gatherings
Grants: Foundations / Government / Corporate
- Maintain a grant calendar and deliverables
- Write and submit proposals/LOIs and final reports (approx. 20/year)
- Research new opportunities and coordinate budgets/reporting with the Managing Director
- Strengthen funder stewardship (invites, updates, acknowledgments)
Fundraising Events
- Plan and run fundraising events (logistics, volunteer coordination, guest experience)
- Support auction procurement and post-event acknowledgments
Seasonal Campaigns
- Execute Fall and Spring campaigns in collaboration with the Development Strategist and Managing Director
- Coordinate campaign timelines, lists, and follow-up; track results
Donor Database & Acknowledgment
- Enter gifts, maintain clean records, and generate timely acknowledgments (DonorPerfect or similar)
Growth potential
Depending on organizational needs and staffing over time, this role may expand to include greater responsibility in major donor relationship management.
Qualifications
- 2–4 years nonprofit development experience (arts/culture a plus)
- Strong grant writing, editing, and project management skills
- Comfortable balancing relationship-building with detail-oriented execution
- Database experience (DonorPerfect a plus)
- Familiarity with Milwaukee philanthropy a plus
- Genuine interest in new music and community impact
Reports to: Managing Director
Works closely with: Development Strategist (major gifts fundraising)
Status: Contract (compensation commensurate with experience $25-30) | Hybrid | Some evenings/weekends for concerts/events
To apply
Send a résumé, cover letter and two writing samples to info@presentmusic.org with the subject line “Fundraising Manager – Present Music.”
Applications reviewed on a rolling basis until filled.