Institutional Giving Manager
DESCRIPTION
SUMMARY
The Institutional Giving Manager plays a key role in advancing the mission of Des Moines Metro Opera by securing philanthropic support from foundations, corporations, and government agencies. Reporting to the Director of Advancement, this position manages a portfolio of institutional funders and oversees the full cycle of grant and sponsorship funding, including prospect research, proposal development, reporting, and stewardship. The Institutional Giving Manager also collaborates closely with advancement colleagues to support corporate sponsorships and major fundraising events, helping ensure that DMMO’s artistic programs, education initiatives, and community engagement efforts are sustainably funded. This position is ideal for a strategic writer and relationship-builder who enjoys collaborating across departments and contributing to a dynamic, nationally recognized performing arts organization.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Institutional Giving
Manage a portfolio of foundation, corporate, and government funders
Research and identify new institutional funding opportunities
Write and submit grant proposals and reports
Manage grant calendars and track deadlines
Collaborate with program, artistic, and finance staff to develop project narratives, budgets, and evaluation data
Assist in developing funding strategies for education programs, artistic productions, and strategic initiatives
Corporate Sponsorship
Cultivate and steward corporate partners year-round
Develop sponsorship packages for the summer festival, OPERA Iowa, Apprentice Artist Program, the Opera Gala, and the Opera Showcase
Ensure fulfillment of all benefits (ad proofs, marketing recognition, receptions, visibility, etc.)
Fundraising Event Support
Serve as the primary staff lead for managing institutional partner engagement and sponsorship fulfillment at major fundraising and cultivation events, including:
Opera’s Wine, Food & Beer Showcase
Opera Gala
Corporate cultivation events (opera preview performances, educational previews)
Coordinate sponsor recognition, hospitality, and visibility to ensure all corporate and institutional commitments are fulfilled
Collaborate with Advancement staff to support fundraising activities associated with these events, including sponsorship coordination, silent auction initiatives, and donor cultivation opportunities
Manage event timelines, deliverables, and cross-department coordination to ensure a successful event execution
Stewardship & Reporting
Develop customized stewardship plans for institutional donors
Coordinate recognition, reports, updates, and partner communications
Ensure compliance with grant requirements and reporting obligations
Systems & Administration
Maintain grant records and deadlines in Patron Manager
Assist with budgeting for grant-funded programs
Conduct prospect research using foundation databases and public filings
Participate in cross-department collaboration and advancement planning
Undertake training to become a certified Patron Manager user
Organizational Participation
Support the Advancement team with processing donations and tickets orders over the phone and at special events
Work nights and weekends during the festival season and other DMMO events
Participate in professional development and fundraising networks
Promote an inclusive, respectful and compassionate working environment that prioritizes the company's values towards equity, diversity and inclusivity
QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s degree required
1–3 years of experience in grant writing, institutional fundraising, or nonprofit development is preferred
Exceptional written communication and storytelling skills
Strong project management and deadline management skills
Experience with Patron Manager or similar donor databases/research tools preferred
Passion for opera and/or the performing arts is strongly encouraged
Residency in Des Moines, IA metro area. A relocation stipend will be offered if needed.
Desired Start Date: May 13, 2026
BENEFITS
Pay Range: $58,000 - $58,000 Annual
Competitive health, life, disability, and retirement plan, and generous PTO.
HOW TO APPLY
Please send a cover letter and resume to careers@dmmo.org with the subject line “Institutional Giving Manager.”
Application Deadline: April 22, 2026
Application Email/Link: careers@dmmo.org