m/Oppenheim Executive Search is assisting the Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO) in the search for a Vice President of Marketing. Please click to view the full position description or to nominate/apply directly on their site. 

The Vice President of Marketing must be a dynamic, results-driven and creative marketing strategist who can engage and excite the Detroit community as the lead ambassador for an orchestra whose programs and performances attract diverse audiences and meaningful community partnerships that contribute greatly to the cultural vibrancy of the city and region. Reporting to the Chief Revenue Officer (CRO), the Vice President of Marketing will lead a department responsible for audience growth, ticket revenue and patron service. The department is building a sustainable revenue base, coordinating and integrating earned income streams, broadening and expanding the audiences the DSO serves, and deepening its connection to all patrons reached across the orchestra, jazz, education, and presentation businesses.

The Detroit Symphony Orchestra is known internationally for trailblazing performances, collaborations with the world’s foremost musical artists, and a deep commitment to serving its community. Making its home in the historic Orchestra Hall at the Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center, the DSO actively pursues its vision to be an inclusive and culturally relevant community where all people can experience their world through music.  Operating 365 days per year, it is a performing arts institution, an educational facility, and a community center. DSO has an annual operating budget of $35 million, with $9.5 million (27%) coming from earned revenue, $22 million (63%) from contributed revenue, and $3.5 million (10%) coming from the endowment. The DSO is led by a 23-member Board of Directors and 91 full-time staff, and hundreds of part-time employees. At full complement, the orchestra has 88 musicians.

For additional information or to apply, please contact Lee Kappelman or Dennis Hanthorn at info@moppenheim.com.

• Prefer 7+ years of progressive patron development and/or sales marketing experience
  with a demonstrated track record of successfully building and retaining a broad and 
  renewable patron base through crafting, executing, and measuring a comprehensive 
  integrated marketing strategy.
  • Demonstrated strong strategic planning, analytical, and project management skills.
  • Knowledge of the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors with an understanding of and a 
  genuine passion for the mission.
  • Minimum 5 years management or supervisory experience.
  • Proficiency in budgeting and forecasting.
  • Effective leader with specialty in cultural competencies; demonstrated experience and 
  investment in issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
  • Superior organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
  • Must be a self-starter who is a strong and collaborative team leader.
  • Tech savvy with keen understanding of e-marketing and integrated marketing planning.
  • Solid knowledge in best practices in direct response.
  • Ability to identify relevant trends and market opportunities to engage the appropriate 
  resources to further DSO’s mission.
  • Understanding of market segmentation techniques and how to apply them in marketing 
  decision-making.
  • Proficient in media/marketing channel capabilities and tactics that deliver upon sales 
  strategies and plans.
  • Adept capabilities with database management and financial management as it relates to 
  sales.
  • Familiarity with Tessitura or other patron relationship management, ticketing, or 
  fundraising databases a plus

About Detroit Symphony Orchestra

The acclaimed Detroit Symphony Orchestra is known for trailblazing performances, collaborations with the world’s foremost musical artists, and a deep connection to its city. Led by Music Director Jader Bignamini since 2020, the DSO makes its home at historic Orchestra Hall within the Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center, offering a performance schedule that features the PVS Classical, PNC Pops, Paradise Jazz, and Young People’s Family Concert series. In addition, the DSO presents the William Davidson Neighborhood Concert Series in metro area venues, as well as eclectic multi-genre performances in its mid-size venue The Cube, constructed and curated with support from Peter D. & Julie F. Cummings. A dedication to broadcast innovation began in 1922, when the DSO became the first orchestra in the world to present a live radio broadcast of a concert and continues today with the groundbreaking Live from Orchestra Hall series of free webcasts. Since its first school concerts a century ago, and particularly since the founding of the Civic Youth Ensembles in 1970, the DSO has been a national leader in bringing the benefits of music education to students, teachers, and families in D...etroit and surrounding communities. The DSO remains committed to expanding its participation in the growth and well-being of Detroit through programs like its Detroit Neighborhood Initiative—cultural events co-created with community partners and residents—and Detroit Harmony, a promise to provide an instrument and instruction to any student in the city who wants to learn. With unwavering support from the people of Detroit, the DSO actively pursues a mission to impact lives through the power of unforgettable musical experiences.

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Connections working at Detroit Symphony Orchestra