AUDITION & EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION
Cantus does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, marital status, familial status, pregnancy (including childbirth and related conditions), disability, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, service in the U.S. military, public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, local human rights commission activity, or associational preferences. Cantus is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application and employment process.
Donor and Patron Services Associate
Cantus’ mission is to give voice to shared human experience by inspiring audiences through song and word, sparking new depths of understanding and empathy. This extraordinary ensemble of eight full-time tenors and basses is celebrated for its one-of-a-kind artist-led model, performing without a conductor or artistic director, and for delivering breathtaking performances that push the boundaries of vocal music.
Cantus is committed to bold, ambitious repertoire, deeply engaging with audiences, and inspiring the next generation through transformative youth education. The Cantus staff works collaboratively to support the ensemble through local and touring concerts, fundraising initiatives, and special events. This dynamic team is bolstered by four additional staff members and guided by a dedicated 17-member Board of Directors.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Cantus seeks a highly organized, service-oriented Donor & Patron Services Associate to support the organization’s contributed revenue efforts while providing exceptional patron services that drive earned revenue through ticket order fulfillment.
Reporting to the Director of Development and working closely with the Marketing, Sales, and Administrative Coordinator, this position plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth execution of fundraising operations, donor stewardship, ticketing administration, and patron communications. The Associate manages the day-to-day administrative systems that support donor cultivation and gift processing while also providing day-to-day support for patron service operations. This position also plays a key role in planning and executing fundraising and stewardship events.
The ideal candidate enjoys building relationships, managing complex details, solving problems, and creating outstanding experiences for both donors and patrons. This role is ideal for someone interested in arts administration who wants hands-on experience in fundraising operations, nonprofit management, customer service, and revenue generation. To perform the essential functions of this position, the employee must be able to occasionally lift and carry up to 35 pounds. This position requires a flexible schedule, including regular evening and weekend hours, based on concert, event, and organizational needs. This position requires regular travel to concert venues and event locations throughout the Greater Twin Cities metropolitan area. Employees must have reliable transportation to meet the travel requirements of the role.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Development Operations (45%)
- Maintain accurate donor records in PatronManager.
- Process gifts, pledges, matching gifts, and recurring donations.
- Generate donor acknowledgements, tax receipts, and stewardship communications.
- Prepare donor reports, mailing lists, campaign tracking, and fundraising analytics.
- Assist with annual fund appeals, direct mail campaigns, and online giving initiatives.
- Proofread fundraising materials, grant applications, and donor communications.
- Coordinate donor meeting schedules and prepare meeting materials.
- Track donor interactions and follow-up activities.
- Support stewardship initiatives, donor recognition, and moves management.
- Assist with grant administration and reporting.
- Coordinate in-kind donation support for nonprofit partners
- Support the Director of Development with fundraising projects and organizational initiatives.
Patron Services (30%)
Working closely with the Marketing, Sales, and Administrative Coordinator, provide day-to-day operational support for ticket sales and patron services while helping ensure an exceptional audience experience.
- Serve as the primary contact for patron phone calls and email inquiries.
- Process ticket orders, exchanges, and subscription renewals.
- Manage seating assignments and subscriber preferences.
- Prepare, print, and mail tickets.
- Troubleshoot ticketing and streaming issues.
- Coordinate CD orders and merchandise fulfillment.
- Maintain inventory
- Manage front-of-house operations for concerts and events with support.
Fundraising Events & Donor Engagement (15%)
- Coordinate logistics for fundraising events.
- Manage event registrations and guest lists.
- Assist with sponsorship fulfillment.
- Coordinate volunteers and vendors.
- Prepare event materials and signage.
- Support auction administration.
- Assist with post-event reporting and donor stewardship.
Administrative Support (10%)
- Basic website updates
- Coordinate calendars and scheduling.
- Maintain office files and supplies.
- Assist with travel and meeting arrangements.
- Provide administrative support for cross-departmental projects.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Strong organizational and administrative skills with attention to detail.
- Experience with ticketing systems/CRM (Salesforce/Patron Manager preferred)
- Strong written communication skills including formal writing.
- Demonstrated customer service experience and excellent communication skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office; basic website management skills are a plus.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with a team.
- Strong project management skills, with the ability to organize and complete multiple tasks simultaneously with proven track record of successfully meeting deadlines
- High level of discretion and ethical approach to data management
- Interest in the performing arts and commitment to supporting the mission and values of Cantus
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
Salary: $45,000 annually (full-time, exempt)
Cantus offers a competitive benefits package that includes:
- Employer-sponsored health insurance
- 403(b) retirement plan with a 4% employer match
- Unlimited paid time off, subject to supervisor approval and organizational scheduling needs
- Paid holidays
- Flexible, collaborative work environment
- Opportunities for professional growth and development in a nationally recognized performing arts organization
- This position requires on-site work and is not eligible for remote or hybrid arrangements.
- Some evening and weekend availability required for concert/event support
HOW TO APPLY
Interested candidates should submit a resume and a brief cover letter outlining their qualifications and interest in the role to Zachary Colby at zcolby@cantussings.org utilizing the subject line Donor & Patron Services Associate Application. Applications will be accepted through September 14, 2026. Candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted