Audience Engagement Specialist

Job Details: Job Location: Detroit Michigan - Detroit, MI, Position Type: Full Time, Salary Range: Undisclosed, AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT SPECIALIST JOB DESCRIPTION Department: Marketing & Patron Experience FLSA Status: Exempt Salary Grade: 5 Salary Range: $49,000-$54,000 Work Location: Hybrid FT/PT: Full-time Last Revision Date: November 13, 2026 How to Apply: A cover letter is required for consideration of this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address: your specific interest in the position and working at the Detroit Symphony Orchestra outline your skills and experience that directly relate to the responsibilities of this role The Organization: The Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO) is known internationally for trailblazing performances, collaborations with the world’s foremost musical artists, and a deep commitment to serving our community. Making its home in 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. The DSO is a complex organization. Operating 365 days per year in historic Orchestra Hall, one of America’s most acoustically perfect concert halls, we are a performing arts institution, an educational facility, and a community center. We are governed by an independent Board of Directors and employ both union and non-union employees as musicians, stage crew, and administrative staff. Creating a unified culture throughout the institution is an organizational imperative, and we are guided by our values of excellence, inclusion, care, collaboration, and innovation. The DSO is also deeply invested in the city of Detroit. Through our Detroit Strategy initiative, we are expanding the DSO’s participation in the growth and well-being of the city. The DSO offers a unique, fast-paced working environment, an excellent overall compensation package, and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. For more information visit www.dso.org. Position Summary The Audience Engagement Specialist supports audience growth, patron loyalty, and audience development strategies that drive attendance and long-term engagement. Reporting to the Director of Growth Marketing, this role works to expand audience reach through partnership marketing with local businesses, cultural organizations, community groups, and affinity organizations; lead generation; list-building initiatives; promotional collaborations; and loyalty programs. This role helps identify and activate new audience acquisition opportunities, coordinate targeted engagement initiatives, and strengthen relationships with prospective and existing patrons to increase retention, attendance frequency, and lifetime value. The position also supports audience data tracking, analysis, and reporting to measure campaign effectiveness, monitor patron engagement and conversion, identify audience trends, and inform future engagement strategies. The ideal candidate will be a proactive, relationship-driven professional with strong communication and analytical skills, a passion for audience engagement, and the ability to build strategic partnerships and execute initiatives that drive audience growth and loyalty. Specific Duties & Responsibilities Strategic Partnership Development: Identify, cultivate, and maintain relationships with local businesses, cultural organizations, community groups, and affinity organizations to expand audience reach and generate ticket sales opportunities. Partnership Marketing & Activation: Coordinate promotional collaborations, cross-marketing opportunities, and partner-driven initiatives that increase awareness, engagement, and attendance. Lead Generation & Prospect Development: Execute initiatives to identify and capture new audience prospects, expand marketing databases, and support conversion from prospect to ticket buyer. Patron Loyalty & Retention: Support programs and initiatives designed to strengthen patron relationships, encourage repeat attendance, and increase long-term loyalty. Loyalty Events & Experiences: Assist with the planning, coordination, and execution of patron appreciation events, exclusive experiences, and other engagement activities that deepen relationships with existing audiences. First-Time Attendee Engagement: Support initiatives that welcome first-time attendees, encourage continued participation, and help convert new patrons into repeat ticket buyers. Audience Engagement Campaigns: Coordinate targeted outreach and promotional initiatives in collaboration with Growth Marketing and Loyalty Marketing teams to support audience acquisition, retention, and reengagement goals. Audience Data Tracking & Reporting: Track and report on partnership performance, lead generation, patron engagement, and conversion metrics to evaluate effectiveness and identify opportunities for improvement. Database Development & Management: Support the accuracy, organization, segmentation, and ongoing development of audience prospect lists and engagement records within Tessitura and other marketing platforms. Performance Monitoring & Optimization: Monitor progress toward audience growth and engagement goals, evaluate initiative results, and recommend adjustments to improve effectiveness and return on investment. Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with Marketing, Box Office, Communications, Advancement, and Learning & Engagement teams to coordinate audience development efforts and maximize engagement opportunities. Concert & Event Participation: Willingness to attend concerts, offsite events, and community engagement activities to support audience development and engagement initiatives, with occasional evening and weekend availability as needed. Required Qualifications 3-5 years of experience in marketing, audience engagement, partnership development, customer loyalty, community outreach, or a related field. Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain relationships with businesses, community organizations, and external partners. Experience supporting marketing campaigns, promotional partnerships, audience development initiatives, or customer engagement programs. Strong understanding of audience acquisition, lead generation, customer retention, and loyalty-building strategies. Experience with CRM systems, database management, and audience segmentation; familiarity with Tessitura preferred. Strong analytical skills with the ability to track performance metrics, interpret audience data, and prepare reports that inform engagement strategies. Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences and build productive relationships. Strong organizational and project coordination skills, with the ability to manage multiple initiatives, timelines, and priorities. Desired Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Business, Arts Administration, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience. Interest in the performing arts and a commitment to expanding access, engagement, and participation in orchestral music. Collaborative, proactive, and results-oriented approach, with the ability to work effectively across departments and independently execute assigned initiatives. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel; experience with marketing automation, email marketing, or reporting platforms preferred. Physical Requirements This role primarily works in an office environment and frequently has prolonged periods of sitting and looking at a computer screen. Position Reports to: Director of Growth Marking If accommodation is needed to ensure your successful participation in the application or interview process, please reach out to hr@dso.org for assistance. Qualifications: