CCM grad back at UC raising funds for College of Arts and Sciences

Michael Maniaci is coming back to Cincinnati — and back to the university where his career first took shape.

The former opera performer and arts fundraiser recently joined the University of Cincinnati Foundation as director of development for the school’s College of Arts and Sciences.

Maniaci studied vocal performance at the UC College-Conservatory of Music before launching a professional opera career and eventually transitioning into fundraising and philanthropy work.

According to LinkedIn, he most recently served as chief development officer for the Homeless Services Network of Central Florida. He also held fundraising leadership roles with the Orlando Ballet, Seattle Symphony, Arizona Opera Company and Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.

His fundraising career began in Cincinnati with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, where he worked as a philanthropy intern and later as major gifts coordinator in 2018.

“Nearly two decades later, my path led me into fundraising, and I had the privilege of beginning that chapter with the superb team at the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra,” Maniaci wrote in a LinkedIn post announcing the move.

“Returning to Cincinnati and joining the UC Foundation feels like a true full-circle moment,” he added. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to support the university and community that have shaped so much of my life, while also being closer to my family.”

University of Cincinnati Foundation