Development Coordinator

JOB OVERVIEW:

The Development Coordinator provides essential support to Utah Symphony Utah Opera’s (USUO) fundraising efforts and plays an important role in delivering a thoughtful, welcoming, and well-organized experience for donors and supporters. Reporting to the Director of Development, this position supports donor stewardship, engagement activities, event logistics, data management, and administrative processes that help advance USUO’s mission and strengthen relationships across the organization’s community of supporters.

This role is well-suited for an early-career professional who brings a positive attitude, strong work ethic, and genuine enthusiasm for learning about fundraising and arts administration in a dynamic performing arts environment. The ideal candidate is curious, organized, and collaborative, takes pride in doing things well, and is motivated by USUO’s mission and impact in the community. The Development Coordinator works closely with members of the Development team and receives guidance, mentorship, and hands-on experience that support professional growth over time. 

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

Individual Giving Support:

• Provide administrative and logistical support, including preparing donor correspondence, briefing materials, and stewardship resources. 
• Assist with donor research, tracking, and portfolio support as directed. 
• Support acknowledgment and stewardship processes to ensure donors are thanked accurately and in a timely manner. 
• Help maintain donor records and activity notes in Tessitura, ensuring accuracy and consistency.

Donor Engagement & Event Support:

• Assist with the planning and execution of donor–focused events such as salons, receptions, and VIP gatherings. 
• Support guest management tasks including invitation preparation, RSVP tracking, guest lists, and seating support. 
• Prepare event materials such as name tags, donor lists, signage, and programs. 
• Help staff donor events and concerts, providing courteous, attentive support to donors and guests. 
• Primary liaison with external event vendors, ensuring aligned expectations, professionalism, and seamless on-site execution. 

Coordination & Collaboration:

• Work closely with front-line fundraisers to support day-to-day fundraising and engagement activities. 
• Coordinate with colleagues in marketing, artistic, symphony operations, and opera production departments to support donor-related initiatives. 
• Provide administrative support for Board- or volunteer-related activities connected to fundraising efforts as needed. 

Data & Administrative Support:

• Assist with basic reporting related to donor engagement and event participation. 
• Support post-event follow-up, including documentation and stewardship-related tasks. 
• Help with scheduling, meeting preparation, and materials for donor meetings when requested. 

Additional Responsibilities:

• Support annual fund and grassroots fundraising efforts through administrative and event-based assistance. 
• Staff donor activities during evenings and weekends as needed. 
• Other duties as assigned in support of the Development team. 

DESIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SKILLS:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience. 
• 2 years of experience in nonprofit development, arts administration, customer service, events, or a related field. 
• Strong organizational skills and eagerness to learn new systems and processes. 
• High attention to detail and reliability in completing tasks accurately and on deadline. 
• Clear written and verbal communication skills. 
• Professional, courteous interpersonal style with a donor-centered mindset. 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook); willingness to learn Tessitura or similar CRM systems. 
• Ability to work collaboratively while also completing assigned tasks independently. 
• Willingness to work regular evenings and weekends for donor events and performances. 
• Interest in fundraising, nonprofit work, and the performing arts. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Prolonged periods of remaining stationary and working on a computer.
• Prolonged periods of standing and moving at events.
• Ability to move up to 20 pounds.
• Prolonged periods of working outdoors in spring and summer months.

SALARY:

• Pay begins at $21/hour, plus excellent benefits.

TO APPLY:

Please apply online @ www.usuo.org/employment and include both a cover letter and résumé with your application. Applications with a cover letter will be prioritized.