Major Gifts Officer/Philanthropy Advisor

JOB OVERVIEW:

The Major Gifts Officer/Philanthropy Advisor at Utah Symphony | Utah Opera (USUO) serves as a trusted advisor and relationship partner to a portfolio of major donors and philanthropic prospects, guiding them toward meaningful, mission-aligned giving to USUO. This position combines the strategic discipline of frontline fundraising—identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding gifts of $10,000 and above—with a genuine commitment to understanding each donor’s values and connecting those values to the transformative impact of great, live music. Reporting to Vice President of Development, this role is a critical revenue driver for the organization at a time when growing individual philanthropic support is a top strategic priority.

Working in close partnership with Development colleagues and senior artistic and organizational leadership, this position builds meaningful, long-term donor relationships that deepen engagement with USUO’s symphony, opera, and festival programming and advances the organization’s mission to connect the community through great, live music.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

Portfolio Management and Fundraising:

• Manage an active portfolio of major gift donors and prospects, with a focus on gifts of $10,000+.
• Develop and execute individualized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies for each portfolio donor, advancing them through a structured moves management process.
• Conduct a minimum of 15–20 meaningful donor visits or substantive contacts per month, including in-person meetings, phone calls, and personalized written communications.
• Meet or exceed annual revenue goals for the major gifts portfolio, with an initial target to be established based on portfolio assignment.
• Collaborate with the Assistant Director of Membership and Development Operations to identify mid-level donors ($2,500–$9,999) with major gift potential and develop upgrade strategies.

Donor Stewardship, Engagement, & Retention:

• Oversee timely and thoughtful fulfillment of donor benefits and recognition, ensuring each donor feels appropriately valued and connected to the organization.
• Plan and execute donor cultivation and stewardship events such as open rehearsals, backstage tours, meet-and-greets, and exclusive donor experiences across USUO’s symphony, opera, and festival seasons.
• Draft compelling gift proposals, acknowledgment letters, and other donor communications that connect philanthropic support to USUO’s artistic and community mission.
• Partner with Development leadership and the President & CEO on top-tier donor meetings and solicitations as appropriate.
• Coordinate with the VIP & Sponsorships Benefits Manager to ensure seamless benefit fulfillment and recognition for major donors.
• Track donor engagement and giving activity in Tessitura to inform segmentation and moves management.

Prospect Research and Pipeline Development

• In collaboration with the Assistant Director of Membership and Development Operations, qualify and prioritize new major gift prospects from within the existing donor base and through external sources.
• Maintain accurate and timely records of all donor contacts, proposals, and moves in the organization’s CRM database.
• Prepare regular portfolio reports and revenue projections for the Director of Development Operations and Institutional Giving or VP of Development.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Serve as an ambassador for USUO at performances, events, and donor functions.
• Staff events and performances as needed to support donor engagement.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

DESIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SKILLS:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum 4–5 years of frontline fundraising experience with demonstrated success in stewarding and securing major gifts.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling messaging.
• Confidence and tact engaging with donors or potential donors, board members, and community partners.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage competing priorities in a dynamic, deadline-driven environment.
• Experience working with databases or CRM systems (Tessitura experience a plus).
• Ability to analyze information and support data-informed decision-making.
• Commitment to providing a high level of customer service and building strong relationships.
• A willingness and ability to work some evenings and weekends.
• A strong commitment to the mission of USUO, demonstrating a genuine interest and passion for the arts, especially opera and symphonic music.

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 $90,000-$100,000, plus a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, access to a cafeteria plan (HSA, FSA, DCAP), paid time off, and complimentary concert and performance tickets.

TO APPLY:

Please apply online @ www.usuo.org/employment and include a cover letter and résumé with your application. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.

USUO will consider candidates with a broad range of backgrounds. If you are excited about this role and feel that you can contribute to USUO, but your experience does not exactly align with every qualification listed above, we encourage you to apply.