Development Officer and Grant Writer

About the role

The Development Officer and Grant Writer (Development Officer I) for the Nora Eccles Harrison Museum of Art (NEHMA) is a hybrid fundraising, grant development, and donor relations position that works closely with private and public grant sources, museum members, individual, corporate, and foundation donors to maximize the philanthropic and grant revenue for the museum.

Responsibilities

• Planning and Coordination (15%): The Development Director and Grant Writer coordinates all museum fundraising activities with the USU Advancement staff and Office of Sponsored Programs to ensure non-duplicative approaches to grants and donors. Planning annual goals, donor qualification, cultivation and solicitation strategy, and guiding collaborative projects across the university are key components of this role.

• Relationship Building and Stewardship (20%): A primary responsibility of this position is fostering and maintaining strong relationships between the museum and its members, board members, donors, grant sources, the public, and across campus. These relationships include local and state governments, other museums, and related organizations. This position will attend monthly meetings with the Advancement stewardship team to create alignment.

• Fundraising Strategy, Solicitation, and Proposal Development (40%): The Development Officer and Grant Writer will plan, execute, and support fundraising activities that promote the museum, its programs, and funding needs. These activities include qualifying, cultivating, and soliciting individual, corporate, foundation, and government sources. The position is expected to manage relationships, make funding solicitations and generate proposals as needed.

• Donor and Membership Management (10%): The Development Officer and Grant Writer will manage a growing membership program to provide engagement with the museum and develop future supporters. Part of this work entails finding new members, managing communications, and tracking engagement. Work closely with senior staff to develop and provide unique opportunities and events for members and donors to engage meaningfully with the museum.

• Collaboration and Leadership (15%): The Development Officer and Grant Writer will be a member of the University Advancement Team and will continually develop and demonstrate strong leadership and collaboration skills. These include working with constituents, university colleagues, and the public. The USU Advancement Office will provide onboarding training, leadership development, and professional development opportunities.

Qualifications

• Four years of direct fundraising experience and/or grant writing at a university, non-profit or equivalent level OR a Bachelor’s degree in a related field OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Willingness and ability to travel.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in grant writing.

• Experience working in higher education.

• Experience designing and executing comprehensive fundraising campaigns.

• Record of success in establishing positive relationships with donors, foundations, alumni, students, faculty and staff.

• Knowledge, skills, and abilities:

  • Strong written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills, as well as analytical and research skills.

  • Knowledge of and commitment to the use of information technology to support advancement programs.

  • Strong interpersonal skills, particularly with donors, volunteers, and staff members from different backgrounds.

  • Ability to work effectively with multiple stakeholders (students, alumni, faculty, staff).

  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.

  • Knowledge and experience in using fundraising software and/or CRM systems.