Major Gifts Officer/Philanthropy Advisor

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Qualifications

• 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.

Pay & benefits

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.