JOB OVERVIEW:

As a member of the Development department, the Major Gifts Officer (MGO) manages a portfolio of high value individual donors and prospects at all giving phases, including identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship. Working in partnership with the VP of Development, the CEO & President, and the Board of Trustees, the MGO will establish objectives and develop strategies to increase financial support from major donors. In addition to increasing support among donors for programs in and around USUO’s home venues (Maurice Abravanel Hall and the Janet Quinney Lawson Capitol Theatre), primary areas of focus include cultivating, soliciting and stewarding donors to the Deer Valley® Music Festival (DVMF), and building support in other markets in Utah, including, among others, Utah County and Washington and Iron Counties. The MGO will play a leadership role in guiding USUO’s comprehensive campaign (currently in the planning phase) to secure funding for capital projects, the endowment fund, and increased annual support. This individual must exhibit and maintain a tactful and sensitive demeanor with dozens of internal and external partners including the Development team, USUO Board of Trustees, the DVMF Council, Deer Valley Resort leadership and employees, civic community partners, and all USUO musicians, departments, and employees.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• Build on a successful VIP program at the Deer Valley® Music Festival (DVMF), now in its 19thh year.
• Grow the base of major donors in Salt Lake for both the Symphony and the Opera by identifying major gift prospects with the greatest potential to support USUO from among both existing and new donors.
• Engage major donors to fulfill their passion and interests through their giving to USUO.
• Build support in burgeoning markets including Utah, Washington, and Iron Counties, particularly for USUO programming in these communities.
• Identify and qualify prospective donors and future board members; cultivate and steward existing donors; secure initial and subsequent gifts; increase overall retention and level of giving; and interact with board members, staff and volunteers.
• Develop, execute and evaluate a plan of action designed to deepen and broaden long-term donor relationships with the organization resulting in increased donor involvement and financial support.
• Identify and develop new prospects to protect the Major Donor list from natural attrition ensuring a model of overall growth.
• Develop and implement strategies to re-engage donors whose financial support has decreased or stopped.
• Work effectively as an active contributing member of the Development Team, while at the same time work independently to maximize gift opportunities.
• Build strong working relationships with internal and external partners.
• Take advantage of opportunities outlined in USUO’s 2022 strategic plan designed to grow audiences through new initiatives certain to attract donor interest, including the announcement of a new Music Director; a newly established relationship with a Creative Partner; exciting artistic initiatives for the Symphony, Opera and for USUO’s education and community engagement activities; and residencies and tours
• Grow a budding planned giving program, and initiate additional strategies to secure legacy gifts
• Secure funding for USUO special events such as galas, tours, and other projects.
• With guidance from Pathway Consultants and in collaboration with leadership, participate in the initial planning of a Comprehensive Campaign to include upgrades and improvements to USUO home performance facilities; increases to the annual fund from approximately $8.5M to $10M; and to grow the endowment fund from approximately $41M to $100M.
• Work closely with campaign consultants and USUO leadership to secure campaign leadership gifts, including naming opportunities as appropriate.
• Identify and coach best peer solicitors from USUO’s volunteer leadership to grow donor pool and to secure lead gifts.
• Maintain accurate records of all donor related activity in the database.
• Participate in networking opportunities to broaden USUO range of engagement.
• Collaborate with Marketing and Communications Department to create appropriate and useful materials.
• Serve as ambassador for USUO and represent USUO at performances, events, and programs.