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Utah Symphony | Utah Opera

Donor Engagement Manager


DESCRIPTION

JOB OVERVIEW:

Under the supervision of the Director of Development, the Donor Engagement Manager is an integral member of the Development team, responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing a variety of donor-focused engagement experiences throughout the year. These events—ranging from intimate salons and stewardship receptions to large-scale galas and special initiatives—play a critical role in stewarding relationships and supporting USUO’s fundraising goals. The ideal candidate will be highly organized, detail-oriented, and proactive, with a passion for producing seamless, high-quality engagements that enhance the donor experience. This is a hands-on role requiring ownership of both strategic planning and day-to-day logistics.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

Donor Engagement/Experience:

  • Plan and manage a wide range of events including donor salons, major gift cultivation and stewardship receptions, Board functions, and special Galas.

  • Serve as the project lead for each event, creating and managing detailed timelines, schedules, and run-of-show documents.

  • Coordinate and manage all logistics: venue bookings, catering arrangements, entertainment, rentals, parking/transportation, and technical needs.

  • Lead event setup and strike, ensuring every detail is attended to—from signage and room layouts to vendor coordination.

Guest Management:

  • Provide unparalleled levels of support to USUO’s donors through proactive, attentive, and tailored customer service experiences.

  • Maintain and manage guest lists, send invitations, track RSVPs, and coordinate seating charts.

  • Produce high-quality materials such as name tags, event programs, signage, and menus.

  • Serve as a primary point of contact for event guests and donors, providing exceptional hospitality.

Strategic Engagement and Donor Experience:

  • Support the USUO Associate Board, coordinating all meetings, communications, and engagement opportunities.

  • Serve as lead for VIPrelude events, managing all planning, logistics, and execution in coordination with artistic and development leadership.

Collaboration and Communication:

  • Work closely with the Director of Development, Development Operations, and the entire team to ensure event goals align with broader fundraising strategies.

  • Provide general support to the Individual Giving team as needed, including assisting with donor research, personalized stewardship efforts, and project-based initiatives that enhance donor cultivation and retention.

  • Partner with colleagues across USUO’s artistic, marketing, and production teams to coordinate event needs.

  • Work directly with USUO leadership, Board members, and volunteer committees on select events.

Vendor Relations and Budget Management:

  • Source and manage relationships with vendors including venues, caterers, florists, rental companies, and AV providers.

  • Track event budgets, process invoices, and ensure events are produced within budget parameters.

Data Management and Reporting:

  • Maintain accurate event records in Tessitura or other CRM databases.

  • Produce post-event reports summarizing attendance, donor engagement metrics, and key takeaways.

  • Evaluate the overall strategic effectiveness of events, offering recommendations to optimize future engagement, stewardship, and return on investment.

Other Responsibilities:

  • Support grassroots fundraising initiatives through event-driven strategies.

  • Staff and support donor activities at concerts and special performances as needed, often during evenings and weekends.

  • Other duties as assigned.

DESIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SKILLS:

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.

  • Minimum of 2–4 years professional experience in event planning, fundraising events, or related areas.

  • Exceptional project management skills with an ability to juggle multiple events at various stages.

  • Strong attention to detail and pride in delivering polished, professional events.

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

  • Experience with budget management.

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a focus on donor hospitality.

  • Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint); knowledge of Tessitura or similar CRM preferred.

  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

  • Flexible schedule, including availability to work evenings and weekends for events.

  • Working knowledge of Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel.

  • Interest in and/or willingness to learn about symphonic music, opera, and Salt Lake City’s arts and culture scene.

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 $59,000/year, plus excellent benefits.

TO APPLY: Please apply online. Application materials should include a cover letter and résumé. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.

Desired Start Date: September 1, 2025


BENEFITS

Pay Range: $59,000 - $59,000 Annual

Benefits & Perks at Utah Symphony | Utah Opera

Benefits: Full-time staff receive health coverage (USUO pays 100%), 401(k) contribution plan, and paid time-off and holidays.

Free Tickets: Staff rece


HOW TO APPLY

TO APPLY: Please apply online @ www.usuo.org/employment. Application materials should include a cover letter and résumé. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.

Application Deadline: August 31, 2025

Application Email/Link: usuo.org/employment/

Utah Symphony | Utah Opera

JOB CONTACT

Natty Taylor, HR Generalist

(801) 869-9051 jobs@usuo.org