Donor Engagement Manager

JOB OVERVIEW:

Under the supervision of the Director of Development, the Utah Symphony Utah Opera (USUO) 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.
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• 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:

To apply please submit cover letter and résumé at https://usuo.org/job-application/. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.