Career Center

UtahPresents seeks a strategic, driven, and enthusiastic Development Officer to grow and sustain its community of donors. The Development Officer is responsible for planning and implementing a fundraising program that creates multiple ways for individuals, corporations, and other institutions to support the mission driven work of UtahPresents. As a member of UtahPresents’ leadership team, the Development Officer collaborates closely with the Executive Director and contributes to the overall advancement of the organization.

In partnership with the Executive Director, the Development Officer establishes, builds, and maintains donor relationships through regular communication and in-person engagements. They draft donor proposals and gift agreements, solicit/negotiate donations, manage donor acknowledgment processes, and conduct stewardship activities. UtahPresents has an impressive and engaged Advisory Board with whom the Development Officer works closely to enhance fundraising efforts including by increasing the organization’s visibility and impact in the community.

UtahPresents has the potential to grow its fundraising program significantly, making this position ideal for someone looking to advance a career in development. The role requires someone creative, organized, and self-directed who is excited about joining a highly collaborative team. UtahPresents values individuals who can actively contribute to the diversity of viewpoints, experiences, and expertise of our staff.

The salary range is $60,000 – $70,000 and commensurate with experience. UtahPresents, as part of the University of Utah, offers exceptional benefits including health, dental, life, and other types of insurance, retirement plans with a 14.2% employer contribution, generous paid time off, tuition reduction, and more. For additional information on U of U benefits: hr.utah.edu/benefits

The Development Officer primarily works from UtahPresents’ offices at Kingsbury Hall, as they are an active participate in programming and daily operations. Flexibility exists to work remotely at times, as agreed to by the Executive Director. The hours vary and will include some evenings and weekends.

Responsibilities

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS :

1) Maintain and grow UtahPresents’ donor base with a focus on gifts of $1,000 and above

• Steward relationships with approximately 50 existing major donors (defined as giving at least $1,000/year); build and manage a portfolio of major gift prospects
• Arrange and attend meetings and other in-person engagements with donors (5-8 per month on average), which result in significant progress towards major gifts or the qualification of new prospects
• Research and develop plans and strategies for major gifts, including planned giving
• Draft proposals, gift agreements, and make direct asks of donors
• Manage donor acknowledgment processes
• Conduct stewardship activities, including preparing correspondences and reports
• Adhere to University of Utah’s prospect and donor management standards and practices

2) Oversee and grow the levelUP program

• Generate and implement ideas to increase membership and overall success of the program in collaboration with the Campaign Manager
• Lead the planning and execution of special events with support from two Event Managers and others on the staff and Advisory Board; manage other member benefits
• Identify members to cultivate for larger gifts

3) Spearhead corporate sponsorships

• Research and identify prospects for corporate sponsorship
• Solicit sponsorships, often in collaboration with Advisory Board members
• Oversee sponsor benefits with assistance from the Box Office team

4) Support annual budgeting process by helping to determine and manage contributed revenue and fundraising expenses

• Set ambitious yet achievable goals for annual fundraising and track progress towards reaching them with assistance from the Financial & Administrative Officer
• Monitor gift accounts, including endowed and expendable funds, to ensure they are being managed in accordance with the donor’s gift agreement

5) Contribute to continued success of the Advisory Board

• Serve as the Fundraising Committee’s primary partner on staff, working with them to create new ways for Advisory Board members to advance fundraising efforts
• Schedule at least four Fundraising Committee meetings annually, set the agenda with the Committee Chair, prepare meeting materials, attend and take minutes, and manage follow up
• Ensure the Advisory Board meets their annual fundraising goal
• Help identify and recruit new Board members
• Provide additional administrative support to the Advisory Board as requested by the Executive Director

Other responsibilities include:

• Manage the administrative functions of Unite (the University of Utah’s donor base), including maintaining donor records, reporting and list management, and coordination with ticketing database
• Participate in trainings and other professional development opportunities to ensure UtahPresents remains current with fundraising best practices
• Represent UtahPresents at appropriate University of Utah and community meetings/events
• Explore and help foster partnerships and cross promotional opportunities with other cultural organizations, universities, and U of U departments, particularly the College of Fine Arts
• Participate in UtahPresents programming with a focus on enhancing the experience of donors at performances, events, classes, and other activities

* This job description is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties and responsibilities required of the position.

Additional requirements to those stated below:

• Passionate about the mission of UtahPresents
• Demonstrated success in establishing long-term relationships with donors and other stakeholders, which resulted in meeting organizational goals
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to work enthusiastically with a wide range of individuals to foster productive partnerships and relationships
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written
• Highly organized; adept at prioritizing and managing multiple projects/relationships simultaneously; attention to detail and follow-through
• Computer skills, including Microsoft Office and an ability to learn development and ticketing specific software
• Analytical skills, good judgment, and sensitivity including with regards to confidential information
• Tenacious, self-driven, and capable of working independently

**Applications must be submitted through the University of Utah's Online Portal.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Business, related field, or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience); three years of fund-raising experience which includes direct solicitation of contributions, volunteer leadership support, written and verbal presentations, and strategy and market development are required. Demonstrated human relations and effective communication skills required. Experience in grant or proposal writing and a background working with local print and electronic media is preferred. Demonstrated negotiating skills are also preferred.

Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

Preferences:

Knowledge of the arts industry, specifically performing arts and arts education

About UtahPresents, University of Utah

UtahPresents, a multi-disciplinary presenter at the University of Utah, brings diverse artistic and cultural experiences to campus and the region through performances and related programs. UtahPresents’ robust network of partners on and off the campus allows for multidimensional programming that stokes curiosity, creates connections beyond the stage, and enhances cultural vibrancy. The UtahPresents season coincides with the academic year and includes significant educational offerings. Additionally, as stewards of the iconic Kingsbury Hall (a historic theater seating almost 2,000), UtahPresents provides a valuable and year-round gathering space for community events and campus partners. For more information: utahpresents.org

Connections working at UtahPresents, University of Utah