Description

JOB OVERVIEW: 
Utah Symphony | Utah Opera (USUO) is one of the largest and most dynamic performing arts organizations in the Intermountain West. USUO uniquely unites a renowned, 52-week professional symphony, an internationally respected opera company and production operations, the Deer Valley® Music Festival in Park City, and a deep, statewide commitment to expanding access to music education and exceptional live performances. 

The 2027–2028 season marks a defining moment in USUO’s history: the 50th anniversary of Utah Opera and the inaugural season of Music Director Markus Poschner. At the same time, the organization is embarking on a transformative renovation of its home, Maurice Abravanel Hall, aligned with Salt Lake City’s broader revitalization of its downtown Sports, Entertainment, Culture, and Convention District. Together, these milestones signal a bold new chapter for artistic excellence and civic connection. 

At this pivotal moment, USUO seeks a strategic, relationship-driven Vice President of Development to shape and advance the organization’s philanthropic vision. As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, this leader will play a central role in guiding USUO’s continued growth, strengthening its impact, and positioning the organization for long-term success.

Reporting to the President and CEO, and working in close partnership with the CEO and Board of Trustees, the Vice President of Development will lead all fundraising efforts in support of USUO’s $31 million annual operating budget, endowment growth, and a comprehensive campaign to fund critical facility renovations and upgrades. Building long-term financial strength is essential to realizing USUO’s bold artistic ambitions and expanding meaningful engagement across our communities.

The ideal candidate will be an accomplished fundraising executive with a proven track record of success, sound judgment, a strong executive presence, and exhibit a deep appreciation for the performing arts. They will bring both strategic vision and hands-on leadership, inspire and develop high-performing teams, and serve as a compelling ambassador for USUO locally, statewide, and nationally.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

Strategic Leadership & Planning

• In partnership with the President and CEO and Development team, develop and implement a comprehensive annual fundraising plan to include ambitious goals in support of exciting artistic, community engagement, and capital projects.
• Develop compelling cases for the support that clearly conveys USUO’s artistic excellence, educational impact, and community value, supported by the ability to speak authentically and persuasively about the art and music we create.
• Establish clear, measurable fundraising goals and lead the team consistently meet and exceed targets, supporting both immediate priorities and long-term objectives. 
• Partner closely with the CEO and Board of Trustees to recruit and develop Board members and to effectively engage them in fundraising, stewardship, and top-tier donor strategy.
• Participate in senior leadership discussions to align fundraising strategies with organizational priorities and long-range planning.  Cultivate a broad-based culture of philanthropy throughout the organization.
• Serve as chief advisor to the CEO and Board of Trustees on all matters related to philanthropy and donor engagement.  Serve with the CEO primarily in a role of relationship building, advocating for the organization, and stewarding significant funding opportunities. 
• Work across the organization, especially with leadership, to help maximize the return on investment of integrated and informed strategies, prioritizing those with the greatest impact on achieving fundraising goals.
• Lead direct reports to manage the daily activities of the department, ensuring exceptional donor care and fostering continued support for our community impact.

Major Gifts & Donor Engagement

• Manage and cultivate a personal portfolio of major donors and prospects.
• Deepen and broaden long-term donor relationships through thoughtful stewardship and strategic engagement.
• Challenge and lead the department to Identify and qualify new prospects and implement effective strategies to secure support from individuals, foundations, corporations, and public sources.
• Analyze fundraising activities and results to inform strategies, benchmark with peer institutions, and stay abreast of best practices in the field.

Campaign & Revenue Strategy

• Design and execute strategies for annual fund initiatives, endowment campaigns, challenge grants, and planned giving programs.
• Partner with and strategically guide board members to maximize personal engagement and fundraising effectiveness.
• Leverage data systems to inform prospect strategy and portfolio management.

Stewardship & Communications

• Demonstrate genuine enthusiasm for cultivating relationships with board members, donors, subscribers, and individuals at every stage of their engagement with USUO and our artforms.
• Ensure a high standard of donor acknowledgment, recognition, and impact reporting.
• Collaborate closely with the Marketing, Communications, and Patron Services team to align messaging and deliver a top-tier experience for every patron.
• Serve as a visible and engaging ambassador at performances, events, and community functions.

Departmental Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing development team across annual fund, major gifts, operations, events, and research.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and donor-centered service.
• Oversee staffing and budget strategy to ensure donor investments are managed responsibly and translated into meaningful artistic and community impact.

Requirements

DESIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SKILLS:

• Passion for fundraising, nonprofit leadership, and the performing arts.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience including five+ years in the performing arts.
• Demonstrated success securing major (six- and seven-figure) gifts from individuals and institutions and leading comprehensive fundraising programs.  While institutional and public giving continues to grow, it is already particularly strong and important in this market.  Success in these relationships is imperative.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Executive presence with strong interpersonal and relationship-building abilities.
• Strategic thinker with strong analytical and organizational skills.
• Knowledge of local national philanthropic trends and needs and quick ability to understand local trends.
• Experience working with CRM systems (Tessitura preferred) and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Ability to work collaboratively and independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to work evenings and weekends in support of performances and donor events. 
  

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.
• Outdoor work in spring and summer months.