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.