Development Officer and Grant Writer

Development Officer and Grant Writer – Nora Eccles Harrison Museum of Art, Utah State University

The Development Officer and Grant Writer (Development Officer I) for the Nora Eccles Harrison Museum of Art (NEHMA) is a hybrid fundraising, grant development, and donor relations position that works closely with private and public grant sources, museum members, individual, corporate, and foundation donors to maximize the philanthropic and grant revenue for the museum. The Development Officer and Grant Writer will report to the museum’s Executive Director and work closely with the Office of Advancement’s Executive Director of Corporation and Foundation Engagement.

Responsibilities include grants (writing and reporting), managing the membership program, and events related to fundraising. The role also involves qualifying, cultivating, and soliciting individual, corporate, and foundation funding sources, proposal development, stewardship, grant reporting, and participation in Advancement trainings and meetings as well as complying with USU Advancement policies. Some evenings, weekends, and travel may be required for special events and donor stewardship.

Moving allowance is provided and the position is eligible for hybrid telework within the state of Utah.

Planning and Coordination 15% The Development Officer coordinates all museum fundraising activities with USU Advancement staff and the Office of Sponsored Programs to ensure non‑duplicative approaches to grants and donors. This includes planning annual goals, donor qualification, cultivation and solicitation strategy, and guiding collaborative projects across the university, as well as creating grants and managing all aspects of museum grants from start to finish using USU programs such as Kuali.

Relationship Building and Stewardship 20% Fosters and maintains strong relationships between the museum and members, board members, donors, grant sources, the public, and campus partners, including local and state governments, other museums, and related organizations. This role attends monthly meetings with the Advancement stewardship team to align efforts.

Fundraising Strategy, Solicitation, and Proposal Development 40% Plans, executes, and supports fundraising activities that promote the museum, its programs, and funding needs. Responsibilities include qualifying, cultivating, and soliciting individual, corporate, foundation, and government sources, managing relationships, making solicitations, and generating proposals as needed.

Donor and Membership Management 10% Manages a growing membership program to provide engagement with the museum and develop future supporters. Tasks include finding new members, managing communications, tracking engagement, and developing unique opportunities and events for members and donors to engage meaningfully with the museum.

Collaboration and Leadership 15% Serves as a member of the University Advancement Team, continually demonstrating strong leadership and collaboration skills while working with constituents, university colleagues, and the public. The USU Advancement Office provides onboarding training, leadership development, and professional development opportunities to support career growth.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Four years of direct fundraising experience and/or grant writing at a university, non‑profit or equivalent level OR a Bachelor’s degree in a related field OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Willingness and ability to travel.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in grant writing.
• Experience working in higher education.
• Experience designing and executing comprehensive fundraising campaigns.
• Record of success in establishing positive relationships with donors, foundations, alumni, students, faculty, and staff.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, as well as analytical and research skills.
• Knowledge of and commitment to the use of information technology to support advancement programs.
• Strong interpersonal skills, particularly with donors, volunteers, and staff members from different backgrounds.
• Ability to work effectively with multiple stakeholders (students, alumni, faculty, staff) from different backgrounds.
• Commitment to a respectful environment in donor engagement and workplace culture.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Knowledge and experience in using fundraising software and/or CRM systems.

Minimum $60,000 commensurate with experience plus excellent benefits.

Employees work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not, necessarily, occasional temperature changes. The employee is regularly required to sit and often uses repetitive hand motions.