Overview

Job Description: About the Role The Austin Symphony Orchestra seeks a thoughtful and relationship-driven Major Gifts Officer to help grow philanthropic support for one of Austin's most enduring cultural institutions. This role will manage and deepen relationships with individual donors and prospects capable of giving at the $10,000+ level, helping connect patrons' passions to the artistic and educational mission of the ASO. The Major Gifts Officer will join a development team in an exciting period of growth and momentum, with the opportunity to build upon an established donor base and meaningful institutional relationships. The Major Gifts Officer reports to the Vice President of Development and works closely with the development team, leadership, board members, donors, and volunteers to advance a culture of philanthropy across the organization. What You'll Do • Personally solicit and close major gifts while building long-term philanthropic relationships that advance the mission and strategic priorities of the ASO • Manage a portfolio of approximately 75-125 individual donors and prospects • Develop thoughtful cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies tailored to each donor relationship • Conduct approximately 175-225 meaningful donor engagements annually, including personal visits, stewardship meetings, cultivation activities, performances, and special events in support of long-term philanthropic relationship building • Prepare and present personalized donor proposals and gift opportunities aligned with donor interests and the ASO's artistic, educational, and strategic priorities • Maintain timely and accurate donor records in Tessitura, including contact reports, relationship activity, strategy notes, and next steps to support thoughtful donor engagement and long-term portfolio management • Identify and cultivate planned giving opportunities and support donors in exploring legacy and estate gift options • Partner with the VP of Development on portfolio strategy, prospect development, and long-term donor engagement planning • Represent the ASO at performances, donor events, and community engagements, including evenings and weekends throughout the concert season • Help create donor experiences that strengthen connection, belonging, and investment in the ASO's artistic and educational impact What Success Looks Like Within the first 18-24 months, the Major Gifts Officer will have built strong relationships across the portfolio, implemented strategic moves management for top prospects, and assumed responsibility for securing $500,000-$750,000 annually in philanthropic support, with at least 20% representing new or increased giving year over year. Fundraising performance is expected to strengthen over time as donor relationships deepen and the portfolio matures. What We're Looking For • 5+ years of experience in major gifts, philanthropy, or advancement work, preferably within the arts or higher education • Demonstrated success cultivating and closing gifts at the $10,000+ level • Strong relationship-building and communication skills, with an instinct for thoughtful donor engagement • Ability to work independently while collaborating closely with colleagues and leadership • Excellent organizational and follow-through skills • Familiarity with Tessitura or comparable fundraising CRM systems preferred • Understanding of the role planned and legacy giving can play in long-term philanthropic relationship building preferred • Appreciation for the performing arts and the role philanthropy plays in sustaining vibrant cultural organizations Austin connections are welcome but not required. We value curiosity, relationship-building ability, and fundraising acumen above pre-existing local networks.