MAJOR GIFTS OFFICER
AUSTIN SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
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.
Compensation
$85,000–$100,000 salary commensurate with experience, along with a full benefits package.
TO APPLY:
Email careers@austinsymphony.org with “Major Gifts Officer” in the subject line and include your resume and a brief cover letter as one PDF attachment.
No phone calls, please.
Reasonable accommodations are available during the hiring process.
Due to the nature of this position and our business, background checks will be conducted as a condition of employment.
Statement of Non-Discrimination
The ASO is committed to equity, inclusion, and non-discrimination, and it is our policy and goal to promote the inclusion and engagement of the residents of Austin and Central Texas across all protected classes of people, including, but not limited to, race, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship, cultural background and experiences, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, socio-economic status, physical and mental ability, and religion in all aspects of employment.
About the Austin Symphony Orchestra
For over a century, the Austin Symphony Orchestra has been Central Texas’s professional orchestra — world-class musicians performing in one of America’s fastest-growing cities. We serve our community through extraordinary live performances, robust education programs, and a deep commitment to accessibility.