Foundation Program Officer Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

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, but will also work closely with the Office of Advancement’s Executive Director of Corporation and Foundation Engagement. As part of the museum’s operations, the Development Officer and Grant Writer is responsible for grants (writing and reporting), managing the membership program, and events related to fundraising. Advancement-related responsibilities include qualifying, cultivating, and soliciting individual, corporate, and foundation sources, proposal development, entering contact reports, stewardship, grant reporting, and participating in Advancement trainings and meetings. This position will also be responsible for following USU Advancement’s policies and procedures. Some evenings and weekends are required for related special events as well as travel to key markets and regions to submit proposals and steward donors.

This position works closely with the museum’s executive director and key staff to write grants to foundations and government sources, some of which are part of the university’s sponsored programs through the Office of Research. This position will also look holistically at individual giving to the museum and qualify, cultivate, and solicit donors. The Development Officer and Grant Writer will be responsible for meeting individual fundraising metrics (goals) set each year with the Executive Director for Corporate and Foundation Engagement. These goals will be determined with input from the museum Executive Director and the Vice President of Advancement and will comply with goal setting policies of other university Development Officers.

Moving Allowance provided.

This position is eligible for hybrid telework within the state of Utah

Planning and Coordination 15%

• The Development Director and Grant Writer coordinates all museum fundraising activities with the USU Advancement staff and Office of Sponsored Programs to ensure non-duplicative approaches to grants and donors. Planning annual goals, donor qualification, cultivation and solicitation strategy, and guiding collaborative projects across the university are key components of this role. Create grants and manage all aspects of museum grants from start to finish, using USU programs such as Kuali.

Relationship Building and Stewardship 20%

• A primary responsibility of this position is fostering and maintaining strong relationships between the museum and its members, board members, donors, grant sources, the public, and across campus. These relationships include local and state governments, other museums, and related organizations. This position will attend monthly meetings with the Advancement stewardship team to create alignment.

Fundraising strategy, solicitation, and proposal development 40%

• The Development Officer and Grant Writer will plan, execute, and support fundraising activities that promote the museum, its programs, and funding needs. These activities include qualifying, cultivating, and soliciting individual, corporate, foundation, and government sources. The position is expected to manage relationships, make funding solicitations and generate proposals as needed.

Donor and Membership Management 10%

• The Development Officer and Grant Writer will manage a growing membership program to provide engagement with the museum and develop future supporters. Part of this work entails finding new members, managing communications, and tracking engagement. Work closely with senior staff to develop and provide unique opportunities and events for members and donors to engage meaningfully with the museum.

Collaboration and Leadership 15%

• The Development Officer and Grant Writer will be a member of the University Advancement Team and will continually develop and demonstrate strong leadership and collaboration skills. These include working with constituents, university colleagues, and the public. The USU Advancement Office will provide onboarding training, leadership development, and professional development opportunities. As part of its commitment to career development, these skills will be continuously developed to promote continuing career growth and leadership opportunities.

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.

Along with the online application, please attach:

1. Resume to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV” 
2. Cover letter to be typed/pasted at the end of your application (iForm)

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

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.

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant, public service university. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge and serving the public good through innovative research and scholarly activities that are grounded in reciprocal engagement with local, regional, and global communities. USU prepares students to be active, civically engaged leaders who are prepared to address critical societal challenges. Dedicated to providing a high-quality and affordable education, USU remains a leader in research, discovery, and public impact.

USU enrolls over 29,800 students, both online and in person at locations throughout the state. Utah State’s 30 locations include a main campus in Logan, Utah, residential campuses in Price and Blanding, and six additional statewide campuses, along with education centers serving every county. USU educates students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries. For over 100 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns, serving every county in the state.

Competing at the NCAA Division I level, USU is a proud member of the Mountain West Conference and will join the Pac-12 Conference beginning in the 2026-2027 season. The Aggies’ long-standing tradition of athletic and academic excellence is exemplified by recent Mountain West regular-season and tournament championships in women’s volleyball, three consecutive Mountain West tournament titles in women’s soccer conference championships, and a first-ever conference championship for gymnastics, reflecting USU's commitment to perseverance and achievement.

Utah State is dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported and where diversity of thought and culture are cultivated. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when they named Utah State the best employer in Utah in 2023. Learn more about USU. 

The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and a reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at (435) 797-0122 or hr@usu.edu. 

*updated 12/2025

In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

Utah State University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination including harassment in employment including in hiring, promotion, transfer, or termination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy or any other federal, state, or local law.

Utah State University does not discriminate in its housing offerings and will treat all persons fairly and equally without regard to race, color, religion, sex, familial status, disability, national origin, source of income, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Additionally, the University endeavors to provide reasonable accommodations when necessary and to ensure equal access to qualified persons with disabilities.

In all circumstances, Utah State University follows state and federal laws related to sex-segregated spaces.

The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies:

Matthew Pinner

Executive Director

Civil Rights & Title IX Office

matthew.pinner@usu.edu

435-797-1266 | Old Main Rm. 401D

1475 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322

Cody Carmichael

Title IX Coordinator

cody.carmichael@usu.edu

435-797-1266 | Old Main Rm. 402D

1475 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322

For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit crtix.usu.edu or contact:

U.S. Department of Education

Denver Regional Office

303-844-5695| OCR.Denver@ed.gov

U.S. Department of Education

Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

800-421-3481 |  OCR@ed.gov

*updated 10/2025