Department: School of Music & Dance, OBF
Appointment Type and Duration: Regular, Ongoing
Salary: $48,000 - $55,000 per year
Compensation Band: OS-OA05-Fiscal Year 2025-2026
FTE: 1.0
Application Review Begins
January 4, 2026; position open until filled
Special Instructions to Applicants
• Resume/CV
• Cover letter that describes how your experience aligns with the requirements of the position
• Three professional references
As a part of the screening process, candidates who advance may be asked to provide additional materials.
Department Summary
The Oregon Bach Festival (OBF) is an ancillary program of the University of Oregon School of Music and Dance with representation from the community through the advisory Board of Directors. The Grammy Award-winning Oregon Bach Festival blends excellence in musical performance with innovative educational opportunities to create an inspired community of musicians and music lovers. OBF has been presenting world-class musical performances and innovative educational opportunities for students and lifelong learners for over four decades. OBF is unique in the world in that the Festival concentrates on choral-orchestral works and is situated within the university, and at its heart, has a deep and abiding commitment to academic and performance-practice-related research, and education in the broadest sense. The administrative offices of the Festival operate year-round for the purpose of planning, organizing, administering, and marketing each year’s program, which includes the hiring and management of about 350 artists. Other major administrative areas include securing funds through private and business donations, public and private sector grants, the business management of the organization (annual budget of approx. $2.7 million), and publicizing, marketing, and promoting the Festival.
University Advancement (UA) supports the University of Oregon’s (UO) mission of providing exceptional teaching, discovery, and service by strategically positioning the university to create awareness, build long-term relationships, and secure resources that increase understanding and further its aims. The division consists of approximately 200 employees primarily working out of Eugene, with offices in Portland and Bend. Departments within University Advancement include the UO Alumni Association, Development, Advancement Operations, Federal Affairs, and State and Community Affairs. We are committed to fostering equity and inclusion in a welcoming, safe, and respectful environment that recognizes the value of all members of our community.
The Office of Development, as part of University Advancement, has a mission to maximize philanthropic impact at the University of Oregon. We do this by identifying, connecting, and engaging alumni and friends around the globe with their passions to advance the vision and priorities of the university.
Position Summary
As a part of the School of Music and Dance fundraising team and reporting to the Associate Director of Development of Oregon Bach Festival, the Development Program Manager is responsible for managing a variety of complex fundraising matters, such as donor and sponsor giving programs, donor acknowledgments and stewardship, member and foundation solicitations, and special events. Stewardship of donors is integral to the fundraising process and is often key to OBF’s ability to secure additional funds from donors. This position will have volunteer management responsibility and advisory board duties as assigned. The program manager will work directly with members, annual donors, foundations, local, state, and federal grants agencies, and corporate sponsors, providing an important link between the University, OBF, and its donors.
The Program Manager takes an active role in the OBF development program, including direct mail and in-person solicitations, program administration, and special events. Projects will often require coordination with the Associate Director of Development, Festival staff, student workers, and other units on the UO campus. This position supervises student interns and may supervise a volunteer coordinator.
This position occasionally works outside of regular business hours to manage and attend events, including some nights and weekends. OBF has multiple events that are outside the city limits, and therefore, this work requires the ability to travel to sites not regularly served by public transportation. The Program Manager is expected to be available for all Festival events; there are multiple events during the Festival from late June through mid-July, with a few events occurring during other times of the year.
Minimum Requirements
• Bachelor's degree, or equivalent combination of skills and experience.
• One year of professional experience in development or fundraising OR two years of experience in closely related fields such as corporate sales.
A graduate degree may be considered in lieu of one year of professional experience. Part-time and student work experience will be counted towards the above experience requirements at a discounted rate.
Professional Competencies
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills and a strong sense of donor-driven customer service.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to make a persuasive verbal and written case for supporting key programs and projects, effectively matching the interests of prospective donors to specific university needs.
• Proficiency in the use of personal computers and software applications such as MS Office or equivalent software.
• Ability to interact, communicate, and work effectively with individuals, recognizing and respecting the many and varied identities of each person.
• Commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Preferred Qualifications
• Knowledge or background in music.
• Experience managing annual fund programs.
• If work experience is in a non-development field, preference will be given to those with relevant experience in the development field.
• Experience working with a development or sales database.
• Experience producing special events.
• Experience with grant writing, submissions, and processes.
FLSA Exempt: Yes
All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check.
The University of Oregon is proud to offer a robust benefits package to eligible employees, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. For more information about benefits, visit our website.
The University of Oregon is an equal-opportunity institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The University encourages all qualified individuals to apply and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status, including veteran and disability status. The University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. To request an accommodation in connection with the application process, please email us or call 541-346-5112.
UO prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy (including pregnancy-related conditions), age, physical or mental disability, genetic information (including family medical history), ancestry, familial status, citizenship, service in the uniformed services (as defined in federal and state law), veteran status, expunged juvenile record, and/or the use of leave protected by state or federal law in all programs, activities and employment practices as required by Title IX, other applicable laws, and policies. Retaliation is prohibited by UO policy. Questions may be referred to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access. Contact information, related policies, and complaint procedures are listed here.
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