Position Description
Opera Theatre of Saint Louis is hiring for the position of Senior Manager, Events & Sponsorships. This positions will be responsible for overseeing the planning and execution of OTSL fundraising and cultivation events (including the Spring Gala, Holiday Celebration, and season tent dinners), and institutional funding requests.
Duties & Responsibilities:
Develop strategies for, plan, and execute OTSL’s major fundraising events, including the Spring Gala, Holiday Celebration, and activities of the Intermezzo Society.
Identify volunteer event leaders with the ability to contribute significant resources and/or service to Opera Theatre. Manage ongoing communication with event leadership and committees;
Research event donor prospects and cultivate top prospects;
Develop and execute strategies and timelines to effectively solicit prospects and manage ongoing follow-up in collaboration with volunteer event leadership;
Develop and execute pre-event communications and promotion in collaboration with the marketing and development teams;
Manage event expenses and re-allocate resources as needed to achieve event goals;
Report revenue projections regularly to measure progress toward goals;
Negotiate and contract with vendors to ensure competitive pricing while maintaining quality;
Supervise all onsite event logistics in coordination with OTSL’s development team;
Resolve unexpected event challenges in real time, using discretion and judgement to adjust established policies or procedures as needed to ensure a positive experience for guests;
Manage strategy and activities for the Intermezzo Society.
Collaborate with the Director of Development to develop and steward relationships with foundations, government agencies, and corporate donors, including:
Work with grant writing staff or contract personnel to identify new prospects, submit compelling and timely grant proposals and reports, and cultivate corporate and foundation representatives.
Direct corporate sponsorship efforts and serve as the liaison to the board’s corporate sponsorship committee;
Work with committee members to identify and evaluate new prospects and determine an appropriate strategy for each prospect;
Provide materials needed for successful solicitation and monitor solicitation progress relative to corporate revenue goal;
Coordinate corporate sponsorship requests for fundraising events.
Plan and execute donor events and cultivation activities during the opera season (May/June) and off-season, including:
Identify and secure event hosts to advance OTSL’s donor appreciation and cultivation efforts;
Communicate with hosts and guests to ensure a positive experience, and respond to any questions or concerns;
Manage event budgets and re-allocate resources as needed to achieve event goals;
Negotiate and contract with vendors to ensure competitive pricing while maintaining quality;
Manage all logistical details, guest seating, and on-site personnel for each event;
Provide oversight for all event logistics, manage event vendors, and respond to guest concerns or grievances in collaboration with OTSL development team.
Manage grant writing staff or contract personnel, and the seasonal Development Intern, including recruitment and supervision.
Experience & Qualifications
3-5 years of experience planning special events;
Familiarity with Tessitura or similar donor database;
Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
An ability to build relationships with donors and prospective donors;
Extraordinary attention to detail and a commitment to meeting deadlines;
Proficiency with word processing and spreadsheets;
A knowledge of local and national arts funding sources, and interest in the performing arts and opera preferred.
Compensation & Hours
Compensation: $60,000-$69,999 annual salary plus benefits.
This is a full-time, exempt position.
Opera Theatre has a flexible work policy which allows for individual remote and asynchronous work arrangements.
Position requires evening and weekend hours during key times of year.
About Opera Theatre of Saint Louis
Opera Theatre of Saint Louis (OTSL) is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization known for innovative productions featuring outstanding young artists. The company offers a festival opera season each spring which attracts ticket buyers from zip codes throughout the metropolitan area, as well as visitors from nearly 50 states and multiple countries. As of 2022, Opera Theatre of Saint Louis has presented 33 world premieres and 28 American premieres, which may be the highest percentage of new work in the repertory of any American company. In addition to the spring Festival Season, Opera Theatre operates year-round education and community programs serving nearly 17,000 local children and adults.
Opera Theatre of Saint Louis has a year-round artistic and administrative staff of approximately 40, which grows to nearly 500 during the Festival Season. Several hundred volunteer members of the Opera Theatre Guild provide support for all aspects of Opera Theatre’s work and advocate for the company throughout the greater St. Louis community. The company’s annual budget size is approximately $12 million; contributed revenue represents more than 50% of budget.
TO APPLY:
Applicants for the position are asked to submit a resume along with a cover letter in which they describe their interest in Opera Theatre of Saint Louis and their experience and qualifications for the position.
Please email application information to:
Linda Schulte, Director of Development
Email:
[email protected](no calls, please)
At Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, we value equity, diversity, and mutual respect. We strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, women, people with disabilities, and others who have been historically excluded to apply. Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative of our community. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
OTSL will not discriminate against employees or applicants on the basis of race, color, religion or belief; national, social, or ethnic origin; age; sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression; physical, mental, or sensory disability; family or parental status; genetic information or characteristics; protected veteran status; or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law. OTSL will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.
If you need assistance or an accommodation in completing an application, interviewing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please contact (314) 963-4226 or
[email protected].