Development Manager

The Opportunity

Opera Paralèlle (OP) is a thriving nonprofit arts organization dedicated to pushing the boundaries of contemporary opera. With a commitment to artistic excellence and innovation, collaboration, and relevant, diverse storytelling, we are in the midst of significant growth and expansion. As we embark on this exciting journey, we are seeking a skilled Development Manager to join our fundraising team.

In partnership with the Development Director (DD) and Executive Director (ED), the Development Manager is a key member of the development team, responsible for cultivating relationships with donors, managing annual fundraising campaigns, and supporting the financial sustainability of OP. In addition to annual fundraising activities, this position provides support to the three-year Opera Parallèle Impact Campaign (OPIC), currently in its public phase and final year, focused on raising the remaining $800K of the $4 million campaign goal.

If you are passionate about the performing arts, enjoy recruiting and supervising volunteers, have a background in fundraising, excel in relationship management, and thrive in a kind, dynamic, creative, and growth-oriented environment, we invite you to apply and contribute to our thrilling journey of expanding artistic horizons.

Key Responsibilities

Donor Cultivation & Stewardship

• Attend every performance
• Develop and maintain relationships with individual donors, foundations, and corporate partners.
• Serve as the main point of contact for all development related questions.
• Plan and execute donor engagement activities, including events, communications, and recognition programs.
• Maintain lists of active donors and track giving levels and ensure delivery of corresponding benefits.

Fundraising Campaigns

• Collaborate with DD to design and implement annual and major giving campaigns.
• Manage direct mail and digital fundraising efforts, ensuring compelling storytelling and consistent branding.

Grants Management

• Maintain calendar of due dates for LOIs, grant applications, and interim/final reports.
• Provide support to the contract Grant Writer in collecting and compiling data and supporting documents for applications.
• Draft and submit all interim and final reports.
• As needed, take the lead in researching, writing, and submitting some grant proposals to support programs and operations.
• Maintain complete records of all grants, award/decline letters, and reports in digital format.

Supervisory Role

• Establish a new year-round volunteer program for ongoing office support as needed and for performances and special events.
• Recruit, interview, and train volunteers.
• Assign development-related tasks to volunteers and interns based on skills and proficiencies.

Database Management

• Oversee the donor/patron database (currently DonorSnap), ensuring accuracy of contributions, donor interactions, and acknowledgments.
• Generate reports and analyze data to inform fundraising strategies and measure success.
• Assist with possible data migration to a new platform.
• Support marketing team with import of ticket sales records.
• Interface with the marketing and artistic teams in joint events and activities (open rehearsals, community engagement activities).

Event Coordination

• Assist in planning and executing fundraising events, including benefit events and special receptions, maintain RSVP lists.
• Schedule and train event volunteers.
• Coordinate with event vendors, manage guest lists, and provide on-site support as needed.

OP is a growing organization with many interdepartmental collaborations. Supporting and collaborating across departments is essential for every member of our team.

Who We’re Looking For

This section describes the skills and experience that are most important to this position. We realize not everyone will be equally strong in all of these areas. We also know you can bring strengths and talents beyond what we’ve described. If you are excited about this role and our mission, we welcome your application.

• Minimum 3–5 years’ experience in fundraising, preferably in the arts in the San Francisco Bay Area
• Proven success in managing donor relationships and meeting fundraising goals
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong attention to detail
• Proficiency in CRM/database management
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed for events and performances
• Passion for the performing arts, with knowledge and/or interest in opera a plus
• Respect for diverse backgrounds and voices and a commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and to work effectively in a fast-paced and dynamic environment

Location, Schedule, and Physical Requirements

• OP’s administrative offices are located on the fourth floor of 44 Page Street in San Francisco, close to public transportation (BART and MUNI) and accessible by one set of stairs and one elevator.
• Events and performances of OP productions take place in varying local sites around San Francisco and occasionally throughout the Bay Area.
• OP’s general office hours are Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. We're happy to accommodate occasional remote work, but prefer a candidate who can work in our office most days.
• This position requires the ability to sit at a computer, speak, and type for extended periods of time.

Compensation

This position is year round, full time, and exempt. Compensation is competitive and commensurate with responsibilities and experience.