CONTACT PATRON SERVICES

(408) 437-4450
boxoffice@operasj.org
M–F 10am–4pm

Director of Advancement


Opera San José seeks a passionate and focused fundraising professional to join its expanding patron facing teams and drive the day to day operations of the development department.  Working closely with the General Director and Managing Director of Institutional Advancement & Strategy, this position’s responsibilities will include developing strategies to help significantly expand the organization's fund-raising activities, building upon the recent expansion of the individual giving programing, and identifying opportunities around institutional partnerships.

 

Now entering its 38th season, Opera San José is one of the three pillar arts institutions in Silicon Valley and is unique in the nation maintaining a Resident Company of artists.  With a $5M budget and annual fundraising goal of $3.5M, the company is in a growth period and has been at the forefront of the industry in developing new audience delivery methods and revenue sharing models.

 

 

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:                              

 

  • Establish annual goals for contributed revenue. Develop and execute strategies around increased giving opportunities.
  • Prepare and implement an annual fundraising plan, including projections, timetables, and deliverables.
  • Develop and implement strategies for direct mail and electronic fundraising, communications and cultivation efforts, including events and subscriber benefits.
  • Oversee grant proposals. Research and analyze grant-funding sources from private foundations as well as federal, state, and local agencies. Prepare grant funding applications for submittal and assist with the preparation of quarterly or annual reports as required by granting agencies. Create and maintain all grant application materials, reporting materials, templates, grant letters, grant agreements, etc.
  • Oversee the planning and execution of fundraising events throughout the year.

 

Requirements for Consideration

  • 3+ years of senior-level fundraising experience with a track record of success in gift cultivation and solicitation.
  • Vision to develop new advancement programs and execute successfully.
  • Exceptional customer service and relationship building skills.
  • Demonstrated success identifying institutional funding opportunities and writing grant proposals.
  • Strong written and verbal skills with the ability to communicate smoothly and efficiently with company members, donors and patrons, guest artists, musicians, and trustees.
  • Excellent project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects independently and simultaneously in a busy environment. Maintain strong judgement, discretion and integrity under stressful circumstances.
  • Ability to work some evenings and weekend hours, and to travel around the Bay Area as needed.
  • Passion for and knowledge of the performing arts.
  • Ability to analyze and synthesize complex data.
  • Thrives in a fast-paced environment with a strong work ethic with a results-driven attitude.
  • The ability to assert influence in ensuring deadlines are met, and leadership stays on track to critical deliverables or communication timelines.
  • Demonstrated track record of handling a variety of constituencies and multiple priorities simultaneously.

 

 

Preferred Experience & Skills

  • Experience successfully managing non-profit direct mail and membership programs.
  • Comfortable being in a front-facing role and speaking before groups or individuals.
  • Bilingual in Spanish or Chinese.
  • Experience working with a CRM database.

 

Compensation

Compensation based on candidate’s relevant experience and track record of securing major gifts. This position is classified as full-time, salaried exempt and is therefore not eligible for overtime pay.  This position is eligible for company benefits which currently include paid-time-off, shared-cost health insurance plans, flexible spending account, and pre-tax savings program.  Benefits may change from time to time as Management determines.

 

Company Culture

Opera San José cultivates a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork and respect among all employees. We are firmly committed to maintaining a work atmosphere in which people of diverse backgrounds may grow personally and professionally. Opera San José is an equal opportunity employer. It is our strong belief that equal opportunity for all employees is central to the continuing success of our organization. We will not discriminate against an employee or applicant for employment because of race, religion, gender, national origin, ethnicity, age, physical disabilities, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, or veteran status in hiring, promoting, training, benefits, recommendations, rate of pay or other forms of compensation. Opportunity is provided to all employees based on qualifications and job requirements.

 

To Apply

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume to Careers@OperaSJ.org. Please include “Director of Advancement” in the subject line of your email.

 

Institutional Advancement Manager


Responsibilities

The Institutional Advancement Manager will play a key role in the fundraising efforts of Opera San José.   This position reports to the Managing Director, Institutional Strategy & Advancement and supports the operations of the department through maintenance of gift entry, donor correspondence and mailing, cultivation efforts, and logistical support. The Institutional Advancement Manager will provide strong administrative support to all fundraising activities; interacting with donors, Board Members, Friends of Opera San José volunteers, patrons and subscribers. The ideal candidate is a highly self-motivated professional with excellent project management skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities independently.

 

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:                              

  • Ensure accuracy and maintenance of all donor records, including communications history and all relevant data through use of databases. Work closely with the Business Intelligence Manager to ensure the integrity of the database and create accurate donor reports and mailing lists.
  • Provide insight into donor trends and success rates of fundraising efforts.
  • Write and manage communications to steward and cultivate donors at every level, work with the Business Intelligence Manager to ensure timely and effective donor acknowledgement and communications.
  • Support engagement activities and events including logistics, stewardship and engagement tracking, and donor recognition integrity.
  • Conduct donor, foundation and grant research to support cultivation of new philanthropy streams.
  • Provide administrative, clerical, and operational support to the department including material preparation and meeting scheduling.
  • Provide administrative support to the Board of Directors through the maintenance of the Board Portal and preparation of materials for Board meetings.
  • Work with OSJ’s affinity groups to encourage leadership development and determine strategy to align with institutional priorities.

 

Preferred Experience & Skills

  • BA Degree, or at least 2 years prior experience working in the non-profit sector.
  • Strong customer service experience
  • Exceptional attention to detail and follow-through.
  • Demonstrated ability to problem solve and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
  • Outstanding verbal and written communication skills.
  • Demonstrated success working collaboratively and cooperatively with others as part of a team.
  • Maintain confidentiality.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Applications.
  • Working knowledge and use of CRM database systems.

 

Compensation

Opera San José offers competitive wages for its industry and location.  This position is classified as salaried exempt which will be paid an annual salary and is not eligible for over-time pay.  Salary is approximately $65,000 depending on experience.  This position is eligible for company benefits, which currently include paid-time-off, health plans, flexible spending accounts, and pre-tax savings program.  Benefits may change from time to time as Management determines.

 

Work Location

Work is required primarily on-site in order to interface with patrons and donors.  Some remote work is possible with approval.  Main location is at Opera San José’s offices at 2149 Paragon Drive, San Jose CA.  On performance days, work location is the California Theatre Box Office at 345 S 1st Street, San Jose CA.  There are 24 performances annually which are evenings or weekend matinees.  Events may be scheduled on occasion at other locations requiring Development team presence.

Company Culture

Opera San José, in desiring a more equitable world, is committed to fostering equity in our art form. Opera in the twenty-first century can and should demonstrate today’s values of equity and inclusion. We believe in building, fostering and sustaining a company that reflects, celebrates and serves the diverse communities of the Bay Area. Opera San José cultivates a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork and respect among all employees. We are firmly committed to maintaining a work atmosphere in which people of diverse backgrounds may grow personally and professionally.

Opera San José is an equal opportunity employer. It is our strong belief that equal opportunity for all employees is central to the continuing success of our organization. We will not discriminate against an employee or applicant for employment because of race, religion, gender, national origin, ethnicity, age, physical disabilities, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, or veteran status in hiring, promoting, training, benefits, recommendations, rate of pay or other forms of compensation. Opportunity is provided to all employees based on qualifications and job requirements.

 

To Apply

Interested applicants should submit a Cover Letter and Resume to Careers@operasj.org. Please include “Institutional Advancement Manager” in the subject line of your email.