Executive Director
DESCRIPTION
ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW
Founded in 2011, Pacific Opera Project (POP) reimagines opera as an affordable adventure by making unforgettable, entertaining performances accessible for all. We envision that opera will become a greater part of popular culture as we develop a diverse community of opera lovers and further the careers of talented creators through bold, inspiring performances. Now in its 16th season, POP has earned a national reputation for bold productions, imaginative direction, and a joyful approach to the art form. The Los Angeles Times recently included POP among the "Best of 2024 in Classical Music." POP presents a dynamic mix of reimagined classics, rediscovered gems, and groundbreaking new productions in venues ranging from outdoor gardens and historic theaters to intimate clubs and community spaces. With frequently sold-out performances, a devoted and expanding audience, and enthusiastic critical acclaim, POP is widely recognized as one of the most exciting opera companies in the country.
POP is in a period of significant organizational growth. Since 2023, the organization has nearly doubled to a budget of $1.47M in FY27. POP has established its first-ever endowment and secured transformative multi-year foundation support, building the financial infrastructure to match the company's artistic ambition. The new Executive Director joins a healthy, well-positioned organization with real momentum, and the opportunity to lead its next chapter of growth.
POSITION SUMMARY
Reporting to the Board of Directors and the Founding Artistic Director & CEO, and working in close partnership with him, the Executive Director leads development, finance, and strategic advancement for Pacific Opera Project, ensuring artistic ambition is matched by institutional strength and long-term sustainability. This role calls for a magnetic organizational ambassador, a courageous fundraiser, a disciplined financial steward, and a strategic mind with an understanding of POP's unique brand and a deep knowledge of the performing arts, especially opera and classical music — equipped to guide the organization through its next chapter of growth. The Executive Director serves as POP's principal fundraiser and steward of its most significant donor and funder relationships, while overseeing finance, institutional awareness, and organizational partnerships, and fostering a culture of trust, accountability, and collaboration across the staff. This is a deep generalist leadership role: the Executive Director moves fluidly between high-level strategy and hands-on execution, balancing big-picture vision with the day-to-day work of running an ambitious organization.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Fundraising & Donor Relationships
Serve as POP's principal fundraiser, holding and cultivating the organization's most significant donor and institutional funder relationships
In partnership with the Director of Development & Patron Engagement, lead the annual fundraising campaign, fundraising calendar, and major gifts strategy
Personally lead relationship-building with POP's major donors and funders, from cultivation through stewardship
With the Director of Development & Patron Engagement and the Grant Writer, oversee grant strategy and reporting, ensuring compliance and timely submissions
Financial Stewardship
Own organizational budgeting, cash flow projections, and financial forecasting
Partner with the board treasurer and bookkeeper/accountant to ensure accurate, timely financial reporting, and complete annual financial audits
Prepare financial reports for the Finance Committee and board meetings
Monitor organizational financial health and make strategic resource allocation decisions
Board Relations
Serve as primary staff liaison to the Board of Directors, preparing board reports and facilitating board engagement
Partner with the board on governance, committee structure, and board development
With the Chair of the Development & Nominating Committee, lead board recruitment strategy
Ensure timely, transparent communication between staff leadership and the board
Strategic Growth & Advancement
Lead organizational strategic planning and track progress against multi-year goals
Identify and pursue opportunities for organizational growth, including new revenue streams, partnerships, and institutional positioning
Cultivate and manage key organizational partnerships across the LA arts ecosystem
Serve as the public face and ambassador of POP at performances, donor events, and community functions
Partner with the Marketing Manager to oversee brand strategy and expand POP's visibility and reach across the LA arts community
People & Culture
Lead hiring, evaluation, and management of senior staff, with full authority over staffing decisions
Directly supervise and guide staff, providing clear direction and accountability across the organization
Cultivate a workplace where staff feel trusted, connected to POP's mission, and supported in doing their best work
Lead the team with consistency and transparency, modeling the collaborative, generalist spirit expected of all POP staff
Support staff growth and retention within a small, high-performing team
Collaborate with the board and 360 Review Committee to administer annual 360 reviews
WHO YOU ARE
You are an experienced nonprofit leader with a track record of soliciting and closing major gifts of $100,000 and above, and building lasting institutional partnerships
You are comfortable initiating donor and board conversations alike, and making courageous, thoughtful asks
You can think strategically about the organization's future and execute the work yourself, moving fluidly between vision and hands-on leadership
You are an excellent communicator, comfortable writing copy and collaborating with a grant writer to shape institutional messaging
You are energized by data — financial, fundraising, and audience — and know how to read it, act on it, and communicate what it means to a board
You have a strong understanding of nonprofit finance; experience with QuickBooks Online is a plus
You have experience working in the world of opera and/or classical music, and can communicate that enthusiasm authentically to patrons and donors
You take great care to build a positive, collaborative, and transparent working environment for your team
You are flexible and responsive, able to make clear decisions and move nimbly as the organization grows
You thrive leading a small, high-performing team where everyone owns both strategy and execution
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
5+ years of senior nonprofit leadership experience, with demonstrated success in major gift solicitation and portfolio management
Experience partnering with a Board of Directors on governance, strategic planning, and board development
Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting
Familiarity with patron development models and audience engagement strategy
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage a portfolio of relationships without losing the personal touch
High-level marketing and branding awareness, with knowledge of how to position an organization for brand growth and impact
Clear written and verbal communication skills; ability to write compelling donor-facing and organizational content
A genuine passion for the performing arts and deep knowledge of opera or classical music
Must have the ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends for performances, board meetings, donor events, and community programs
Comfort with technology and the ability to learn multiple platforms
SCHEDULE This is a full-time, exempt hybrid position with a flexible schedule. Core hours are Monday–Friday with the autonomy to manage your own time and workflow. Evening and weekend availability is required for performances, donor events, and special rehearsals.
Desired Start Date: December 1, 2026
BENEFITS
Pay Range: $110,000 - $120,000 Annual
Includes health (Kaiser Permanente) and dental (Delta) benefits for ED (premiums covered 75%) and dependents (covered 50%). Access to Traditional and Roth 403(b) retirement options.
HOW TO APPLY
To be considered, please submit a cover letter and resume by October 15, 2026, to ad@pacificoperaproject.com with "Executive Director" in the subject line.
Application Deadline: October 16, 2026
Application Email/Link: ad@pacificoperaproject.com