Development Manager
DESCRIPTION
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 $4M 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.
Please visit our about us page to learn more about who we are, what we do, and the values we embrace.
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.
Desired Start Date: July 21, 2025
BENEFITS
Pay Range: $68,000 - $75,000 Annual
A dynamic and collaborative work environment with a leading contemporary opera company
Opportunities for professional development and growth
Complimentary tickets to performances and events
- Heal
HOW TO APPLY
Please submit your resume, a cover letter detailing your interest in the position, any relevant experience, and two writing samples (preferably a grant proposal and a donor appeal letter) to employment@operaparallele.org with the subject line “Development Manager Application – [Your Name].” Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled; applicants who apply prior to July 1, 2025, will be given priority review. Due to the volume of applicants, only candidates who will be invited to interview will be contacted.
Application Deadline: July 1, 2025
Application Email/Link: employment@operaparallele.org