Patron Services and Development Associate
DESCRIPTION
Job Title: Patron Services and Development Associate
Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Department: Shared between Patron Services and Development
Reports To: Associate Director of Patron Services
FLSA Status: Not Eligible for OT (Exempt)
Classification: Full Time
Salary Range: $40,000-$45,000
Arizona Opera seeks a detail-oriented and customer-focused professional to join our team, supporting both Patron Services and Development functions with a focus on driving excellence and cultivating audience growth through high-level patron stewardship.
Founded in 1971, Arizona Opera is a cornerstone of the arts and culture community in Arizona, serving both Phoenix and Tucson with a mission to connect and inspire its communities through artistically vibrant programs and productions that combine music, storytelling, and the human voice. Over the years, Arizona Opera has become known for its innovative productions, prolific education and community-centric programming, and commitment to both classic and contemporary works.
At the heart of Arizona Opera’s vision is a deep commitment to creating transformative experiences through the power of opera. This commitment is evident in Arizona Opera’s mainstage productions, its community engagement initiatives, and its education programs that reach across the state, bringing the art form to diverse audiences and inspiring future generations of artists and opera lovers alike.
Like many performing arts organizations around the country, Arizona Opera is navigating the challenges of the post-pandemic landscape, including issues affecting attendance and contributed income. To address these challenges, Arizona Opera has recently adopted a new strategic plan, focused on financial and organizational sustainability, education, community engagement and collaboration.
PATRON SERVICES
Make outbound sales, fundraising calls and emails. Answer and direct incoming calls and emails Traffic box office requests as needed. Respond to requests in a timely and professional manner Direct specific inquiries to the appropriate staff member/department as appropriate
Utilize the company’s CRM (Tessitura) to process ticket orders, exchanges, and donations at window and via telephone, mail, or fax
File and organize season orders and post mail orders to outgoing mail at the end of each day
Post Arizona Opera events to third party calendars
Attend all Arizona Opera performances and select events (including some nights and weekends), as required, to serve as Box Office representative and provide logistical support
DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION
Ensure the integrity of data entry in company’s CRM (Tessitura), including name, address & salutation formatting, gift designation (campaigns, funds, purpose codes), and all associated information
Process, receipt, and deposit all gifts in a timely and accurate manner (including pledges, planned gifts, recurring gifts, tribute gifts, etc.)
Process matching gifts, electronic transactions, and stock/securities
Oversee pledge tracking and pledge maintenance
Develop and generate weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual financial and advancement reports
Ensure all gifts receive timely, personalized acknowledgements within 48 hours of gift receipt
Work with Development Director to write personalized acknowledgement letters for major donors and institutional funders
Ensure accurate and timely donor recognition for all individual and institutional donors in printed materials, programs, and digital communication
Manage timely distribution of benefits materials to new donors, including communication regarding parking, upcoming events, and other events as appropriate
Assist with board meeting preparations and meeting minutes
QUALIFICATIONS
Strong organizational and communication skills.
Strong writing skills and attention to detail
Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
Excellent interpersonal skills to build and maintain relationships with patrons, donors, teachers, community partners, and other stakeholders
Passion for opera and the arts strongly preferred
THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE WILL:
Effectively prioritize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously to meet deadlines consistently
Have an attitude of service, a commitment to ongoing learning, and ability to contribute to a team
Take ownership and responsibility to solve problems and achieve business goals while seeking help from others when appropriate
Be an active listener possessing excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, in one-on-one and group settings
Be self-directed and work independently in a fast-paced work environment focused on growth
Exercise sound judgment, handle confidential matters with discretion, and develop a broad knowledge of the institution’s programs, practices, policies, and procedures
COMPUTER SKILLS:
Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel & PowerPoint
Experience with Tessitura or other CRM/donor database software (or willingness to learn)
Experience with basic publication design preferred (Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, Canva)
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Extended periods at work station, using a keyboard, viewing a computer screen and communicating by telephone and in person. Some special event set up and break down may be required.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Work environment is generally quiet, and in an office setting, but intensifies during periods when the company is in production.
TRAVEL/OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
Primary residency in the Phoenix, Arizona metropolitan area is required. Reliable transportation required and must be able to travel statewide. Flexible schedule that will require working some nights and weekends to attend events, performances, rehearsals, etc.
TO APPLY: Send cover letter, resume and names and contact information for three references to hr@azopera.org.
The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.
The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the position change.
Arizona Opera is an Equal Opportunity employer. The Arizona Opera does not discriminate against an Employee or candidate for employment because of his or her race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin or nationality, age, disability, veteran status, marital status or any other legally protected status. We prohibit discrimination in all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, compensation, benefits, engagements, assignments, training, discipline, termination, promotions or other conditions of employment or career development. We offer Reasonable Accommodations where necessary to candidates for employment and to our qualified employees with disabilities.
Desired Start Date: September 2, 2025
BENEFITS
Pay Range: $40,000 - $45,000 Annual
This position is eligible to participate in Arizona Opera's benefit programs, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, life and long-term disability insurance, and Paid Time Off (including sick, vacation, and holidays).
HOW TO APPLY
Send cover letter, resume and names and contact information for three references to hr@azopera.org.