Reporting to the Senior Donor Engagement Officer, The Dallas Opera Friends Program Manager is responsible for leading and advancing the Friends ($50 - $2,999) of The Dallas Opera Program, the foundation of the company’s Individual Giving Program, and developing and implementing the Friends donor communications plan. Collaborating closely with the Individual Giving Team and Donor Communications Manager, the Friends Program Manager will grow the Friends segment of the donor pipeline. Additionally, the Friends Program Manager will create a donor communications plan, inspiring donors and donor prospects to experience and more deeply understand the impact of their Dallas Opera giving.

Responsibilities:

• Cultivate, solicit, and steward prospects and donors at all Friends levels to meet or exceed annual revenue goals.
• Develop, lead, implement, and assess the monthly, calendar year-end, and fiscal year-end fundraising appeals. Track results and apply lessons learned to next steps and new projects.
• Work closely with the Development Database and Membership Manager to plan and implement a multi-channel Friends Program using best practices. Channels include face-to-face, direct mail, email, outbound calling programs, and social media.
• Regularly update Tessitura with call and email reports and new information about donors and donor prospects.
• Collaborate cross-departmentally (with artistic, education, finance, marketing, and other departments as needed) to generate compelling cases for support and donor impact stories.
• Manage Friends donor benefit program, annually assessing donor benefits to measure effectiveness and advance future planning.
• Attend Dallas Opera performances and events to cultivate prospects and deepen donor relationships.
• Seek to diversify The Dallas Opera’s donor base and intentionally work to make sure fundraising efforts advance The Dallas Opera’s commitment to equity and belonging.
• Other duties as requested.

Traits and Characteristics:

• Positive and energetic—possesses the ability to communicate effectively with a diverse group of people, including donors, patrons, volunteers, and colleagues.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and possesses strong critical thinking skills.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.

Skills and Knowledge:

• High level of persuasive communication skills - in print, online, and in person.
• Excellent communication, writing, and editing skills.
• Passion for opera or the arts preferred.
• Minimum of two years of face-to-face fundraising experience ideal.
• Knowledge of Tessitura a plus.

Other Considerations:

Compensation                              Competitive salary

Benefits include health, vision, and dental insurance, vacation time, no-cost parking, and professional development opportunities to increase knowledge-base and employee retention.

Education                                       Bachelor’s degree strongly preferred

Location                                          Dallas, Texas

Website                                          dallasopera.org

Travel                                              None

Not sure you meet 100% of our qualifications? Research shows that men apply for jobs when they meet an average of 60% of the criteria. Yet, women and other people who are systematically marginalized tend to only apply if they meet every requirement. If you believe that you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply. Please use your cover letter to tell us about your interest in The Dallas Opera and what you hope to bring to this role.

The Dallas Opera values diversity in the workplace and is committed to creating an equitable and inclusive work environment where employees are treated with dignity and respect. The Dallas Opera is an equal opportunity employer and maintains a policy of non-discrimination with all employees and applicants for employment. This position will remain open until a diverse and qualified pool of candidates has been identified. Applications from populations underrepresented in the arts are strongly encouraged to apply.

To apply, please send a cover letter no longer than two pages and resume to recruitment@dallasopera.org, using the subject line “Friends Program Manager.” Please send PDF file only.

No phone calls please.