Manager of Donor Communications

Opera Theatre of Saint Louis is hiring a Manager of Donor Communications, who is responsible for the efficient and effective solicitation, acknowledgement, and stewardship of donors. This position is the designer and creator of written and in-house materials for the development department. Success in this position looks like timely delivery of compelling, brand appropriate communications for the Development department.

Responsibilities Include:

• Design, develop, and execute an annual communication plan for OTSL’s interactions with donors, including strategy, schedule, and engagement goals for:
  • Timely and compelling acknowledgment letter templates.
  • Warm personalization of selected solicitation and acknowledgement letters.
  • Solicitation and stewardship for the Patron and Friends of the Festival programs, in partnership with the Senior Manager for Donor Engagement.
  • Solicitation and stewardship for the Intermezzo Society and National Patrons Council programs.
  • Event collateral, working in partnership with the Deputy Director of Development, Institutional Giving and Events.
• Propose and guide Development social media strategies and other digital communications for special events, membership acquisition, & renewals throughout the year, working with the PR/Marketing team on execution and strategy.
• Serve as the liaison between the Development and PR/Marketing teams, scheduling, planning, and executing inter-departmental meetings. Facilitate an ongoing focus on shared objectives and deadlines for those departments.
• Draft and route written materials for department, including:
  • Solicitation and acknowledgment letters for Chairman, General Director, and Director of Development; and
  • Ongoing stewardship communication for donors.
• Develop and implement communication strategies to support the growth of Opera Theatre’s planned giving programs.
• Develop compelling sponsorship materials for the corporate sponsorship committee, in partnership with the Deputy Director of Development, Institutional Giving and Events.
• Write and design Opera Theatre’s annual report and manage the routing and approval process from all departments.
• Serve as liaison with outside graphic designers, choosing vendors, creating timelines, and developing project plans for all development printed materials.
• Proof-reading, appointment setting, meeting preparation, and event staffing for the development department as necessary.

Experience & Qualifications

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• An ability to build relationships with donors and prospective donors.
• Extraordinary attention to detail and a commitment to meeting deadlines.
• Proficiency with word processing and Adobe software.

Compensation & Hours

• Compensation: $55,000-$60,000 annual salary plus benefits.
• This is a full-time, exempt position.
• Opera Theatre has a flexible work policy which allows for some hybrid work and asynchronous schedule arrangements.
• Some weekend and evening hours may be required, specifically during Opera Theatre’s festival season (May-June).

To Apply

Applicants for the position are asked to submit a resume along with a cover letter that describes their interest in the position, and outlines their relevant experience and qualifications.

Apply Here

About Opera Theatre of Saint Louis

Opera Theatre of Saint Louis (OTSL) is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization known for innovative productions featuring outstanding young artists. The company offers a festival opera season each spring which attracts ticket buyers from zip codes throughout the metropolitan area, as well as visitors from nearly 50 states and multiple countries. As of 2023, OTSL has presented 37 world premieres, which may be the highest percentage of new work in the repertory of any American company. In addition to the spring Festival Season, OTSL operates year-round education and community programs serving nearly 17,000 local children and adults.

Opera Theatre of Saint Louis has a year-round artistic and administrative staff of approximately 45, which grows to more than 500 during the Festival Season. Several hundred volunteer members of the Opera Theatre Guild provide support for all aspects of Opera Theatre’s work and advocate for the company throughout the greater St. Louis community. The company’s annual budget size is approximately $12.5 million; contributed revenue represents more than 50% of budget.

Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
At Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, we value equity, diversity, and mutual respect. We strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, women, people with disabilities, and others who have been historically excluded to apply. Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative of our vibrant community. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

OTSL will not discriminate against employees or applicants on the basis of race, color, religion or belief; national, social, or ethnic origin; age; sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression; physical, mental, or sensory disability; family or parental status; genetic information or characteristics; protected veteran status; or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law. OTSL will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.

If you need assistance or an accommodation in completing an application, interviewing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please contact mmyers@operatheatrestl.org.