Development Associate

Reports to: Director of Development

Classification: Full-time

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm (early mornings, evenings, and weekends often needed, especially in preparation for and during the summer festival)

Application Deadline: January 20, 2025

COMPANY:

Founded in 1932, Central City Opera (CCO) is the fifth oldest professional opera company in the country and is renowned for exquisite world-class productions, a robust young artist training program, creative education activities, and community engagement. Our annual summer opera festival takes place at 8,500 feet above sea level in the Colorado mountain town of Central City, only 35 miles west of Denver, where the company owns and maintains 28 Victorian-era properties, including the intimate 550-seat jewel box opera house built in 1878.

The Vision and Mission of CCO include using the power of the arts and historic preservation to enhance lives and communities while enriching the lives and communities of those we serve and providing a welcoming, inclusive environment of beauty and meaning.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Central City Opera (CCO) seeks a Development Associate, a critical role within the Development Team at CCO, which generates philanthropic and volunteer support for the company. The Development Associate works closely with the Director of Development and other team members to execute the company’s fundraising, stewardship, and donor relations initiatives. This role manages the operations of the development department, stewards a small portfolio of donors, and assists with key CCO events and other fundraising activities. The Development Associate serves as a liaison for the Central City Opera Guild, coordinating annual Guild events, and supports donor communications, benefit fulfillment, and donor pipeline growth. These tasks are crucial to building relationships with CCO donors and stakeholders and drive financial stability for the company.

Essential Responsibilities    

• Under minimal supervision, the Development Associate works with the Director of Development and other team members as necessary to create and implement the company’s fundraising, stewardship and donor relations programs.
• Manage a small portfolio of donors in permanent stewardship status.
• In collaboration with the Director of Development and Special Events Manager, assist with the planning and implementation of important CCO events including:
  • Theatre of Dreams Gala
  • Flower Girl Presentation & Yellow Rose Ball
  • Festival Opening Night Celebrations (2-3 each season)
  • Other stewardship and cultivation events associated with the Summer Festival (including donor receptions and performance-related events)
• Serve as a staff liaison for CCO with the Central City Opera Guild, and work closely with the Special Events and Donor Relations Manager to implement annual Guild events including:
  • Guild Annual Meeting & Board Meetings
  • The Guild’s “L’Esprit de Noel” Home Tour Event
  • The Guild’s Opera Teaser
  • CCO Guild’s Planting Day
  • Other ad-hoc events to support CCO Guild and Board Relations
• Assist Director of Development in liaising with members of the Board of Directors.
• Manage donor acknowledgement and benefit fulfillment communications and processes.
• Support CCO’s efforts to enhance its donor pipeline by utilizing Raiser’s Edge NXT (RENXT) and ticketing software, closely coordinating with the Development team and CCO’s Patron Services staff.
• Work in close partnership with the Director of Development and CCO Accounting team to ensure the proper allocation of all endowed fund distributions, consistent with the gift agreement and the donor’s wishes and intentions.
• Assist the Director of Development and CCO Accounting team with gift tracking, required matches, and allocation of all funds raised for Central City Opera Properties 501(c)(2).
• In partnership and close collaboration with Director of Development, as well as CCO’s Marketing and Communications team, strategize around and produce several fundraising appeals throughout the year.
• Represent Central City Opera at donor and volunteer events to support the Company in its effort to deepen relationships and cultivate donors.
• Manage donor relations budget and review “budget-to-actual” status on a regular basis with the Director of Development, and address any significant concerns.
• Secure sponsorships and in-kind contributions for fundraising and stewardship events, in collaboration with development team members.
• Completes other special projects and duties as assigned by the Director of Development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent combination of experience and education;
• A minimum of 3-5 years of experience in fundraising or development;
• Passion for opera and the arts strongly preferred;
• Basic knowledge of fundraising principles and the funding process;
• Proficient with RENXT or other CRM/donor database software, Raiser’s Edge preferred;
• Attention to detail, analytical skills, and problem-solving abilities;
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, Teams, and PowerPoint;
• Proficient in web-based research tools;
• Must be available to work evening/weekend events, as required.

Skills and Abilities

• Patron-centric and customer-focused, with excellent phone, email, and in-person service;
• Detail-oriented and analytical, with ability to handle several tasks simultaneously;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with demonstrated ability to motivate and inspire through the written word;
• Expert ability to establish, maintain and enhance interpersonal relationships, including ability to coordinate and manage volunteers;
• Ability to function in a collaborative environment while also working independently;
• Amenable to fluctuating work schedules during busy periods, including the summer festival;
• Displays original thinking and generates creative solutions;
• Commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion;
• Works well in group problem solving situations, developing alternative approaches and ideas for improving work systems and outcomes;
• Uses intuition and experience to interpret and complement data;
• Driving to Central City and other event locations required;
• Bi-lingual candidates encouraged;
• Ability to lift 30 pounds;
• Valid Driver’s License.

BENEFITS

• A comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage;
• 100% paid life insurance and long-term disability insurance;
• Sick time, paid time-off for flexible personal use, and office holidays;
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with immediate eligibility to contribute.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

CCO is committed to creating and sustaining an inclusive and equitable work environment. Equity, diversity, and inclusion are core values and we are currently working to expand our capacities in these areas with a company-wide understanding that this is an ongoing process that must be embedded into the fabric of the organization. We encourage candidates who identify as BIPOC, LGBTQ , otherwise-abled, and other underrepresented identities to apply. All applications will receive consideration for employment.

Salary : $55 - $65