Special Events Manager

Application Deadline: January 20, 2025

Reports to: Director of Development

Work Schedule:

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

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 Special Events Manager. This is a critical role within the Development Team at CCO, which generates philanthropic and volunteer support by planning, managing and executing events for the Company. The Special Events Manager will work in collaboration with the Director of Development, as well as CCO Guild and Board committees, to plan, manage, and execute a variety of events to generate philanthropic and volunteer support.

Essential Responsibilities

• In collaboration with the Director of Development and CCO Leadership, plan and implement 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 lounge, major donor receptions and performance-related events)
• In collaboration with the Development team, CCO Guild volunteer leadership, Board, and committees, execute annual events that include the following:
  • Annual Meeting & Board Meetings
  • CCO Guild’s “L’Esprit de Noel” Home Tours
  • CCO Guild’s Opera Teaser
  • CCO Guild’s Planting Days
  • Other ad-hoc events to support CCO Guild and Board relations
• Serve as the main point of contact with caterers and event vendors for menu planning, budgeting and pricing, and day-of-event logistics.
• In partnership with Director of Development and CCO graphic designer, develop and produce invitations to CCO donor and public events.
• Represent Central City Opera at all donor and volunteer events to support the Company in its effort to deepen relationships and cultivate donors.
• In partnership with Director of Development, manage and review “budget-to-actual” status for events and programs on a regular basis and addresses any significant concerns
• Utilizes appropriate CCO tools and collaborative databases for tracking RSVPs, program participants, and to identify prospective participants for cultivation.
• Other duties and special projects as assigned by the Director of Development.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience in planning and managing events required;
• Passion for opera and the performing arts strongly preferred;
• Basic knowledge of fundraising principles and the funding process;
• Proficient with RE NXT or other CRM/donor database software, Raiser’s Edge preferred;
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel & PowerPoint;
• Proficient in web-based research tools;
• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent combination of experience and education;
• Must be available to work fluctuating schedule for evening/weekend events, as required;

Skills and Abilities

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with demonstrated ability to motivate and inspire through the written word;
• Patron-centric and customer service focused in phone, email, and in-person scenarios;
• Detail-oriented and able to plan, prioritize, and manage several projects simultaneously;
• Works well in group problem-solving situations, considering alternative approaches and generating creative solutions for improving work systems and outcomes;
• Ability to type and perform computer data entry functions in a timely and accurate manner;
• Knowledge of graphic design and design program(s) a plus;
• Outstanding interpersonal skills with the ability to function in a collaborative environment while also working independently;
• Expert ability to establish, maintain and enhance interpersonal relationships, including ability to coordinate and manage volunteers, and exercise diplomacy, discretion, flexibility, and collaboration with various levels of stakeholders;
• Commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion;
• Uses intuition and experience to interpret and complement data;
• Valid Driver’s License and ability to drive to Central City and other event locations;
• Bi-lingual candidates encouraged;
• Ability to lift 30 lbs.

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