What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Membership & Engagement position at National Opera Center?
The Director of Membership & Engagement is a dynamic and strategic leader responsible for overseeing and expanding Merola Opera Program’s membership, marketing, and engagement strategies. This senior leadership role focuses on driving revenue growth, broadening visibility, and fostering deep connections with members, donors, and stakeholders locally, nationally, and globally.
This position will lead membership development, annual appeals, marketing and communication strategies, and initiatives to enhance donor experiences. In addition, the Director will oversee Merola’s branding efforts and partner closely with the Executive Director to craft compelling messaging that translates Merola’s impact into inspiring narratives for support.
The ideal candidate will be a visionary and results-driven individual with expertise in fundraising, membership acquisition and retention, marketing, and donor engagement. They will bring a collaborative approach to leadership and the ability to inspire and cultivate relationships with donors, members, and stakeholders at all levels.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities :
Membership, Fundraising and Revenue Growth
Oversee all annual appeals and solicitation campaigns, including membership acquisition and renewal strategies.
Develop and execute comprehensive strategies to grow Merola’s membership base, focusing on donors contributing up to $15,000 annually.
Design and implement innovative membership campaigns and benefits to increase retention and attract new members.
Explore and develop opportunities to engage and grow membership beyond the Bay Area, supporting Merola’s visibility and reach nationally and globally.
Analyze and track membership trends, conducting data-driven evaluations to refine strategies and maximize revenue.
Partner with the Executive Director and senior team on additional development strategies, including legacy giving, institutional giving, major gifts, and campaigns.
Donor Engagement & Stewardship
Foster meaningful relationships with donors and members, serving as the primary point of contact for mid- and lower-level contributors.
Design and implement stewardship programs and personalized engagement plans to enhance donor experiences.
Oversee donor recognition programs, including tailored benefits delivery.
Collaborate with the Executive Director to cultivate relationships with major donors, underwriters, and sponsors.
Marketing, Branding & Communications
Lead marketing and visibility initiatives to support membership growth and engagement, including digital campaigns, print collateral, and social media strategies, utilizing storytelling to translate Merola’s data and impact.
Partner with the Executive Director to develop messaging that builds stronger cases for support, highlighting Merola’s impact on alumni and members’ lives.
Manage Merola’s branding guidelines, ensuring consistent messaging and visual identity across all materials.
Oversee the development of compelling narratives and messaging for appeals, donor communications, and impact reports.
Write and / or oversee copy for patron communications, including emails, publications, press releases, website updates, and social media content.
Collaborate with external marketing consultants and staff to align messaging and outreach strategies with Merola’s strategic goals.
Event Planning & Execution
Partner with the Director of Operations & Events on planning and executing all member and donor events, ensuring seamless coordination and alignment with organizational goals.
Take the lead on member-specific responsibilities for events, including :
Ensuring that eligible members are invited to events based on their membership level.
Communicating event details with members, including personalized invitations and follow-up communications.
Staffing events and serving as the primary point of contact for members during events.
Following up with members after events to gather feedback, strengthen relationships, and encourage ongoing engagement.
Work closely with the Executive Director, Board, and staff to advance Merola’s North Star priorities and revenue goals.
Collaborate with staff and external consultants to manage data systems, including CRM tools, for tracking member and donor engagement.
Supervise the Member Services & Engagement Manager, providing guidance and support to ensure :
Timely and accurate processing and acknowledgment of all gifts.
Exceptional donor service, acting as a resource for donors with questions or needs.
Effective use and management of Merola’s patron database, including reporting, data analytics, and identifying trends to inform strategy.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in music, arts administration, marketing, communications, nonprofit management, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
Minimum five (5) years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, membership development, or marketing, with demonstrated success in growing revenue and engagement.
Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with donors, members, and stakeholders.
Experience managing marketing and branding efforts, including working with PR teams and external consultants.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience crafting compelling donor and member communications.
Proficiency in CRM systems and data management, with experience in donor cultivation and stewardship strategies.
Exceptional organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively, with a proactive approach to problem-solving and a commitment to organizational success.
Collaborative leadership style, with a commitment to fostering a culture of inclusion, respect, and innovation.
Ability to work evenings and weekends as required for events and performances.
Desired Start Date : March 3, 2025
BENEFITS
Pay Range : $110,000 - $120,000 Annual
Merola offers generous benefits that include medical, dental, and vision insurance, FSA, 401(k) match, paid vacation, paid sick time, and paid holidays.
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Salary : $110,000 - $120,000
