Opportunities

We are currently seeking a strategic and results-driven Senior Manager, Individual Giving to join our team to lead our individual giving and lottery fundraising pillars. You are highly collaborative and understand results-driven, strategic, community-centric fundraising. You are a skilled communicator and know how to plan and deliver campaigns that articulate Vancouver Opera’s role in our community. You are results-oriented, data-driven, creative, and curious.

You have a passion for the performing arts and for contributing to Vancouver’s cultural scene. Most of all, you work well within a positive and dynamic team across departments and are always willing to pitch in.

In this position, you will be responsible for leading our Individual Giving (gifts under $1,500) fundraising pillar, as well as our closely related Lotteries program. At the direction of the Director of Development, you will also help execute key donor events, support ongoing communications with all of Vancouver Opera’s donors, lead our volunteer program, and contribute to the ongoing strategic research and analysis necessary to continuously advance our fundraising goals. You will work closely with a small but mighty team to ensure that Vancouver Opera’s financial goals are met. We work collaboratively as a team to always ensure exceptional quality for our donors, our audience members, and our larger Vancouver Opera community.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Responsible for leading the Individual Giving and Lottery funding pillars for Vancouver Opera’s development department across the following functions:

CAMPAIGN LEADERSHIP

Working closely with the Director of Development, you will create and execute all annual fundraising campaigns for key windows and appeals (e.g., Giving Tuesday, end-of-year, education & outreach, anniversary year, etc.), including:

Develop key themes, messages, and story arcs; work closely with Marketing on the development of written content.

Create a visual approach and design assets in collaboration with Marketing.

Analyze, prepare, and continuously refine segmented contact lists.

Work closely with Marketing to develop editorial calendars for both email and social media content.

Collaborate with VO’s Engagement & Civic Practice leadership to align VO’s needs and values with campaign appeals and messaging.

Develop direct mail materials, where desired.

Oversee in-house telefunding, including the development of calling scripts and supporting materials, analyzing progress, and processing donations.

ONGOING INDIVIDUAL-LEVEL FUNDRAISING
You will lead Vancouver Opera’s ongoing Individual Giving (donations under $1,500) efforts throughout the year, including:

Oversee the Development portions of Vancouver Opera’s website, ensuring functionality, relevance, and ease of use.

Promptly process donations as they come in, including providing support for major gift processing.

Properly and promptly oversee and deliver on tax receipt requirements.

Lead Development’s use of Tessitura (Customer Relationship Management software), collaborating closely with Box Office and Marketing on opportunities for continuous improvement.

Create memorable communications and meaningful experiences for donors, including an annual donor appreciation event.

Continuously look for opportunities for donor engagement and communications throughout the year, working closely with the Director of Development to test and execute new ideas and initiatives.

LOTTERY
You will lead Vancouver Opera’s three lotteries per year, including:

Execute all legal and regulatory requirements for licensing and reporting for VO Lotteries.

Secure prize vehicles for car lotteries, in collaboration with a long-time sponsor.

Oversee development of written and design assets for each lottery, in collaboration with Marketing.

Oversee the lottery website and ensure appropriate back-end functionality.

Manage all lottery-related communications and marketing, including direct mail, in close collaboration with Marketing.

Oversee the drawing of lotto winners and communication of results, in compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

Analyze lotto data and make strategic recommendations to the Director of Development under the approach of continuous improvement.

VOLUNTEERS
This position oversees Vancouver Opera’s ever-growing volunteer program, including:

Maintain and grow VO’s volunteer database, looking for opportunities to welcome new volunteers.

Manage volunteer sign-ups for shows, events, and other initiatives as needed.

Field and facilitate requests from all VO departments for volunteers.

Oversee volunteers whenever needed, serving as their primary point-person and supervisor.

Recognize, thank, and celebrate VO’s volunteers for their contributions.

SHOWS & EVENTS
VO staff work collaboratively at each performance and event to ensure exceptional quality for our audiences and donors. This role requires you to:

Attend all mainstage performances throughout the year, overseeing volunteers, liaising with donors, and providing event support to the Director of Development as needed.

Lead aspects of the annual Vancouver Opera Gala-on-the-Stage, in collaboration with the Director of Development and the Senior Manager, Major Gifts & Events.

Lend assistance for events and non-mainstage performances, including major donor events, VO’s free concert series, Opera in the Park, and other performances and events as they arise.

Supervise volunteers for all shows and events, serving as their key point-person on behalf of VO.

Provide additional event support (including assisting with major donors, supporting Opera Under 40 nights, etc.) as directed by the Director of Development.

REPORTING

Report weekly to the Director of Development on the progress of current campaigns, appeals, and lotteries.

Assist in preparing reporting documents, research, analysis, and materials for the Board of Directors and its committees.

Meet as needed with the Executive Director and senior leadership team to execute individual giving initiatives and support company-wide initiatives.

This position is responsible for the successful adherence to budget for all Individual Giving and Lottery initiatives, regular budget reporting, and assisting the Director of Development in creating budgets for future years.

QUALIFICATIONS

At least five years of related experience, preferably with an arts and culture organization, or in a non-profit organization of similar size.

Advanced degree or equivalent certifications in business, fundraising, the arts, or a related field.

CFRE designation is an asset but not required.

Equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

CORE KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

Demonstrated ability to oversee, implement, and manage projects — a driven and self-motivated individual who owns their areas and outcomes.

Ability to work in a highly collaborative team environment across departments and job functions.

Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal.

Effective business planning, strategic analysis, and project management skills.

Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively with donors, volunteers, Board members, and other key stakeholder groups.

Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

Ability to work in a fast-paced, rapidly changing environment with tight timelines and competing priorities.

Strong attention to detail and pride in exceptionally executed materials, communications, and events.

Strong digital proficiency across platforms; experience with Tessitura, Raiser’s Edge, or other CRM systems is highly desirable.

Passion for arts and culture. Experience as an artist or creative is highly desirable.

EMPLOYMENT AND BENEFITS
This is a salaried, full-time position subject to a standard 3-month probationary period. The salary range is $65,000 – $70,000, dependent on experience.

This position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement. The successful candidate will be required to work in-office at least 2 days per week, with the remainder eligible for remote work. Vancouver Opera’s offices are located at 1945 McLean Drive, Vancouver.

This position includes 15 days of paid vacation, in addition to company-wide days off in December. As a performing arts organization, VO team members also regularly work at performances and events outside of regular office hours; such assignments are eligible for time-banking.

Upon completing the probationary period, the successful candidate will be eligible for Vancouver Opera’s employee benefits, including extended health and dental, as well as an RRSP matching program.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Send applications to Kayleigh Harrison: kharrison@vancouveropera.ca
Applications will be reviewed as they are received; the posting will remain open until filled.

Candidates offered a position will be required to obtain a criminal record check verifying a clear record.

Candidates must be legally eligible to work in Canada.