Director of Special Events

REPORTS TO: Deputy General Director & Chief Advancement Officer

STATUS: Full-time, Exempt

Through artistic excellence coupled with innovative, relevant programming; initiatives to connect with and grow new audiences; engagement with communities to ignite creativity across Chicago; and a modernized Opera House that is the setting for truly great experiences, Lyric is leading the advancement of opera. This collaborative vision will deliver ever more exciting, thought-provoking and inclusive audience and community experiences – while increasing the gravitational pull of our art form, our company, and our city.

Lyric Opera of Chicago (Lyric) is one of the world’s great opera companies, renowned internationally for its artistic excellence. Lyric has an ambitious plan to increase annual fundraising and raise significant endowment and capital funds to ensure the future of the company. Philanthropy Officers serve as critical relationship managers with Lyric’s most generous donors, raising their philanthropic sights and generating significant philanthropic revenue for the organization.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Demonstrate leadership in accordance with Lyric’s mission and vision.
• Provide leadership and strategic management for all Lyric fundraising galas and events including the annual Lyric Opening Gala, annual Ryan Opera Center Gala, triennial Wine Auction, and other fundraising events as they arise.
• Responsible for all corporate and individual sponsorship sales for all fundraising events in collaboration with gift officers and committee members.
• Work in partnership with leadership event volunteer chairs (Women’s Board President and Gala Chairs, Ryan Opera Center President and Gala Chairs, etc.) and committees to meet fundraising goals and realize their vision for fundraising events.
• Work closely with Artistic, Technical, and Production departments to produce events in the opera house according to Lyric’s policies and collective bargaining agreements.
• Successfully manage expense budgets for fundraising events to meet revenue goals.
• Oversee all Lyric Opera stewardship events including Production Sponsor Dinners, Lyric Signature events, Grand Benefactor events, Ryan Opera Center events, Gift Planning events, and other events as they arise (over 60 annually).
• Manage special events team.
• Oversee the administration, operations, and promotion of the William B. and Catherine Graham Room, a project of the Lyric Women’s Board.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university.
• 7+ years’ experience in Development or related field.
• 5+ years’ experience working in a fundraising capacity directly with a volunteer board.
• Proven abilities in planning and implementation of marquee fundraising events required.
• Leadership and supervision of administrative staff.
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills, strong project-management and organizational competencies, and a demonstrated track record of success in solicitation of donors.
• Working knowledge and comfort working with:
• Microsoft suite of products
• CRM expertise (Tessitura a strong plus)
• Ability to work and think independently, a motivated self-starter who also works well in a larger team.

WORK CONDITIONS: 

• Ability to regularly oversee evenings or weekend functions, deployments, or performances.
• Sitting or standing for extended periods of time.
• Ability to operate a computer and handle other office equipment.

COMPENSATION:

Job Classification: Full-time, Exempt

Salary is $110,000-$120,000

Application Deadline: Tuesday, September 2, 2025 (5:00pm CT)

Lyric Opera offers benefits including health, dental, vision, 403B (no company match), 401(k) with company match, PTO (including sick, vacation, and personal days, and holidays), life/AD&D coverage, opportunities for professional development, and complimentary tickets.

Lyric Opera of Chicago is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, parental status, socio-economic status, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. We strongly encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply.