Foundation Relations Manager

LYRIC OPERA OF CHICAGO

(Full-time, Exempt)

 

Position:  Foundation Relations Manager

 

Duties and Responsibilities:

?  Develop a strategic plan for the identification and solicitation of current and potential Lyric Opera individual subscribers and donors who have established Family Foundations, or are Trustees of Family Foundations.

?  Establish and implement a targeted solicitation program for these Family Foundations, including assessment of giving interest and potential, and creation, preparation and follow-up of custom proposals for both general operating support, special events and specific programs (Opera Center, Education, etc.).

?  Develop and cultivate ongoing relationships with persons who have established Family Foundations, including donors who are not currently part of the primary Department focus. Work to increase the number of Family Foundations that donate to Lyric at the $7,500 and more.

?  Cultivate new family foundation gifts through contacts with the Council on Family Foundations and the Donors Forum, etc. Research and evaluate appropriate donor databases, including information from comparable organizations, to identify new potential donors with Family Foundations, and current donors with potential for increased contributions.

?  Serve as the primary Department resource on Family Foundations, maintaining written documentation of all contacts and responding to internal and external inquiries. Review Lyric publications and documents to ensure that recognition for Family Foundations is accurate.

?  Provide personalized services and benefit fulfillment for individuals with established Family Foundations. This includes personal correspondence, telephone contact and follow-up on invitations to donor events.

?  Provide Bravo Circle ticket service to current donors at the $3,500+ level with established Family Foundations for the purpose of cultivating them to contribute at higher levels.

?  Assist with solicitation and cultivation activities as requested for corporate and foundation prospects and current funders, including creating grant proposals and preparing all related materials.

?  Research prospects as assigned.

?  Provide detailed quantitative projections of fundraising potential from Family Foundations for budget purposes and for ongoing analysis. Provide narrative assessments of fundraising results as necessary.

?  Complete special projects and attend and assist with special events and other departmental objectives, as assigned.

 

Knowledge and Skills:

3+ years experience in personal solicitation of contributed gifts from donors, including a track record of accomplishment in planning/ implementation of fundraising strategic plans. Demonstrated expertise in writing proposals and developing/maintaining donor relationships is essential. Excellent communication/organizational skills, proficiency with MS-Office products (Word, Excel), and familiarity with donor database software packages also required. Experience with donors who have established family foundations and/or fundraising experience for an arts organization is very desirable; knowledge of opera a strong plus.

 

Please forward cover letter/resume to:

Lyric Opera of Chicago

Attn: Human Resources Department.

20 N. Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL  60606

Fax:  312/419-1082

Email:  jobs@lyricopera.org

 

EOE M/F/V/D