Manager, Annual Giving

REPORTS TO:             Senior Director, Development
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, company, and city.

The Manager, Annual Giving leads strategy and execution for Lyric Opera of Chicago’s annual and mid-level giving programs, with primary responsibility for strengthening donor retention, acquisition, and upgrade pathways across the Friends and Patrons donor societies.

This role oversees multi-channel fundraising strategy, cultivates meaningful donor engagement experiences, and develops structured upgrade pathways that support long-term philanthropic growth.

The Manager serves as a key partner to Development leadership and Philanthropy Officers in building a strong and sustainable donor pipeline.


DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Direct Response Strategy

• Develop and implement multi-channel fundraising campaigns across direct mail, digital, phone, and social platforms.
• Oversee Lyric’s appeals calendar and messaging strategy.
• Collaborate with internal communications and digital teams to ensure consistent donor messaging.

• Manage a portfolio of mid-level donors, supporting cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship efforts.
• Design and manage upgrade pathways from annual donors to higher philanthropic engagement levels.

• Oversee program architecture, donor engagement opportunities, and stewardship strategies for Friends and Patrons donor societies.
• Develop innovative engagement opportunities that deepen donor loyalty and connection to Lyric’s artistic mission.
• Partner with Donor Engagement staff to identify upgrade opportunities and manage donor transitions into frontline portfolios.

• Directly supervise the Coordinator, Annual Giving, providing strategic direction, performance management, and professional development.   

• Attend and assist with department events and donor experiences.This requires working outside of normal business hours. Advance notice is provided when possible for planning purposes.
• As the business evolves, so may this role. These duties may change as Lyric’s leadership identifies the need at any time.

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college, university or relevant experience.
• Demonstrated track record of executing a comprehensive annual giving program with clearly outlined gift levels and donor benefits.
• Minimum of three (3) years of professional fundraising experience with a minimum of two (2) years in annual giving.
• Experience with persuasive letter and copy writing.
• Strong project management and organizational competencies with demonstrated aptitude for multitasking, attention to detail, and meeting competing and overlapping deadlines.
• Experiencing managing a portfolio of donors, including cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding through in-person and direct response communications.
• Proficiency with Tessitura (preferred) or an equivalent donor CMS.

• Experience is marketing and soliciting donors through direct-response platforms.
• Demonstrated experience with extractions, plans, promotions, and reporting, preferably in Tessitura.
• Strengths in creative and analytical thinking, problem solving, and customer service.
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team in a collaborative and fast-paced environment.

• Ability to work evenings and weekends throughout the season may be required.
• Sitting and standing for extended periods.
• Ability to operate a computer and handle other office equipment.
• Ability to work remotely, including secure, at-home Wifi access.

COMPENSATION:

Job Classification: Full-time, Exempt

Application Deadline: Thursday, March 26, 2026 (5:00pm CT)

Salary is $55,000-$63,000

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.