Manager, Opera Australia Capital Fund

What is the fundamental purpose of the job?

The Manager works with the General Manager to advance the goals of the Capital Fund and ensure its continuing success.  Specifically – through a series of fundraising events, campaigns and promotions – to grow philanthropic support, steward relationships with current and prospective supporters, maintain effective administrative systems, and represent the Capital Fund with the highest standards of professionalism and confidentiality.

What is the Opera Australia Capital Fund?

The Opera Australia Capital Fund was established in 2000 to build financial reserves to help secure the future of Opera Australia for generations to come.

Donations and bequests (gifts in Wills) to the Opera Australia Capital Fund are invested securely to build a capital reserve, with income directed to Opera Australia as annual grants. These grants assist in cushioning the national opera company against the financial impact of economic and box office fluctuations.

The Opera Australia Capital Fund is a separate entity to Opera Australia, with its own Board of Directors, Trust Deed and Constitution.  Its Directors donate their time and expertise, and with the Capital Fund’s management – a small team – ensure that the work and outcomes of the Fund remain aligned with its original charter.

What are the main responsibilities and outcomes required of the role?

Supporter Relations – Fundraising and Bequests

• Contribute to the development and implementation of fundraising strategies to increase the corpus of the Fund
• Manage the successful stewardship of relationships with supporters across a range of giving levels and channels
• Provide exemplary donor care and service in all dealings with supporters
• Research and proactively identify prospective supporters in order for Capital Fund representatives to engage them in the most appropriate way
• Track and maintain accurate records of donor interactions and prospect plans 

Events Management

• Plan, deliver and attend a varied series of prestige events and experiences for engagement with current and prospective supporters
• Manage all aspects of event planning to ensure seamless execution and a
  gold-standard experience for guests, including but not limited to invitations and RSVPs, catering, run sheets, designed materials, briefings and communications
• Identify initiatives to increase or diversify hosting opportunities throughout the year for meaningful engagement and supporter growth
• As needed, attend performances, events, and donor hosting outside of office hours and from time to time interstate 

Administration

• Develop and maintain systems for the efficient administration of all donations and activities
• Coordinate monthly, quarterly and annual financial administration as required
• Develop and maintain accurate databases, computer and paper records
• Process donations and bequests and ensure their appropriate acknowledgements
• Process supporters’ ticket requests and exchanges
• Maintain lists of acknowledgements for programs, website, banners and annual reports  
• Prepare correspondence for supporters including reminders and thank you letters
• Assist in the preparation for Board meetings and their associated materials
• Prepare written content for invitations, brochures and other designed materials, liaising with designers and printers as needed
• Oversee the smooth operation of general office administration
• Provide support to the General Manager as required

What are the key relationships the job has to manage?

Internal – Opera Australia Capital Fund

Working with the General Manager and Administrator; with the Chairman and Directors of the Board, and with their representatives.

External – Opera Australia Capital Fund

Liaising with Capital Fund donors, bequestors, prospective supporters and a broad range of other stakeholders; with performers and their representatives; with suppliers, industry contacts, performance and event venues; with banking, auditing and investment partners.

Opera Australia

Liaising with all departments within Opera Australia, including Senior Management, Finance, Marketing, Development, Box Office, Artistic and Technical personnel.

What knowledge, skills and experience are needed for this position?

• Excellent verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage with people from all levels of society
• The highest standards of written communication
• A background in donor/client/customer relations and service
• Experience and knowledge in philanthropic fundraising, private giving campaigns, membership programs, donor research, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship
• Proven experience in successful events management
• Excellent organisational, time management, computer and database skills
• Ability to exercise sound judgement and manage competing priorities calmly and constructively
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills with a high degree of diplomacy, empathy and tact
• Ability to network and engage persuasively
• A genuine interest in opera and the arts

How to apply for the position of Manager with the Opera Australia Capital Fund

Applications close on Monday 30 October 2023. 

Please send by email a covering letter setting out your suitability and interest in the role, along with your CV to:

Nicholas Selman – General Manager, Opera Australia Capital Fund Email: [email protected]

Tel: 02 9318 8305