Special Events Associate
Chicago, IL
Full Time
Mid Level
REPORTS TO: Special Events Manager
STATUS: Full-time, Non-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.
We are searching for a Special Events Associate to coordinate and execute donor events for the Donor Engagement and Planned Giving teams. This person will assist the Boards and Events team in the execution of Ryan Opera Center events and provide staff support for the Development team’s major fundraising and stewardship events. Lyric Opera of Chicago's Special Events Associate position will act as a resource interdepartmentally, cross-departmentally, and to our donors on various topics connecting to special events and donor benefits.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Donor Appreciation Events:
Planned Giving Events
Ryan Opera Center Events
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:
WORK CONDITIONS:
COMPENSATION:
Job Classification: Full-time, Non-Exempt
Salary is $45,000-$50,000
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.
STATUS: Full-time, Non-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.
We are searching for a Special Events Associate to coordinate and execute donor events for the Donor Engagement and Planned Giving teams. This person will assist the Boards and Events team in the execution of Ryan Opera Center events and provide staff support for the Development team’s major fundraising and stewardship events. Lyric Opera of Chicago's Special Events Associate position will act as a resource interdepartmentally, cross-departmentally, and to our donors on various topics connecting to special events and donor benefits.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Demonstrate leadership in alignment with Lyric's mission and vision.
- As needed, assist the Special Events Manager in support of Lyric’s major fundraising and donor stewardship events: Lyric Opening Gala, Ryan Opera Center Gala, Wine Auction, Lyric Young Professionals’ Moonlight Social event, and Production Sponsorship Opening Night Dinners and cast parties.
Donor Appreciation Events:
- Responsible for the planning and execution of the following special events: Patron Appreciation dinners and lunches, Artist Access Opportunity events.
- Act as primary liaison between the Donor Engagement team, a variety of vendors and internal workforce; prepare invitation lists, print event materials, send invitations, create floor plans and seating charts, collect RSVPs, book special guests or speakers; oversee room preparation, and provide on-site primary support at events to check-in guests and troubleshoot problems that may arise. Submit invoices post-event for payment processing.
- Co-plan and staff Patrons Lounge events with Associate Director, Donor Engagement to oversee room preparation, and provide on-site primary support and troubleshoot problems that may arise.
Planned Giving Events
- Responsible for the planning and execution of the following special events: Ardis Krainik Society Luncheons, Philanthropy Workshops, Advisory Council Meetings, and other outreach events.
- Act as primary liaison between the Planned Giving team, a variety of vendors and internal workforce; print event materials, create floor plans and seating charts, manage RSVPs; oversee room preparation, and provide on-site primary support at events to check-in guests and troubleshoot problems that may arise. Submit invoices post-event for payment processing.
Ryan Opera Center Events
- Responsible for the planning and execution of Sunday in the Park with Lyric: liaise with the Ryan Opera Center team and Lyric’s technical team, prepare invitation lists, create e-communications, collect RSVPs, and provide on-site primary support at events to check-in guests and troubleshoot problems that may arise.
- In partnership with the Boards and Events team, assist in planning the following Ryan Opera Center events: scenes workshops, master classes, and Final Auditions.
- Maintain office filing system and related Development department central filing, take lead on ordering event materials, manage Events office inventory, and complete special projects and provide other clerical assistance to supervisor, as requested.
- As business evolves, so may this role. These duties may change as Lyric's leadership identifies the need at any time.
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:
- Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university or equivalent experience.
- Two to three years of experience in administrative office work and event coordination is required.
- Strong attention to detail and the ability to successfully resolve various customer service issues.
- Must be over the age of 21.
- Strong organizational, interpersonal, and written/oral communication skills are required.
- Must be available for regular night and weekend assignments.
- Proficiency with MS Office products (Word and Excel) is required; proficiency with Google (Gmail, Google calendar is necessary; knowledge of Tessitura, Airtable, and ArtsVision is a plus.
- Knowledge and interest in the arts is a plus.
- Ability to work and think independently, a motivated self-starter who works well in a larger team.
WORK CONDITIONS:
- Ability to oversee evening or weekend events, dining, or performances.
- Ability to operate a computer and handle other office equipment with or without accommodations.
- Ability to lift 25+ lbs.
- Ability to sit for an extended period.
COMPENSATION:
Job Classification: Full-time, Non-Exempt
Salary is $45,000-$50,000
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.
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