Development Associate

DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATE

Reports to: Chief Development Officer (CDO)

Department: Development

Overview:

The Development Associate is a strategic support specialist responsible for the seamless execution of development events, donor data management, and ongoing stewardship strategies. This position works closely with the Chief Development Officer (CDO) and Director of Development (DOD) to implement fundraising plans, manage development operations, and deepen donor engagement through events, communications, and data insights.

The Development Associate plays a vital role on Nashville Opera’s development team, driving the behind-the-scenes work that powers the organization’s most meaningful donor experiences—from special event planning to gift tracking and stewardship follow-through. This role reports directly to the CDO and supports development-led initiatives across departments, ensuring accountability and alignment with organizational fundraising goals.

This position is ideal for a proactive and collaborative professional who thrives on seeing projects through from start to finish and takes pride in contributing to a dynamic and successful fundraising team.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Event Operations & Donor Experience

·      Support signature fundraising events, including La Bella Notte and Opera Jukebox Live, through project plan management, vendor contracting, volunteer coordination, and logistical and administrative support to ensure successful execution and a high-quality guest experience.

·      Coordinate with the CDO and Friends Liaison to partner with the Friends of Nashville Opera in designing activities that align with fundraising goals, particularly those related to La Bella Notte. Represent the Development team in event-related planning and provide leadership in executing tasks that advance both donor engagement and revenue outcomes.

·      Support the CDO and Director of Development (DOD) in the management of corporate sponsors by assisting with sponsorship prospect research, application submissions, benefit fulfillment, and stewardship communications to help grow and sustain institutional support.

·      Manage event-related communications, including event promotion, guest list oversight, and RSVP tracking. Design and implement post-event follow-up to strengthen donor relationships and deepen engagement.

·      Execute all Impresario Council donor society event logistics for donor lounges at each mainstage performance and two signature events and serve as a key partner in delivering exceptional experiences that support the development team’s goal of creating the premier arts donor society in Nashville.

Data & Gift Processing

·         Own the integrity and strategic use of development event data, ensuring records in the CRM and related platforms are complete, accurate, and optimized for analysis. Collaborate with the Patron Services Manager and Friends Liaison on data entry best practices to support robust reporting.

·         Manage accurate and timely gift entry in the CRM and lead all acknowledgment processes, ensuring donors receive timely and personalized recognition.

·         Reconcile gift and donation records with the finance team in coordination with the DOD to support accurate reporting, budget tracking, and audit readiness.

Stewardship & Annual Fund

·         Manage Impresario Council renewals and collaborate with the CDO and DOD to encourage upgrades and participation in mainstage patron opportunities.

·         Work with the CDO and DOD to implement stewardship strategies for new and upgrading donors, ensuring data and event touchpoints are tracked and leveraged.

·         Collaborate with the DOD on stewardship messaging and tactics for Impresario Council donors, and track and execute these strategies to deepen engagement.

·         Assist the DOD in developing and executing annual fund solicitations via direct mail and email.

·         Assist the CDO in launching and managing a branded monthly giving program, including regular stewardship communications.

Qualifications:

·      Bachelor’s degree preferred; 2-4 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, donor relations, or event management.

·      Exceptional organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities at once.

·      Excellent written communication skills and a strong attention to detail.

·      Strong interpersonal skills for working with donors, volunteers, and cross-functional teams.

·      Experience using CRM and event transaction platforms; Experience with Tessitura, Sage Intacct, and/or Donate2 preferred.

·      Experience with the Microsoft 365 suite of products (e.g., Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams, SharePoint)

·      Demonstrated ability to synthesize and interpret data for strategic reporting.

·      Availability to work evenings and weekends as needed for donor events.

·      A commitment to creating welcoming, inclusive, and mission-aligned donor experiences.

Compensation & Work Environment

This is a full-time, exempt position with a competitive salary and benefits package, including the possibility of a limited hybrid work arrangement. Nashville Opera values equity, creativity, and collaboration, and seeks candidates who reflect the diversity of our community.

To apply: send a resume and cover letter to development@nashvilleopera.org by July 31, 2025.