Description
The Executive Director is responsible for ensuring the financial stability and growth of Opera San Luis Obispo, consistently meeting, or exceeding the Board’s annual fundraising goals. Collaborating with the Board of Directors, the Executive Director shapes strategy and oversees daily operations, ensuring effective marketing, fundraising, and community engagement. By closely supporting the General and Artistic Director, they empower the pursuit of impactful artistic goals, creating a vibrant cultural institution that resonates with audiences and inspires strong community support.
Requirements
Primary Responsibilities
Fundraising & Development: Lead fundraising strategy and execution, including major gifts, annual giving, corporate sponsorships, foundation relations, grant writing & reporting, and fundraising events. Cultivate and steward donors to meet or exceed annual revenue targets.
Strategic Leadership & Board Relations: Partner with the Board to develop and implement strategic plans, provide regular financial and programmatic reporting, and support governance and fundraising committees.
Financial & Operational Management: Oversee budgeting, financial reporting, cash-flow management, contracts, insurance, HR, and administrative systems. Ensure sound financial controls and long-term sustainability.
Marketing & Audience Development: Oversee marketing and audience engagement strategies to grow ticket sales and diversify audiences. Coordinate branding, digital marketing, community outreach, and box office/ticketing operations.
Artistic Collaboration: Work closely with the General and Artistic Director to align administrative and fundraising efforts with artistic priorities and production planning.
Community & Partnerships: Build and maintain relationships with community leaders, local businesses, educational partners, civic organizations, and media to raise the company’s profile and expand program reach.
Staff Leadership & Culture: Hire, supervise, and support staff. Foster an inclusive, collaborative workplace that advances equity, accessibility, and artistic excellence
Key Qualifications
Minimum 5–7 years of nonprofit leadership experience with responsibility for fundraising, financial oversight, and staff management; experience in performing arts organizations strongly preferred.
Demonstrated success in securing major gifts, corporate sponsorships, grants, and running fundraising campaigns/events.
Strong financial management skills, including budgeting, financial reporting, and familiarity with nonprofit accounting.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; comfortable representing the organization publicly and cultivating donor relationships.
Strategic thinker with experience developing and implementing growth strategies.
Commitment to community engagement, diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Bachelor’s degree required, advanced degree or professional certifications a plus.
Preferred
Track record in small-to-mid-size performing arts organizations.
Familiarity with ticketing systems, CRM/fundraising databases, Constant Contact, digital marketing tools and social media.
Performance Goals
Stabilize and grow contributed revenue to meet or exceed the Board-established fundraising goal. Strengthen board engagement in fundraising and governance. Increase earned revenue through audience-building initiatives. Implement improved financial controls and establish regular reporting procedures.
To Apply, please submit:
1) Cover letter describing relevant experience and vision for Opera San Luis Obispo,
2) Résumé
3) Three references (contact information) to [email protected] with subject line “Executive Director Application — [Your Name]”. Applications accepted until October 31, 2025. Finalists will be asked for additional written materials. i.e., Funded Grants, Newsletters, and Direct Mail Solicitations.
