Director, Development Operations

Director of Development Operations

Lyric Opera of Chicago is where the world sings and where Chicago comes alive. Under the leadership of General Director, President & CEO John Mangum and Music Director Enrique Mazzola, Lyric stands at the intersection of artistic excellence and civic purpose, harnessing the full power of opera voice, orchestra, stagecraft, and story to illuminate the questions, emotions, and experiences that define us as human beings. Nearly 75 seasons of world-class performances have made Lyric one of the greatest opera companies in the world. What drives us now is what has always driven us: the belief that this art form, at its best, can move people in ways nothing else can. Lyric is also Chicago's partner in its neighborhoods, its schools, and its communities through education, engagement, and a relentless commitment to making opera accessible, relevant, and irresistible to everyone. At the heart of that commitment is The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center, which trains the artists who will carry this art form into its future. Every night when the curtain rises, Lyric reminds this city and the world why live performance still matters. Lyric Opera of Chicago doesn't just present opera, it redefines what opera can be. It's where Chicago comes to be moved come inside.

We are searching for a Director to lead Lyric's Development Operations function, overseeing the systems, data, processes, and reporting that enables the organization's fundraising efforts. This position will provide strategic leadership for the Development Operations team; steward Lyric's Tessitura CRM and related technology ecosystem; advance data-informed fundraising strategies; oversee gift administration and financial reconciliation; and equip development staff and leadership with accurate, actionable information. The successful candidate will be a positive, approachable, and confident leader who enjoys working with people, communicates complex information clearly, and is comfortable serving as a visible resource to colleagues at all levels of the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Team Development

• Serve as a resource for Development staff, building confidence and enthusiasm around data, systems, and operational processes through communication, training, and hands-on support
• Lead and set strategic direction for the Development Operations team, including direct supervision of the Manager, Development Operations, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and professional growth. Provide clear performance expectations, coaching, and career development that build internal expertise and long-term organizational capacity.
• Develop and lead a comprehensive onboarding and training program for Development staff, presenting complex systems and processes clearly to audiences with varying levels of technical expertise.
• Serve as a trusted resource to Development leadership, proactively identifying trends, opportunities, and risks and clearly communicating their implications for fundraising strategy and operations.

Data Strategy, Analytics & Fundraising Enablement

• Present development data, trends, reporting, and recommendations to senior leadership and other stakeholders, translating complex information into clear, strategic recommendations that support fundraising planning and decision-making.
• Champion the use of data as a strategic asset to grow contributed income, leveraging analytics, segmentation, and emerging technologies, including predictive modeling and wealth insights, to inform prospecting, retention, and upgrade strategies.
• Design and oversee dashboards and reporting tools within Tessitura that provide philanthropy officers and senior leadership with clear, actionable insights into donor engagement, pipeline health, and revenue performance.
• Lead routine and ad hoc data initiatives, including list strategy, segmentation, and data integrity projects that strengthen fundraising effectiveness.
• Develop and maintain methodologies for calculating lifetime giving and identifying donors eligible for recognition and membership in Lyric's Bravissimi donor community.
• Develop, maintain records and create reports for a capital campaign.

Systems Governance & Innovation

• Establish, document, and enforce database governance standards and operational best practices within Tessitura, ensuring consistency, scalability, data integrity, and institutional knowledge.
• Serve as a subject-matter expert and primary departmental resource for Tessitura, supporting users with varying levels of database proficiency and promoting consistent adoption of established processes and standards.
• Partner with cross-departmental colleagues to expand the functionality and integrity of Tessitura, including evaluation and integration of ecosystem partners and third-party tools that increase efficiency and revenue potential.
• Monitor emerging technologies and recommend system enhancements that improve donor experience, staff productivity, and analytical capacity.

Financial Oversight & Compliance

• Partner with Finance to ensure accurate and timely income reporting to senior leadership and the Board of Directors, including reconciliation of contributions to the general ledger and resolution of discrepancies.
• Establish and oversee gift acknowledgment and receipting processes, ensuring timely, accurate, and compliant tax receipts and donor communications.
• Provide oversight of electronic and physical filing systems to ensure compliance, consistency, and audit readiness.

Other Duties

• 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.

Knowledge and Skills

• Seven or more years working within the Development/Fundraising/Advancement field, including at least three years within development operations, advancement services, and/or gift processing.
• Proven experience and broad expertise with the Tessitura CRM are required; working knowledge of SQL is appreciated.
• Experience supervising staff and/or mentoring junior colleagues.
• Excellent interpersonal and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate confidently and enthusiastically with colleagues at all levels, from frontline fundraisers to senior leadership.
• An outgoing, approachable, and positive presence, with the ability to build strong relationships, create enthusiasm for new systems and processes, and help colleagues feel confident adopting new ways of working.
• Demonstrated confidence presenting information, leading meetings, and facilitating training for groups with varying levels of technical expertise.
• Strong ability to translate complex data, systems, and processes into clear, accessible information for audiences with varying levels of experience and expertise.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace, especially Microsoft Excel.
• Strong familiarity with IRS regulations governing charitable contributions and tax deductibility.
• Excitement for collaborating with colleagues both within the department and across the organization.
• Discretion in handling confidential information.
• Comfort managing several projects concurrently with various staff members.
• Demonstrated initiative, sound judgment, and a solutions-oriented approach to problem-solving.
• Knowledge of opera is helpful but not required.

Work Conditions

• Sitting for extended periods.
• Ability to operate a computer and to handle other office equipment.
• Ability to occasionally participate in evening or weekend duties outside of normal business hours.

Compensation Job Classification: Full-time, Exempt Application Deadline: Friday, August 28, 2026 (5:00pm CT) Salary is $100,000-$110,000 annually 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. Need Assistance with Your Application? Lyric Opera of Chicago is committed to ensuring our employment application process is accessible to everyone. If you require a reasonable accommodation due to a disability to access, complete, or submit an employment application, please contact the People & Culture Department at hr@lyricopera.org. We will work with you to provide an appropriate reasonable accommodation in accordance with applicable law.