Patron Services and Development Associate

Stagetime Inc.; Phoenix, Northern (AZ, KY); Hybrid; USD 40,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Arizona Opera seeks a detail-oriented Patron Services and Development Associate in Phoenix to support fundraising and audience growth. You will handle ticket orders, donations, and donor communications while maintaining data integrity in Tessitura, and assist with reports and event logistics.

The role requires strong organizational, writing, and interpersonal skills, with some nights/weekends for performances. A passion for opera and the arts is highly valued.

Qualifications

• Strong organizational and writing abilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Passion for opera or the arts strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Make outbound fundraising calls and emails.
• Process gifts and donations in Tessitura system.
• Acknowledge gifts within 48 hours of receipt.
• Prepare donor recognition materials and reports.
• Assist with board meeting preparations and minutes.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Writing skills

Multitasking

Interpersonal skills

Opera/arts passion

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Tessitura CRM

Adobe InDesign

Adobe Photoshop

Canva

Job description

Arizona Opera seeks a detail-oriented and customer-focused professional to join our team as Patron Services and Development Associate, supporting both Patron Services and Development functions with a focus on driving excellence and cultivating audience growth through high-level patron stewardship.

Founded in 1971, Arizona Opera is a cornerstone of the arts and culture community in Arizona, serving both Phoenix and Tucson with a mission to connect and inspire its communities through artistically vibrant programs and productions that combine music, storytelling, and the human voice. Over the years, Arizona Opera has become known for its innovative productions, prolific education and community-centric programming, and commitment to both classic and contemporary works.

At the heart of Arizona Opera’s vision is a deep commitment to creating transformative experiences through the power of opera. This commitment is evident in Arizona Opera’s mainstage productions, its community engagement initiatives, and its education programs that reach across the state, bringing the art form to diverse audiences and inspiring future generations of artists and opera lovers alike.

Like many performing arts organizations around the country, Arizona Opera is navigating the challenges of the post-pandemic landscape, including issues affecting attendance and contributed income. To address these challenges, Arizona Opera has recently adopted a new strategic plan, focused on financial and organizational sustainability, education, community engagement and collaboration.

Job Title: Patron Services and Development Associate
Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Department: Patron Services and Development
Reports To: Associate Director of Patron Services
FLSA Status: Not Eligible for OT (Exempt)
Classification: Full-time
Salary range: $40-45,000

Essential Functions related to Patron Services:

• Make outbound sales, fundraising calls and emails.
• Answer and direct incoming calls and emails
• Traffic box office requests as needed.
• Respond to requests in a timely and professional manner
• Direct specific inquiries to the appropriate staff member/department as appropriate
• Utilize the company’s CRM (Tessitura) to process ticket orders, exchanges, and donations at window and via telephone, mail, or fax
• File and organize season orders and post mail orders to outgoing mail at the end of each day
• Post Arizona Opera events to third party calendars
• Attend all Arizona Opera performances and select events (including some nights and weekends), as required, to serve as Box Office representative and provide logistical support

Essential Functions related to Development Administration:

• Ensure the integrity of data entry in company’s CRM (Tessitura), including name, address & salutation formatting, gift designation (campaigns, funds, purpose codes), and all associated information
• Process, receipt, and deposit all gifts in a timely and accurate manner (including pledges, planned gifts, recurring gifts, tribute gifts, etc.)
• Process matching gifts, electronic transactions, and stock/securities
• Oversee pledge tracking and pledge maintenance
• Develop and generate weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual financial and advancement reports
• Ensure all gifts receive timely, personalized acknowledgements within 48 hours of gift receipt
• Work with Development Director to write personalized acknowledgement letters for major donors and institutional funders
• Ensure accurate and timely donor recognition for all individual and institutional donors in printed materials, programs, and digital communication
• Manage timely distribution of benefits materials to new donors, including communication regarding parking, upcoming events, and other events as appropriate
• Assist with board meeting preparations and meeting minutes

Qualifications

• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Strong writing skills and attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines
• Excellent interpersonal skills to build and maintain relationships with patrons, donors, teachers, community partners, and other stakeholders
• Passion for opera and the arts strongly preferred

The Successful Candidate will:

• Effectively prioritize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously to meet deadlines consistently
• Have an attitude of service, a commitment to ongoing learning, and ability to contribute to a team
• Take ownership and responsibility to solve problems and achieve business goals while seeking help from others when appropriate
• Be an active listener possessing excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, in one‑on‑one and group settings
• Be self‑directed and work independently in a fast‑paced work environment focused on growth
• Exercise sound judgment, handle confidential matters with discretion, and develop a broad knowledge of the institution’s programs, practices, policies, and procedures

Computer Skills:

• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel & PowerPoint
• Experience with Tessitura or other CRM/donor database software (or willingness to learn)
• Experience with basic publication design preferred (Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, Canva)

Physical Demands: Extended periods at workstation, using a keyboard, viewing a computer screen and communicating by telephone and in person. Some special event set up and break down may be required.

Work Environment: Work environment is generally quiet, and in an office setting, but intensifies during periods when the company is in production.

Travel/Other Requirements: Primary residency in the Phoenix, Arizona metropolitan area is required. Reliable transportation required and must be able to travel statewide. Flexible schedule that will require working some nights and weekends to attend events, performances, rehearsals, etc.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed.

Arizona Opera is an Equal Opportunity employer. Arizona Opera does not discriminate against an Employee or candidate for employment because of his or her race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin or nationality, age, disability, veteran status, marital status or any other legally protected status. We prohibit discrimination in all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, compensation, benefits, engagements, assignments, training, discipline, termination, promotions or other conditions of employment or career development. We offer Reasonable Accommodations where necessary to candidates for employment and to our qualified employees with disabilities.