Founded in 2011, Pacific Opera Project (POP) is a Los Angeles-based company committed to producing accessible, affordable, and entertaining opera for all. Embarking on its 15th Anniversary Season, POP has earned a national reputation for bold productions, imaginative direction, and a joyful approach to the art form. The Los Angeles Times recently included POP among the “Best of 2024 in Classical Music.” POP presents a dynamic mix of reimagined classics and groundbreaking new works in venues ranging from outdoor gardens and historic theaters to intimate clubs and community spaces. With consistently sold-out performances, a devoted and expanding audience, and enthusiastic critical acclaim, POP is widely recognized as one of the most exciting opera companies in the country.

Pacific Opera Project (POP) seeks a highly organized and detail-oriented development professional to join our team as a Development Associate. This part-time role is essential in advancing POP’s fundraising and audience development efforts, supporting our long-term donor and audience growth strategies. The ideal candidate is a sharp communicator and strong writer who can craft donor messaging and audience communications. They possess a keen eye for detail, enjoy catching errors, and have the analytical skills to generate and interpret reports that guide strategy. With a dual focus on donor engagement and audience development, this position blends thoughtful relationship-building with data-informed decision-making. Working closely with the Executive Director, as well as the Digital & Social Media Coordinator, the Development Associate will support donor stewardship, corporate sponsorships, grants research, patron data management, and segmented email communications.

This is a part-time position at 15–20 hours per week, at a rate of $25/hour.

Donor Engagement & Stewardship

• Assist in cultivating and maintaining relationships with lower and mid-level individual donors, personalizing communications to build long-term engagement
• Support stewardship efforts, including acknowledgment letters, thank-you calls, and donor updates
• Pursue new corporate sponsorship opportunities and develop relationships with businesses to support POP’s programs
• Manage business ad sales for POP’s programs

Donor Database Management:

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date donor records in POP’s patron database, Neon CRM, and our ticketing database, Arts People
• Generate and analyze reports

Research and Grant Support:

• Research potential individual, corporate, and foundation prospects
• Manage the annual grant calendar, ensuring timely submissions and tracking deadlines
• Assist with data collection and management to support grant reporting requirements

Donor Event Support:

• Collaborate with the Executive Director and POP team on planning and executing donor events (receptions, salons, luncheons), including POPaganza
• Assist with event outreach, guest list management, and on-site logistics

Audience Development & Patron Journey

• Establish and manage the patron pipeline journey by analyzing audience data to identify segments and create tailored communication strategies
• Draft email communications to donors and audience members, supported by the marketing team

• Bachelor’s degree in arts or related field 
• Minimum 2 years in development or membership position in nonprofit setting
• Basic understanding of fundraising techniques and best practices
• Demonstrated passion for and knowledge of art and culture
• Excellent written communication skills, copywriting experience a plus
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Proficiency in using donor databases and fundraising software
• Strong research skills
• Proficiency in Excel or Google Sheets
• Collaborative and enthusiastic team player with the ability to work independently 

Salary: This is a part-time position (15-20 hours per week) for $25/hr. Hours could increase, as needed and approved by the Executive Director and board.

How to Apply

Please send a cover letter and resume to [email protected] no later than May 9, 2025. Please include a copywriting sample if you have one.

www.pacificoperaproject.com/jobs. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.