Managing Director of External Affairs

Summary

Description

Location: Administrative Office: 4875 Ward Road, Wheat Ridge, CO (Commuting to Central City during the summer festival and for other events as needed)

Direct Reports: Marketing, Public Relations, Sales and Customer Service, Development and management and oversight of other Departments and projects as assigned

POSITION SUMMARY

The Managing Director of External Affairs at Central City Opera (CCO) holds responsibility for strategizing, managing, and tracking public-facing sales and annual fund campaigns. This role focuses on nurturing patron relationships through a systematic approach, from initial interactions to major gifts fundraising, utilizing methodical data analysis across multiple CRM platforms for campaign adjustments. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a proven track record in audience building, donor engagement, and budgetary management. Reporting directly to the President & CEO, they will contribute to strategic formulation and policy-making, particularly in prospect development and major gift cultivation. Collaborating closely with the senior leadership team, Guild, and Board of Directors, they will support CCO's expansion and capacity building, maintaining absolute confidentiality regarding CCO business affairs.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Marketing & Communications:

The Managing Director of External Affairs is responsible for the development, creation, design, and implementation of all sales, marketing, and communication strategies in support of the core messaging, branding, and positioning of Central City Opera (CCO) on a local, national, and international level. The Position is also responsible for overseeing the Box Office operations and achieving all ticket sales goals for the organization.

• Oversee the development and implementation of sales, marketing, and communication strategies.
• Develop and manage the annual marketing budget for promoting the summer festival and other CCO events, negotiating contracts, and supervising ad design and delivery.
• Provide income projections based on sales history, programming, and environmental conditions.
• Track and report on campaign success using historical data and key performance indicators.
• Coordinate vendors and service providers for various marketing needs, including design, printing, photography, videography, and copywriting.
• Design and execute sales tactics in collaboration with marketing and patron services staff to achieve subscription and ticket sales goals.
• Supervise Box Office and patron services training and sales materials.
• Manage all public relations efforts, including announcements, messaging opportunities, and crisis communication.
• Provide strategic direction for core messaging, branding, and positioning of Central City Opera across various communication channels.
• Cultivate professional relationships with media outlets locally, nationally, and internationally, serving as a spokesperson for the organization as needed.
• Collaborate with the Development department to secure corporate and media sponsorships for events.
• Ensure exceptional customer service and audience satisfaction throughout the patron experience.
• Champion inclusion, diversity, equity, access, and belonging through messaging and marketing efforts.

Development:

In partnership with President & CEO along with Directors of Development, designs, directs and implements resource development activities for Central City Opera; works directly with the President & CEO; responsible for planning, implementing, and coordinating annual giving fundraising activities for specified or designated advancement programs; directly supervise development professionals and frequently leads matrixed work and project teams of Development and Marketing professionals. Manages operating budget for designated program(s) within CCO’s external affairs.

• Supervise and support members of the Development team, including pipeline strategy, major gift strategy, and linking efforts to annual giving and community engagement.
• Collaborate with Development Staff to create engagement, solicitation, and stewardship plans for donors and prospects, with a focus on acquiring new donors.
• Craft a plan with the Development staff to identify major gift prospects from the subscriber and patron base, focusing on growth in major gift results.
• Develop prospect strategies, document contacts, evaluate new prospects, and generate stewardship reports to cultivate major gift prospects.
• Plan and implement strategic improvements in digital impact reporting and cultivation programming, including post-campaign stewardship for donors.
• Amplify focus on major and principal giving in partnership with Company and Board leadership, emphasizing its intersection with audience and community engagement.
• Undertake organizational development planning and evaluation projects as recommended by the President & CEO.
• Achieve annual and multi-year performance goals by developing relationships with donors, particularly those giving $10,000 or more, to sustain and grow their impact.
• Represent Central City Opera at events to engage with donors, cultivate relationships, and identify future supporters.
• Travel domestically and within Colorado as needed for donor engagement.

QUALIFICATIONS 

• Minimum of a BA; ideally with an advanced degree or experience-based equivalent of such in non-profit or  business with an MBA/MA or related degree.
• A minimum of 10-15 years of related work experience preferred.
• Demonstrable success in revenue and loyalty development through integrated marketing and fundraising campaigns.
• Strong income and expense modeling and budget development skills
• A successful track record in setting priorities; keen analytic, organization, and problem-solving skills that support and enable sound decision making
• Strong public relations and media knowledge as well as crisis management and messaging experience
• Exceptional computer skills, including MS Office products: Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Proficient in database and CRM systems for fundraising and ticketing; facility with data management and analytical tools
• Website content experience a plus (WordPress, Google AdWords, etc.)
• Knowledge of theater, music, opera, and/or the performing arts preferred
• Knowledge of graphic design and design programs a plus (Adobe Creative Suite, Canva)

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Patron-centric and customer service focused
• Ability to work well under pressure
• High level of intercultural competence and experience working with diverse communities
• Outstanding professional, positive attitude with the ability to work cooperatively with a broad range of individuals
• Attention to detail, analytical skills, and problem-solving abilities
• Excellent written and verbal communication and relationship-building skills with an ability to prioritize, negotiate, and work with a variety of internal and external stakeholders
• Integrity, credibility, and dedication to the mission of CCO
• Must be amenable to fluctuating work schedules during busy periods, including the summer festival
• Evening and weekend work and driving to Central City and other event locations required
• Bi-lingual candidates encouraged
• Valid Driver’s License

SUPERVISORY FUNCTIONS

• Supervises all Marketing, Sales, Public Relations, and Development Personnel.
• Represents External Affairs at Board of Directors meetings, senior staff and all-staff meetings.
• Establishes and nurtures mutually beneficial partnerships throughout the community as well as within the opera and performing arts community.

OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED

BENEFITS

• A comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 100% paid life insurance and long-term disability insurance
• Generous paid time-off policy for flexible personal use and holidays
• 403(b) Retirement Plan

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

CCO is committed to creating and sustaining an inclusive and equitable work environment. Equity, diversity, and inclusion are core values and we are currently working to expand our capacities in these areas with a company- wide understanding that this is an ongoing process that must be embedded into the fabric of the organization. We encourage candidates who identify as BIPOC, LGBTQ+, otherwise-abled, and other underrepresented identities to apply. Must be legally authorized to work in the US on a full-time basis. All applications will receive consideration for employment.