Manager of Donor Communications

Position Summary

The Manager of Donor Communications is responsible for the efficient and effective solicitation acknowledgement and stewardship of donors. This position develops and creates written and in-house materials for the Development department. Success in this position looks like timely delivery of compelling data-driven brand appropriate communications for the Development department.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Design develop and execute an annual communication plan for OTSLs interactions with donors including strategy schedule and engagement goals for:

• Timely and compelling acknowledgment letter templates.

• Warm personalization of selected solicitation and acknowledgement letters.

• Solicitation and stewardship for the Patron and Friends of the Festival programs in partnership with the Senior Manager for Donor Engagement.

• Solicitation and stewardship for the Intermezzo Society and National Patrons Council programs.

• Event collateral working in partnership with the Deputy Director of Development Institutional Giving and Events.

• Propose and guide Development social media strategies and other digital communications for special events membership acquisition & renewals throughout the year working with the PR/Marketing team on execution and strategy.

• Serve as the liaison between the Development and PR/Marketing teams scheduling planning and executing inter-departmental meetings. Facilitate an ongoing focus on shared objectives and deadlines for those departments.

• Draft and route written materials for department including:

• Solicitation and acknowledgment letters for Chairman General Director Director of Development and Deputy Director of Development Individual Giving; and

• Ongoing stewardship communication for donors.

• Develop and implement communication strategies to support the growth of Opera Theatres planned giving programs.

• Draft remarks in partnership with relevant parties for donor-facing events and gatherings.

• Develop compelling sponsorship materials for the corporate sponsorship committee in partnership with the Deputy Director of Development Institutional Giving and Events.

• Write and design Opera Theatres annual report and manage the routing and approval process from all departments.

• Serve as liaison with external graphic designers choosing vendors creating timelines and developing project plans for development materials.

• Partner with internal graphic designer(s) and stakeholders to develop edit and review donor-facing materials. Make use of existing templates and tools to manage design of simple materials.

• Proofreading appointment setting meeting preparation invoice processing and event staffing for the Development department as necessary.

Qualifications and Experience

The successful candidate will have:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• An ability to build relationships with donors and prospective donors.

• Project management proficiency including extraordinary attention to detail and a commitment to meeting deadlines.

• Experience setting data-driven fundraising communications strategies.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Adobe software.

Compensation

• This is a full-time exempt position.

• Compensation: $57000-$63000 annual salary.

• Robust benefits package including health insurance open PTO policy 401k match and more.

• Opera Theatre has a flexible work policy which allows for some hybrid remote work and asynchronous schedule arrangements depending on position and other factors.

Apply:

Applicants for the position are asked to submit a resume along with a cover letter that describes their interest in the position and outlines their relevant experience and qualifications.

About Opera Theatre of Saint Louis

Opera Theatre of Saint Louis (OTSL) is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization known for innovative productions featuring outstanding young artists. The company offers a festival opera season each spring which attracts ticket buyers from zip codes throughout the metropolitan area as well as visitors from nearly 50 states and multiple countries. As of 2025 OTSL has presented 45 world premieres which may be the highest percentage of new work in the repertory of any American addition to the spring Festival Season OTSL operates year-round education and community programs serving nearly 17000 local children and adults.

Opera Theatre of Saint Louis has a year-round artistic and administrative staff of approximately 45 which grows to nearly 500 during the Festival Season. Several hundred volunteer members of the Opera Theatre Guild provide support for all aspects of Opera Theatres work and advocate for the company throughout the greater St. Louis community. The companys annual budget size is approximately $12 million; contributed revenue represents more than 50% of budget. At Opera Theatre of Saint Louis we value equity diversity and mutual respect. We strongly encourage people of color LGBTQ individuals women people with disabilities and others who have been historically excluded to apply. Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative of our community. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

At Opera Theatre of Saint Louis we value equity diversity and mutual respect. We strongly encourage people of color LGBTQ individuals women people with disabilities and others who have been historically excluded to apply. Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative of our community. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. OTSL will not discriminate against employees or applicants on the basis of race color religion or belief; national social or ethnic origin; age; sex sexual orientation gender identity and/or expression; physical mental or sensory disability; family or parental status; genetic information or characteristics; protected veteran status; or any other protected class under federal state or local law. OTSL will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.

If you need assistance or accommodation in completing an application interviewing or otherwise participating in the employee selection process please contact or .

Required Experience:

Manager