Development Operations Manager

Washington National Opera•Washington, DC

2d•$80,000 - $90,000

About The Position

The Development Operations Manager leads the systems, data, and processes that support Washington National Opera fundraising. Working closely with the Director of Development and directly managing the Development Operations Coordinator, the Manager ensures the Development team has the infrastructure to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors and meet and grow annual fundraising goals. The Manager is the team's subject matter expert for Tessitura, leading its launch and adoption and ensuring the system is used consistently and efficiently. The role owns donor pipeline management systems and supports a healthy, growing pipeline through accurate data, clear reporting, and disciplined moves management. The Manager supervises the Development Operations Coordinator and oversees gift processing, donor records, and the department's day-to-day administrative operations.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.
4–6 years of experience in development operations, advancement services, or fundraising.
Advanced, hands-on Tessitura experience.
Experience leading or supporting a CRM implementation, migration, or major system change.
Demonstrated ability to build reports, queries, and dashboards and translate data into clear recommendations.
Working knowledge of moves management, portfolio management, and pipeline reporting best practices.
Knowledge of gift processing, gift accounting, and IRS acknowledgment requirements.
Strong training and communication skills, including the ability to explain technical systems to non-technical colleagues.
Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and project management software and tools.
Exceptional attention to detail, organization, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities, work independently, and lead as part of a team.
A clear understanding of Washington National Opera's mission.
Ability to manage relationships and varied personality types among internal staff and external constituents.
Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, to attend donor events, performances, and meetings as needed.

Nice To Haves

At least 1–3 years of supervisory experience preferred.
Experience in a nonprofit or performing arts setting preferred.
Knowledge of opera is a plus; a passion for the performing arts is essential.

Responsibilities

Serve as the Development team's subject matter expert and primary point of contact for Tessitura, and assist with the Development team's role in its implementation.
Partner with Tessitura administrators, IT, Ticketing, Marketing, and Finance to align configuration, shared data standards, and cross-departmental workflows.
Establish and document data entry standards, naming conventions, coding structures, and constituent record policies.
Design and deliver Tessitura training, create user guides, and onboard new team members.
Conduct data audits and hygiene projects, including duplicate merges, address updates, and record corrections.
Build and maintain lists, extractions, queries, and standard reports, and identify opportunities to automate recurring work.
Own systems and processes that track prospects and donors through identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
Maintain portfolio assignments, plans, steps, and contact reports in Tessitura, and hold the team accountable for timely, accurate entry.
Produce pipeline, portfolio, and revenue reports and dashboards, including projections against annual goals.
Monitor donor retention, acquisition, upgrades, lapsed donors, and pipeline value, and flag trends and gaps.
Lead regular pipeline review meetings with gift officers and support moves management strategy.
Oversee prospect research and wealth screening processes to identify and qualify new donors.
Track and report on donor cultivation events, campaigns, and stewardship activities to measure their impact on giving.
Supervise, train, and mentor the Development Operations Coordinator, setting priorities and supporting professional growth.
Oversee gift processing, acknowledgments, and donor recognition to ensure accuracy and timeliness.
Partner with Finance on monthly gift reconciliation and year-end reporting.
Ensure compliance with gift acceptance policies, donor privacy standards, and IRS acknowledgment requirements.
Oversee department processes for donor ticket requests, performance seat book list pulls, and donor briefings.
Manage the Development department's operating budget tracking, purchase orders, invoices, and reimbursements.
Evaluate and improve team processes and workflows, documenting procedures and best practices.