Executive Assistant, Development

Lyric Opera of Chicago•Chicago, IL

7d•$60,000 - $67,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Lyric Opera of Chicago seeks a highly organized, resourceful, and proactive Executive Assistant to support the Chief Development Officer (CDO). The position supports the CDO's responsibilities in donor and board relationships, Development leadership, organizational planning, and external engagement. The Executive Assistant serves as a trusted partner to the CDO by managing a complex calendar, coordinating meetings and communications, preparing materials, and following through on priorities and commitments. The role requires sound judgment, discretion, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to anticipate needs and work independently. As a key contact for the Office of the Chief Development Officer, the Executive Assistant works with donors, trustees, senior leadership, and colleagues across Lyric. The role also coordinates activities across the organization, particularly in close partnership with the Office of the General Director, to align executive priorities, donor engagement, board activities, and institutional initiatives.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in business, or equivalent experience.
At least 3–5 years of Executive Assistant experience supporting senior executives at the C-suite level.
Exemplary professionalism, including the ability to maintain high-level confidentiality.
High attention to detail when managing multiple activities and tasks.
Demonstrated success building trusting relationships across all levels of an organization.
Ability to prioritize tasks and assignments with a sense of urgency.
Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally and positively with varied personalities and management styles.
Technical skills with Microsoft and Google suite products.
Ability to work evening or weekend functions or performances, including off-site as needed.
Ability to work in the office a minimum of three days per week and as needed.
Ability to sit for extended periods and lift 30 lbs.
Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment.

Nice To Haves

Tessitura CRM expertise is a strong plus.

Responsibilities

Provide proactive, high-level administrative and organizational support to the Chief Development Officer.
Manage a complex, dynamic calendar that balances donor engagement, board activities, internal leadership meetings, external commitments, and organizational priorities.
Anticipate scheduling conflicts, preparation needs, and follow-up requirements to help the CDO use their time effectively.
Coordinate meetings, appointments, travel arrangements, itineraries, and related logistics.
Prepare agendas, collect materials, organize briefing documents, and ensure the CDO is prepared for meetings and engagements.
Manage expense reports, reimbursements, and other executive administrative responsibilities.
Coordinate meetings, visits, hospitality, and correspondence with major donors, trustees, volunteers, and other key stakeholders.
Work with Development colleagues to prepare donor profiles, giving histories, briefing materials, and other information for meetings.
Support timely follow-up with donors and board members, including correspondence, acknowledgments, and tracking commitments.
Coordinate with the Boards and Events teams on donor engagements, board activities, performances, and special events involving the CDO.
Assist with invitations, reservations, ticketing, and hospitality arrangements for key donor and trustee engagements.
Maintain professionalism, discretion, and responsiveness in interactions with Lyric's supporters and volunteer leadership.
Serve as a liaison between the Office of the Chief Development Officer and departments across Lyric, facilitating communication, coordination, and follow-through on shared priorities.
Partner with the Office of the General Director to coordinate executive calendars, donor and trustee engagement, board activities, institutional events, and initiatives involving both offices.
Help keep the CDO and General Director aligned on schedules, meeting preparation, communications, and follow-up.
Support planning and coordination of Development leadership meetings, including agendas, meeting materials, scheduling, and follow-up.
Assist with preparing and coordinating presentations, reports, and materials for executive leadership, board, and committee meetings.