Institutional Partnerships Associate

Lyric Opera of Chicago•Chicago, IL

10d•$45,000 - $55,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Lyric Opera of Chicago is seeking a highly motivated and qualified individual interested in launching a career in nonprofit institutional fundraising. The Institutional Partnerships Associate supports the Institutional Partnerships team, including the VP of Development, Director of Institutional Partnerships, and Senior Philanthropy Officer, Institutional Partnerships. The role offers firsthand experience with grant management, grant compliance, and institutional fundraising, and helps strengthen relationships with corporate, foundation, and government partners while supporting revenue growth and partnership development. The Associate provides administrative and operational support, helps coordinate meetings and events, assists with grant materials and prospect research, and maintains institutional partner records. The position also supports donor acknowledgement and recognition, Lyric and Development events, special projects, Board meetings, and customer service for VIP donors. Duties may change as organizational needs evolve. The position is full-time and non-exempt. Work may include evening or weekend functions or performances, off-site work as needed, and office work at least three days per week. The environment is fast-paced and demanding. Salary is $45,000–$55,000.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, or equivalent experience.
1 to 3 years of experience in nonprofit development, institutional fundraising, or corporate relations.
Working knowledge of Microsoft suite of products.
Working knowledge of the Google platform.
CRM expertise.
Strong organizational, interpersonal, and creative oral and written communication skills.
A high degree of initiative, confidence, and energy to meet deadlines and manage multiple projects efficiently.
Ability to work and think independently as a motivated self-starter and to work well in a larger team.
Personal charisma and the capacity to positively represent Lyric Opera of Chicago to donors.
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, operate a computer keyboard and mouse, handle other office equipment, and lift 30 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Tessitura CRM experience is a strong plus.
Project management experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Demonstrate leadership in alignment with Lyric's mission and vision.
Perform general administrative duties for the VP of Development and Institutional Partnerships team, including VIP ticket requests, Graham Room reservations, expense reports, Tessitura data entry, and weekly reports.
Coordinate weekly Institutional Partnerships meetings, events, donor visits, and other meetings as requested by leadership, including logistics, invitations, presentations, and site visits for institutional partners.
Assist with organizing, preparing, writing, and tracking letters of inquiry, grant applications, and reports, serving as an internal liaison to other departments.
Support prospect research for the Institutional Partnerships team, including researching and preparing profiles and lifetime giving summaries for corporate, foundation, and government funding sources.
Maintain accurate records of institutional partners, gifts, and plans in Tessitura.
Work with the Director of Institutional Partnerships to ensure accurate and appropriate donor acknowledgement and recognition in print and digital collateral, building signage, and Tessitura.
Attend and assist with Lyric and Development events, special projects, and Board meetings.
Coordinate efforts with internal staff and provide a high level of customer service to VIP donors.