Institutional Giving Officer & Grant Writer

LA Opera is a mission-driven, non-profit organization that plays a significant role in the cultural life of Southern California. Hundreds of LA Opera employees and artists help bring to life world-class opera that preserves, promotes, and advances the art form while embodying the diversity, pioneering spirit and artistic sensibility unique to Los Angeles.

Our productions are experienced by more than 100,000 audience members each year at our home at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in downtown Los Angeles. We reach many more through our community and school programs, Off Grand performances in venues across Los Angeles, and On Now digital content.

About the opportunity
Contributed revenue is a primary and critical source of LA Opera’s income, and the Institutional Giving Officer and Grant Writer serves an important role in advancing the company’s institutional giving goals and priorities.

The Institutional Giving Officer and Grant Writer is a member of our Development team and is responsible for creating and preparing grant proposals and reports, project budgets, final expense reports, and related materials and providing other support for institutional giving operations and projects. This position reports to the Director of Institutional Giving and Government Relations. This position helps provide some oversight of the work of the Institutional Giving Coordinator, who also reports to the Director of Institutional Giving & Government Relations.

This is a full-time administrative staff position based out of the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in downtown Los Angeles. Presently there is some hybrid work flexibility, with the possibility of working remotely up to two days a week in most weeks. Some evening and weekend work may be required, in addition to regular office hours, related to performances and events.

Key responsibilities include the following:

Support strategic positioning of grant proposals; draft grant narratives and reports; prepare program budgets and financial expenditure reports; and oversee preparation of support materials.
Manage grants calendar and contract obligations, coordinating with other departments as needed; monitor outcomes of grant-funded programs and projects; maintain institutional operational documents and tracking tools; and supervise Institutional Giving Assistant’s daily tasks.
Manage distinct portfolio of institutional donors; support donor relations; research, identify and help cultivate new funders; and track institutional prospects.
Manage in-kind gift tracking; support planning and coordination of institutional events and special projects; maintain strong working knowledge of current company programs; attend performances and special events throughout the season; and support the Institutional Giving team as needed.

Who we are looking for:
We are seeking an individual with demonstrated experience writing successful grant proposals and reports. Successful candidates also will have a solid understanding of nonprofit development, including foundation philanthropy and government grant opportunities

Other requirements and preferred qualifications include the following:

Excellent oral and written communication skills 
Proficiency with project budgets and financial reports 
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills 
Demonstrated ability to effectively manage multiple, competing projects and deadlines 
Strong judgment regarding prioritization of tasks and ability to work well with minimal supervision 
Outstanding organizational skills and attention to detail 
Ability to work successfully with a variety of personalities and working styles 
Ability to handle confidential information sensitively and discreetly 
Interest in the performing arts is helpful
Advanced knowledge of, and proficiency, in Microsoft Office Suite and aptitude to learn other applications, as needed 

We are committed to a workplace in which everyone has equitable opportunities and experiences a sense of belonging, and we are seeking an individual who champions and demonstrates this commitment.  

Salary: $70,000 to $75,000, annually

Benefits: This position is eligible to participate in LA Opera benefit programs, including medical, dental, and vision insurance; life and long-term disability insurance; 403(b) retirement savings plan with a company match; cell phone stipend; Employee Assistance Program; subsidized parking or public transit reimbursement; and complimentary and discounted tickets.

Education requirements: Resume, cover letter

Deadline to apply: October 14, 2024

Documents required to apply: Resume, cover letter

How to apply: Apply and submit your resume and cover letter here.

If you don’t meet all the criteria listed above but you believe you have what it takes to excel in this role, we encourage you to apply and tell us about yourself in your cover letter.

Individuals of identities that are underrepresented in the arts fundraising field are especially encouraged to apply.  

LA Opera is an equal opportunity employer, and we do not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any legally protected categories.