Institutional Partnerships Associate

POSITION: Institutional Partnerships Associate

REPORTS TO: Director of Institutional Partnerships

STATUS: Full-time, Non-exempt
 
Lyric Opera of Chicago is where the world sings — and where Chicago comes alive. 
 
Under the leadership of General Director, President & CEO John Mangum and Music Director Enrique Mazzola, Lyric stands at the intersection of artistic excellence and civic purpose, harnessing the full power of opera — voice, orchestra, stagecraft, and story — to illuminate the questions, emotions, and experiences that define us as human beings. Nearly 75 seasons of world-class performances have made Lyric one of the greatest opera companies in the world. What drives us now is what has always driven us: the belief that this art form, at its best, can move people in ways nothing else can. Lyric is also Chicago’s partner — in its neighborhoods, its schools, and its communities — through education, engagement, and a relentless commitment to making opera accessible, relevant, and irresistible to everyone. At the heart of that commitment is The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center, which trains the artists who will carry this art form into its future. Every night when the curtain rises, Lyric reminds this city — and the world — why live performance still matters. 
 
Lyric Opera of Chicago doesn’t just present opera, it redefines what opera can be. It’s where Chicago comes to be moved — come inside.
 
We are seeking a highly motivated and qualified individual interested in launching a career in nonprofit institutional fundraising. This role offers a unique opportunity to gain firsthand experience in elements of grant management, grant compliance, and institutional fundraising. The Institutional Partnerships Associate will be responsible for assisting the Institutional Partnerships team that includes the VP of Development, Director of Institutional Partnerships, and the Senior Philanthropy Officer, Institutional Partnerships. This position helps strengthen relationships with corporate, foundation, and government partners while supporting revenue growth and partnership development.  
 
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

- Demonstrate leadership in alignment with Lyric's mission and vision.
- Perform general administrative duties for VP of Development and the Institutional Partnerships Team in support of ongoing departmental workload balance and special events, such as VIP ticket requests, Graham Room reservations, filing expense reports, Tessitura data entry, weekly reports
- Coordinate weekly IP 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 including serving as internal liaison to other departments
- Support prospect research for the IP 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/appropriate donor acknowledgement and recognition in all 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 ensure a high level of customer service to VIP donors.
- As business evolves, so may this role. These duties may change as Lyric's leadership identifies the need at any time.
 
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

- Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university or equivalent experience.
- 1 to 3 years of experience in non-profit development, institutional fundraising, corporate relations 
- Working knowledge of and comfort working with: Microsoft suite of products 
- Google platform
- CRM expertise (Tessitura a strong plus)

- A positive, “can do” approach to work.
- Strong organizational, interpersonal, and creative oral/written communication skills is essential; a high degree of initiative, confidence, and energy to meet deadlines, and stage multiple projects efficiently is also crucial.
- Project management experience preferred.
- Ability to work and think independently, a motivated self-starter who also works well in a larger team.
- Personal charisma and the capacity to positively represent Lyric Opera of Chicago to donors.
 
WORK CONDITIONS:

- Ability to work evening or weekend functions or performances, including working off-site as needed.
- Ability to work in the office minimum three days per week and as needed.
- Fast-paced and demanding environment. 
- Sitting for extended periods. 
- Ability to operate a computer keyboard, mouse and to handle other office equipment.

- Ability to lift 30 pounds.
 
COMPENSATION:
 
Job Classification: Full-time, Non-Exempt
 
Salary is $45,000-$55,000
 
Application Deadline: Wednesday, November 11, 2026 (5:00pm CT)
 
Lyric Opera offers benefits including health, dental, vision, 403B (no company match),401(k) with company match, PTO (including sick, vacation, and personal days, and holidays), life/AD&D coverage, opportunities for professional development, and complimentary tickets.
 
The Lyric Opera of Chicago is committed to enhancing our diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Lyric prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, parental status, socio-economic status, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state or local laws. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply.