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CEDAR RAPIDS OPERA

JOB LISTING - ADVANCEMENT & PATRON SERVICES MANAGER

Advancement & Patron Services Manager (Part-Time)

Cedar Rapids, Iowa | Approximately 20 hours per week

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Position Overview

Cedar Rapids Opera (CROpera) is seeking a highly organized, detail-oriented, and people- centered Advancement & Patron Services Manager to support the organization’s fundraising operations and patron engagement efforts.

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This position plays a central role in ensuring a high-quality experience for donors and audiences while maintaining the systems and workflows that support contributed and earned revenue. The role is both administrative and public-facing, with responsibilities that include working directly with patrons and donors at performances and events.

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The position reports to the General Director, and works closely with the Artistic Director and Marketing & Office Manager. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys both behind-the-scenes coordination and being present at events where they can help create a welcoming and engaging patron experience.

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Key Responsibilities

Development Operations & Donor Stewardship

  • Maintain and manage donor records and activity in CRM (Neon CRM)

  • Process gifts and ensure timely and accurate acknowledgments

  • Execute donor stewardship workflows, including renewals and recognition tracking

  • Support donor prospect tracking and meeting documentation

  • Assist in preparing materials and follow-up for donor communications

 

Grant Coordination

  • Assist the General Director in gathering data, tracking timelines, organizing attachments, and preparing basic materials for grant applications and reports.

 

Patron Services & Ticketing

  • Serve as a primary point of contact for patron and ticketing inquiries

  • Coordinate with box office partners on ticketing setup, reporting, and logistics

  • Track ticket sales and maintain accurate attendance data

  • Support patron purchases including tickets, memberships, and donations

  • Maintain accurate and integrated records across ticketing and donations

  • Generate reports to support fundraising and audience insights

  • Ensure consistency and organization across systems

 

Audience Engagement & Communication

  • Execute pre- and post-event patron communications

  • Support audience retention efforts through follow-up and engagement tracking

  • Coordinate surveys and compile audience feedback

  • Attend performances, donor events, and select community engagements

  • Serve as a welcoming and professional representative of CROpera to patrons and donors

  • Assist with donor relations and patron experience during events

  • Support planning and execution of donor and patron events surrounding productions

  • Support on-site event needs as part of a small, collaborative team

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Organizational Collaboration

  • Work collaboratively with the General Director, Artistic Director, and Marketing & Office Manager

  • Provide staff support as needed for the Board’s Audience Development Committee

  • Assist with coordination of initiatives that support audience growth and engagement

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Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in arts administration, nonprofit management, communications, or related field

  • 1–3 years of relevant experience preferred (fundraising, patron services, nonprofit, or customer-facing roles)

  • Strong technology skills, including proficiency with CRM systems (Neon CRM or similar), Microsoft Office/365, and Adobe Acrobat/Creative Suite Tools

  • Ability to learn and manage multiple digital platforms and systems efficiently

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and work both independently and collaboratively

  • Professional, friendly, and confident demeanor in public-facing settings

  • Interest in or appreciation for the performing arts

 

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience supporting events, hospitality, or donor engagement activities

  • Familiarity with ticketing systems (e.g., Tessitura, Arts People, or similar)

  • Social media or digital engagement experience

  • Experience in arts, nonprofit, or customer-facing environments

 

Schedule & Work Environment

  • Approximately 20 hours per week tracked and scheduled in coordination with the General Director to align with part-time workload

  • This position is in-person in Cedar Rapids, with flexibility for occasional hybrid work

  • Occasional evening and weekend availability required for performances, receptions, and donor events

 

Compensation

  • Hourly rate commensurate with experience

 

Location

  • Candidates should be based in the greater Cedar Rapids area or within the Corridor.

 

About Cedar Rapids Opera

Cedar Rapids Opera (CROpera) is a professional opera company dedicated to producing high-quality performances and meaningful educational programming. CROpera serves Eastern Iowa through mainstage productions, concerts, and community engagement initiatives, reaching thousands of audience members each year.

 

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How to Apply

Please submit to Tad Ennen, General Director at general.director@cropera.org:

  • Resume

  • Brief cover letter outlining interest and relevant experience

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Final candidates may be asked to provide:

  • A short writing sample

  • Three professional references

 

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

 

We recognize that candidates may bring a range of experiences. If you are excited about this role but do not meet every qualification, we encourage you to apply.

 

Cedar Rapids Opera is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status.

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