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Lyric Opera Jobs (NOW HIRING)

E carpentry department crew members during onstage installation, operation, and strike of all theatrical scenic elements. • Develop a collaborative relationship with the Lyric Opera of Chicago ...

... Lyric Opera of Chicago. The Lead Stitcher upholds safety, organization, and workmanship standards across all costume work and storage areas. This position is a union position covered under the I.A.T.

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How much do lyric opera jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for lyric opera in the United States is $19.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $20.43 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the Lyric Opera?

The Lyric Opera refers to a professional opera company, such as the Lyric Opera of Chicago, which produces and stages operatic performances. These organizations are dedicated to presenting both classic and contemporary operas, often featuring world-class singers, musicians, and creative teams. In addition to performances, Lyric Opera companies often offer educational programs, community outreach, and events to engage audiences of all ages. Their seasons typically run from fall to spring and include both well-known works and new commissions.

What are some typical collaborative projects or interactions for someone working at Lyric Opera?

At Lyric Opera, professionals frequently collaborate with a diverse range of colleagues, including stage managers, directors, musicians, costume designers, and technical staff. Whether you are in an artistic, technical, or administrative role, teamwork is essential to ensure seamless productions and successful performances. Regular meetings, rehearsals, and production planning sessions foster a supportive environment where ideas are shared and creative problem-solving is encouraged. This collaborative culture not only enhances the quality of each show but also offers valuable opportunities for professional growth and cross-disciplinary learning.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Opera Singer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Opera Singer, you need exceptional vocal technique, strong musical interpretation, and usually formal training in voice performance or a related field. Familiarity with languages (such as Italian, German, and French), musical notation, and stage performance is essential, and many professionals hold advanced degrees or certifications from conservatories. Outstanding stage presence, emotional expressiveness, and collaboration skills help artists connect with audiences and work effectively with directors and cast members. These skills ensure powerful performances, artistic growth, and successful contributions to complex operatic productions.
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Coordinator, Annual Giving

Coordinator, Annual Giving

Lyric Opera of Chicago

Chicago, IL • On-site

$40K - $45K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

REPORTS TO: Manager, Annual Giving
JOB STATUS: Full-time, Non-Exempt
Through artistic excellence coupled with innovative, relevant programming; initiatives to connect with and grow new audiences; engagement with communities to ignite creativity across Chicago; and a modernized Opera House that is the setting for truly great experiences, Lyric is leading the advancement of opera. This collaborative vision will deliver ever more exciting, thought-provoking, and inclusive audience and community experiences - while increasing the gravitational pull of our art form, company, and city.
The Annual Giving team executes direct-response appeals and communications to support the Fund for Lyric, specifically focusing on two key donor societies, the Friends of Lyric ($50-$4,999) and the Patrons of Lyric ($5,000-$24,999). The Coordinator is responsible for helping retain, grow, acquire, and reactivate contributed support by creating regular cultivation, retention, and stewardship communications, serving donors as a general inquiry contact point for donor engagement questions, and providing project management and administrative support for the Annual Giving team.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Campaign Execution & Appeals
  • Execute Fund for Lyric email campaigns using Prospect2, Airtable, and Ziflow, ensuring alignment with Lyric's comprehensive communications calendar and brand standards.
  • Manage Lyric's monthly renewal notice appeals in partnership with the mail house vendor, including data preparation and production oversight.
  • Support quarterly direct mail appeals as part of the Annual Giving team, including data pulls, segmentation, letter drafting, routing creative for approval, and coordination with the mail house vendor.
  • Design and schedule complementary quarterly social media appeals to reinforce direct mail and email campaigns.
  • Oversee Lyric's gift-matching communications program (Double the Donation).

Donor Stewardship & Engagement
  • Serve as the primary phone and email contact for the Friends of Lyric donor society, responding to donor inquiries and coordinating timely gift processing with the Donor Records team.
  • Execute routine stewardship efforts, including gratitude letters, greeting cards, donor impact reports, and daily acknowledgment calls.
  • Support telefundraising initiatives aimed at acquiring, retaining, and upgrading annual donors.
  • Steward Lyric's Name a Seat program, maintaining accurate inventory in the database and coordinating plaque production and installation with vendors and internal partners.

Event & Experience Coordination
  • Oversee Development's dress rehearsal and working rehearsal programs, managing invitations, communications, response tracking, staffing logistics, and day-of coordination.
  • Attend and assist with department events and donor experiences, including work outside of normal business hours with advance notice when possible.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:
  • Bachelor's Degree in arts management, marketing, or related field.
  • More than one year or one completed internship with a nonprofit organization.
  • Customer service experience interfacing with donors or customers, building relationships, handling inquiries, and problem-solving.
  • Interest in authentic interactions with donors and teammates.
  • Self-starter with strong project management and organizational competencies with a demonstrated aptitude for multitasking, attention to detail, and meeting overlapping deadlines.
  • Ability to work independently and as a team member in a collaborative and fast-paced environment.
  • Experience with Tessitura (preferred) or an equivalent CMS platform.
  • Interest in building relationships and partnerships with external vendors.
  • Personal passion for opera, musical theater, or classical music that can be shared in communicating with donors.
  • A positive, "can do" approach to work

WORK CONDITIONS:
  • Sitting and standing for extended periods..
  • Ability to operate a computer and handle other office equipment.
  • Ability to occasionally participate in evening and/or weekend duties outside regular business hours.

COMPENSATION:
Job Classification: Full-time, Non-Exempt
Salary is: $40,000-$45,000
Application Deadline: June 18, 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.
Lyric Opera of Chicago is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, parental status, socio-economic status, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. We strongly encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply.