Associate Director, Gift Planning chez Lyric Opera of Chicago

REPORTS TO: Senior Director of Gift Planning

STATUS: Full-time, 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, our company, and our city.

The Gift Planning Office is a vital part of Lyric’s Development Department. Its core mission is to secure, manage, and steward legacy gift commitments—contributions received after a donor’s lifetime. In addition, the office supports strategic lifetime giving, oversees acceptance and liquidation of complex gifts, manages endowment creation, and addresses legal and compliance matters related to charitable giving.

We are searching for an Associate Director, Gift Planning to provide essential support to the Gift Planning team. This role will focus on cultivating and stewarding members of Lyric’s Legacy Society, managing legacy gift prospects, and overseeing the administration of estate gifts. The ideal candidate is highly organized, relationship-oriented, and eager to contribute to the long-term success of Lyric Opera of Chicago.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Cultivation

• Lead with integrity in alignment with Lyric’s mission and values.
• Develop and implement annual strategies to engage and qualify legacy gift prospects.
• Partner with Marketing to integrate legacy giving into broader campaigns.
• Draft compelling legacy giving communications and stewardship materials.
• Collaborate with colleagues to follow up with prospects after events.
• Meet with legacy gift prospects to advance discussions of legacy support and annual support.

Stewardship

• Track, acknowledge, and steward confirmed legacy commitments.
• Respond to inquiries from Legacy Society members regarding donations, events, and tickets.
• Plan and implement an annual communication strategy for Legacy Society engagement.
• Manage and track life insurance policies, ensuring timely communication with donors regarding premium payments.

Estate Administration

• Track and report on pending estate gifts, coordinating with executors, attorneys, and other representatives to ensure timely and accurate distributions.
• Maintain clear and organized records of estate communications, timelines, and documentation.
• Collaborate with Finance to confirm compliance with donor intent and organizational policies.
• Provide regular estate gift updates to Development leadership and assist with donor recognition plans once distributions are finalized.

Program Support

• Maintain a calendar of all Gift Planning communications and events, ensuring timely execution.
• Oversee Legacy Society listings in season programs and create related advertisements.
• Coordinate invitations and logistics for Gift Planning events in collaboration with the Events team.
• Manage the Gift Planning Office intern program, supplies, and mailings.
• Adapt responsibilities as the business evolves and departmental needs change.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university required.
• At least 3-5 years experience in non-profit management, fundraising, legal, finance, or related professional work experience required. 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite; experience with Tessitura or other CRM systems strongly preferred.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively across diverse constituencies.
• Exceptional organizational and time management abilities; capable of handling multiple projects simultaneously.
• Independent, self-motivated, and able to thrive in a collaborative environment.
• Personal charisma and the capacity to positively represent Lyric to VIP donors.
• Knowledge of financial products and estate planning vehicles is a plus. 
• Previous high-profile customer service experience helpful.

WORK CONDITIONS

• Availability to occasionally work evenings, weekends, or performances.
• Fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Extended periods of sitting and computer use.
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds.

COMPENSATION:

Job Classification: Full-time, Exempt

Salary Range is $70,000-$80,000

Application Deadline: Monday, September 29, 2025 (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 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.