Associate, Boards (Women’s Board and Lyric Young Professionals)

REPORTS TO: Director of Volunteer Boards
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, our company, and our city.

Lyric Opera of Chicago is seeking an Associate that will play a key role in supporting the Director of Volunteer Boards by providing exceptional customer service to board members and managing board operations of the Women’s Board and the Lyric Young Professionals. Responsibilities include coordinating meetings, planning member-exclusive events, and maintaining accurate records. The role involves engaging with board members to enhance relationships and foster philanthropy, as well as handling logistical aspects of board activities and special events.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Demonstrate leadership in accordance with Lyric’s mission and vision as they relate to the activities and events of Lyric’s Women’s Board and Lyric Young Professionals Board.
• Alongside the Director of Volunteer Boards, provide concierge-level customer service to board members and manage the day-to-day Board functions, including:
  • Maintaining accurate and detailed contact information for Board members in Tessitura, board directory, and digital files, proofing Board listings regularly for programs.
    • Track Board engagement, giving, and participation through database and files.
    • Prepare and track annual dues.
    • Develop and maintain filing systems for member files, activities, and events.
  • Act in a front-facing capacity to directly engage current Board members, creating communications and opportunities for relationship building through special projects and events.
  • Identify untapped opportunities for philanthropy and engagement and communicate appropriately with Development team members and leadership.
  • Serve as the board liaison working closely with key stakeholders such as Presidents and event chairs to execute their vision of creating meaningful philanthropic events for Lyric.
  • Facilitate involvement of Board leadership (event Chairs and committees) for Fundraising Galas:
    • Write copy, maintain files, manage vendors, and respond to any inquiries.
    • Tracking Responses.
    • Coordinate production and design of print pieces.
    • Produce escort cards and place cards for seating.
    • Respond to inquiries.
• Generate all Board and committee meeting materials and logistics, including:
  • Creation of packets, reports, and agendas.
  • Record and transcribe meeting minutes.
  • Manage invitations and track responses.
  • Prepare and assemble meeting folders.
  • Manage seating and vendors such as catering and A/V.

• Assist with the planning and coordinating member-only board trips as needed. Manage all aspects and attend as required.
• As the business evolves, so may this role; these duties may change as Lyric’s leadership identifies the need at any time.

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university.
• 2-3 years of experience in Development or related fields.
• 2-3 years of experience working directly with a volunteer board.
• Working knowledge of and comfort working with:
  • Microsoft suite of products.
  • CRM expertise (Tessitura a strong plus).
• Ability to work and think independently, a motivated self-starter who also works well in a larger team.

• Ability and flexibility to oversee evening or weekend functions, deployments, or performances.
• Sitting or standing for extended periods of time.
Ability to operate a computer, handle other office equipment, and lift up to 25 pounds.

COMPENSATION:

Job Classification: Full-time, Non-exempt

Application Deadline: Thursday, March 26, 2026 (5:00pm CT)

Salary is $55,000-$60,000

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.

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