Theatre Forum is now Performing Arts Forum
Employer: Irish National Opera
Closing Date: 2 Jul 2025 @ 6:00 pm
Location: Dublin
Type: Paid Job

Curious about opera? Want to work in a dynamic friendly team and help deliver landmark campaigns while growing corporate support for Ireland’s national opera company?

PRIMARY FUNCTIONS

Working with and reporting to the Director of Development, you will:

Play a leading role in the identification, cultivation and stewardship of corporate partners.
Help drive the delivery of an ambitious capital campaign.
Assist in the planning and lead on the execution of cultivation and stewardship events.
Maintain accurate data and insight on prospects, partners and donors through INO’s CRM database and box office system, Spektrix.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Corporate Partnerships

Research and map the Irish and multinational corporate market; build a rolling prospect list and approach timetable.
Work with the Director of Development to pitch and secure multi-year partnerships, tailoring benefit packages and negotiating contracts.
Deliver contractual benefits (branding, hospitality, staff-engagement events, impact reporting).
Ensure all partnership recognition is accurate across programmes, digital channels and press.
Record accurate information on partners and prospects in Spektrix using the opportunities pipeline.

Capital Campaign Assistance

Undertake prospect research and prepare briefing notes in consultation with the Director of Development.
Administer a public-facing  “Build-a-Brick” style appeal: website copy, payment processing, donor wall, acknowledgements.
Track pledges and gifts; update the gift table and produce campaign dashboards.
Steward new one-off donors and help transition them into annual giving programmes post-campaign.
Minute regular campaign meetings.

Event Management

In collaboration with the Development Administrator and Director of Development, design, plan, market and lead on delivery of cultivation events, season launches, membership functions and post-show receptions.
Liaise with the Marketing team on any ticketed/open cultivation events.
Manage guest lists, RSVPs and on-the-day logistics, ensuring premium experience for partners and prospects.

Other

Curate content and grow engagement on INO’s LinkedIn channel to support corporate outreach.
Act as an ambassador for INO at industry events, performances and networking opportunities.
Contribute ideas to the development of the company’s fundraising strategy.
Contribute ideas for fundraising initiatives.
Assist in the compiling and proofing of fundraising literature.
Attend development committee meetings.

General

As appropriate, support the company’s activities in other departments.
As appropriate, support the company’s outreach initiatives.
Attend performances and other events as necessary.
Contribute ideas and analysis for the overall development of the company.
Perform other duties that may be required by the company from time to time.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

The ideal candidate will be an effective communicator, with excellent listening, interpersonal and networking skills. They will have the ability to clearly articulate the company’s purpose and priorities and engage stakeholders imaginatively. They will have a keen eye for detail and will demonstrate an efficient approach to data management. They will show talent and capacity for building and maintaining relationships with corporate partners and individual donors:

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

Essential

Superb written and oral communication skills, including the ability to generate reports, proposals and pitches.
5 years’ experience working in the arts, non-profit or related sector.
Strong interpersonal and diplomatic skills.
Excellent research skills.
Creative thinking, strategic mindset and entrepreneurial spirit.
Personal accountability, high level of integrity, ability to work under pressure.
Focused self-starter with ability to work collaboratively with teams.
Good at anticipating problems before they arise.
Diplomacy, tact and confidence to engage with senior business leaders and other stakeholders.
Knowledge of opera—or willingness to learn—and enthusiasm for INO’s mission.

Desirable

Experience in managing CRMs, box office systems or databases (Spektrix or equivalent).
Experience with design software (Adobe InDesign and Canva).
Proven ability to steward corporate sponsorships.
Experience delivering high-profile cultivation or hospitality events.
Experience in fundraising, sponsorship or business development, ideally in the arts, non-profit or related sector.

KEY INFORMATION 

Contract: 5-year fixed term (subject to a 6 to 9-month probation period).
Salary: Competitive, commensurate with experience, plus up to 5 % pension contribution after probation.
Hours: Full-time. Some evening/weekend work and travel required (time off in lieu).
Location: INO offices, 69 Dame Street, Dublin 2. Hybrid working possible.
Annual Leave: 20 days.
Start Date: As soon as possible.

HOW TO APPLY

Please email your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability and experience to Cate Kelliher, Business & Finance Manager at cate@irishnationalopera.ie. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Closing Date: Wednesday 2nd July
Interviews: early July
For a confidential discussion about the role, contact Aoife Daly, Director of Development at aoife@irishnationalopera.ie.

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