Development Coordinator
/Job Title:
Development Coordinator
Organization:
Vancouver Opera
Deadline:
Aug. 17, 2026
Organization Description:
Vancouver Opera creates extraordinary experiences that engage, inspire, and entertain our community through voice, music, and theatre.
Vancouver Opera is regarded worldwide for its fine mainstage productions; for its country-leading education programs, which have reached more than 1.6 million children and their families in more than 65 years; for its innovative and award-winning community programs; and for ground-breaking cross-cultural creative partnerships that have brought opera to generations of Canadians.
Website:
Job Description:
Reporting to the Director of Development and General Director, the Development Coordinator works closely with all areas of Development to provide administrative support and ensure cohesive and streamlined internal and external communication for the department.
Responsibilities:
Primary Responsibilities:
● Serves as a primary point of communication between the Development Department and the General Director (GD). In partnership with the GD, maintains the General Director's calendar of donor meetings and Development activities.
● Provides administrative support to the Director of Development, including managing the event schedule and supporting in prioritizing ongoing projects and daily tasks.
● Provides administrative support to Development-related Board committees as assigned and needed, including maintaining board documents and data (e.g., rosters, directory, handbook, orientation materials), monitoring deadlines, content preparation, and event planning, as well as scheduling, timelines, correspondence, materials, taking minutes, and post-meeting follow-up.
● Coordinates and manages administrative duties, including expense reports and invoicing, updating donor records.
● Coordinates the writing and design/layout for correspondences, proposals, project reports, and sponsor spotlights as assigned.
● Drafts templates for donor acknowledgment letters and reviews and edits letters for signature by the Director of Development, as well as the General Director.
● Provides high-level stewardship, hospitality, and concierge support to patrons in the Director of Development donor portfolio.
● Manages the filing system for the Director of Development office and keeps files accurate and up to date within the Tessitura system.
● Assists in maintaining accurate donor records within the database and facilitates reporting for the department.
Secondary Responsibilities:
● Works closely with all areas of Development to support the department’s goals.
● Manages donor analysis projects assigned.
● Assists at performances and events as needed (some evening and weekend work required).
● Generates reports and analyzes data to inform fundraising strategies and measure success.
● Interfaces with the marketing and artistic teams in joint events and activities (open rehearsals, community engagement activities).
● Performs other job-related duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
Education:
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university (preferred) or equivalent work experience.
Who We’re Looking For:
This section describes the skills and experience that are most important to this position. We realize not everyone will be equally strong in all these areas. We also know you can bring strengths and talents beyond what we’ve described. If you are excited about this role and our mission, we welcome your application.
● Minimum 2 years’ experience in fundraising or other administrative roles, preferably in the arts in the Lower Mainland.
● Respect for diverse backgrounds and voices and a commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility.
● Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and to work effectively in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
● Understanding of basic principles and practices of fundraising and customer service.
● Outstanding interpersonal skills, including the ability to interact and work collaboratively with staff, patrons, board members, and volunteers in a highly professional, confidential, and tactful manner.
● Outstanding communication skills, both oral and in writing; ability to convey complicated information in a clear, succinct, and respectful manner.
● Proficiency in Microsoft Office and database navigation.
● Expertise in Calendar management, Scheduling, Meeting Prep, & Hospitality.
● Tessitura experience preferred, or other equivalent CRM.
● Proven success with independently setting priorities, coordinating multiple projects simultaneously, and meeting firm deadlines.
● Knowledge of opera/performing arts preferred.
● Basic knowledge of budgeting and expense management preferred.
● Ability to attend evening and weekend events in the Lower Mainland.
● Must perform the functions of the position in a safe manner.
How to Apply:
VO strives to provide meaningful employment opportunities, which reflect the range of diverse communities in which we live and work. Our vision is a resilient organizational culture, which is inclusive and diverse in all its aspects. Individual differences are not only accepted but are strongly valued and encouraged. We recognize that our diversity, the many different and unique things we individually and collectively bring to work each day, contributes to building a stronger workplace and healthier communities. VO welcomes and encourages applications from women, persons of colour, Indigenous persons, persons with diverse abilities, and members of other marginalized or under-represented groups. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
To apply, please email your cover letter and resume to wmurgatroyd@vancouveropera.ca with the subject line “Development Coordinator”. Applicants are encouraged to apply ASAP, and interviews will be scheduled as applications are received.
Remuneration:
$55,000 – $60,000 plus benefits
