Opera Theatre of Saint Louis is hiring a Community Partnership Coordinator, who is responsible for assisting the Managing Director with planning and executing engagement programs that offer increased access to opera, convene community members, and foster dialogue, and will help ensure that OTSL is a valued civic resource. They will engage with individuals and organizations throughout the St. Louis region to identify and build Opera Theatre partnership opportunities that welcome audiences to opera across lines of race, ethnicity, geography, age, ability, and background.

Responsibilities Include:

• Work directly with the Managing Director to plan and execute events and other programming designed to welcome new and existing audiences throughout the year. Specific responsibilities include:
  • Create planning timelines, identify resources needed (personnel and financial), and actively promote activities in collaboration with OTSL’s marketing department;
  • Help develop partnership agreements with collaborating organizations and ensure clear communication with event partners through planning process;
  • Work with OTSL colleagues and volunteers to ensure events are staffed appropriately;
  • Help monitor event expenses and revenues;
  • Coordinate onsite event logistics, working with OTSL colleagues, volunteers, and external vendors to execute event plan;
  • Ensure a welcoming, safe, and enjoyable guest experience.
• Identify opportunities to partner with St. Louis community groups and individuals, cultivate relationships that broaden Opera Theatre’s network and visibility, and serve as an OTSL representative at community events as needed.
• Identify existing community events where OTSL can serve as a thought partner, resource, or participant, and organize staff and volunteers to allow Opera Theatre to be an active participant.
• Serve as the staff liaison to Opera Theatre’s Community Engagement & Inclusion Council, a group of active volunteers committed to creating stronger and more authentic relationships between OTSL and local collaborators.
  • Support logistics of the Council’s meetings, manage communications with Council members, take notes and oversee follow-up in between Council meetings on appropriate action items identified.
• Support the Managing Director on the New Works Collective, including assistance with coordinating audience experience, meeting scheduling and preparation, committee communication, interaction with open call artist applicants, and event planning.
• Develop systematic communication for community partners that includes regular updates on OTSL activities and information about group sales offers.
• Draft communication copy related to community engagement programming and initiatives.
• Assist OTSL’s Development Department and Marketing Department with executing events as needed.

Experience & Qualifications

• 1-3 years of experience in event and/or project management, or related field, with demonstrated results.
• An ability to research prospective contacts for community partnership work and pro-actively reach out to a diverse range of constituencies to learn about individual and organizational needs in St. Louis, and to share information about Opera Theatre’s programming and resources.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and an ability to initiate communication via phone or email with new contacts.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite and a constituent management database (OTSL works with Tessitura).
• Demonstrated skill in managing multiple projects with overlapping deadlines in a fast-paced environment and extraordinary attention to detail.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• A professional who shares OTSL’s desire to make opera accessible and inclusive through programming that reflects, engages, and strengthens the St. Louis community.
• A professional who enjoys a team-oriented approach and appreciates the opportunity to build relationships with colleagues, community members, and volunteers.
• Ability to work with many individuals in differing capacities (colleagues, volunteers, donors, vendors, etc.).
• Ability to be self-directed, as well as collaborate with teams.
• Working knowledge of community engagement in a non-profit environment.
• Love of the arts and/or opera.

Compensation & Hours

• Compensation: $42,000-$45,000 annual salary plus benefits.
• This is a full-time, non-exempt position (over-time eligible).
• Opera Theatre has a flexible work policy which allows for some hybrid work and asynchronous schedule arrangements.
• Evening and weekend hours will be required consistently during Opera Theatre’s festival season (May/June) and at other times throughout the year. Successful candidates will require the ability to flex their schedule to accommodate various evening and weekend events.

About Opera Theatre of Saint Louis

Opera Theatre of Saint Louis (OTSL) is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization known for innovative productions featuring outstanding young artists. The company offers a festival opera season each spring which attracts ticket buyers from zip codes throughout the metropolitan area, as well as visitors from nearly 50 states and multiple countries. As of 2023, OTSL has presented 37 world premieres, which may be the highest percentage of new work in the repertory of any American company. In addition to the spring Festival Season, OTSL operates year-round education and community programs serving nearly 17,000 local children and adults.

Opera Theatre of Saint Louis has a year-round artistic and administrative staff of approximately 45, which grows to more than 500 during the Festival Season. Several hundred volunteer members of the Opera Theatre Guild provide support for all aspects of Opera Theatre’s work and advocate for the company throughout the greater St. Louis community. The company’s annual budget size is approximately $12.5 million; contributed revenue represents more than 50% of budget.