Special Events and Community Engagement Manager

Special Events and Community Engagement Manager

Fort Worth, Texas Part-Time | Exempt Salary: $55,000 annually

About Fort Worth Opera-

Founded in 1946, Fort Worth Opera is one of the oldest continually operating opera companies in the United States and a leading cultural institution in North Texas. Now entering its 81st Season, the company presents fully staged operas, concerts, arts education programs, and community engagement initiatives throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.

The mission of Fort Worth Opera is to enrich people's lives with performances and programs that educate, entertain, inspire, and expand the horizons of current and future audiences. Through its mainstage productions, arts education programs, and year-round community engagement initiatives, the company serves thousands of students, families, and audience members across North Texas each year.

Position Summary

Fort Worth Opera seeks an energetic, relationship-driven professional to serve as its Special Events & Community Engagement Manager.

This position plays a vital role in strengthening the company's visibility, community presence, and donor engagement through the planning and execution of special events, cultivation activities, educational partnerships, and public programs.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, enjoys bringing people together, thrives in social and community settings, and possesses the confidence to represent Fort Worth Opera among patrons, community leaders, civic organizations, educators, and corporate partners.

This position works closely with the Director of Development, Director of Education & Community Engagement, and General & Artistic Director to help advance the organization's fundraising, audience development, and community engagement goals.

Primary Responsibilities-

Special Events & Donor Engagement

• Plan and execute donor cultivation events, receptions, fundraising events/dinners, patron gatherings, and special performances

• Coordinate logistics for fundraising and stewardship events from concept through completion

• Manage event timelines, vendor relationships, contracts, budgets, and on-site operations

• Assist with sponsorship fulfillment and donor hospitality

• Support donor engagement efforts by helping create memorable experiences for patrons, board members, sponsors, and major donors

• Track event participation and provide post-event reporting and evaluation

Community Engagement & Partnerships-

• Develop and maintain relationships with community organizations, schools, cultural institutions,

civic groups, and local businesses

• Represent Fort Worth Opera at networking events, community meetings, and public functions

• Identify opportunities for new collaborations that expand Fort Worth Opera's visibility and

impact throughout North Texas

• Assist in coordinating community-based performances, outreach initiatives, and educational

activities

• Help cultivate partnerships that support audience development and community engagement

goals

Event & Project Management-

• Manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail and deadlines

• Coordinate volunteers and event support personnel as needed

• Assist with venue coordination, guest management, and event production logistics

• Maintain organized event records, contracts, timelines, and budgets

• Ensure a consistently professional and welcoming experience for guests and community

partners

Marketing & Communications Support-

• Collaborate with marketing staff to promote events and community initiatives

• Assist with invitations, RSVP management, event communications, and promotional materials

• Help identify opportunities for social media and community storytelling related to events and

partnerships

Qualifications-

Required

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience

• Two or more years of experience in event planning, community engagement, fundraising, public

relations, arts administration, hospitality, or a related field

• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills

• Strong organizational and project management abilities

• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with a small team

• Comfortable representing the organization in public and professional settings

• Availability to work evenings and weekends as required by performances and events

• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation

Preferred

• Experience in nonprofit arts organizations, education, fundraising, or community engagement

• Familiarity with donor cultivation and stewardship practices

• Experience coordinating volunteers or event staff

• Knowledge of the Fort Worth philanthropic, civic, arts, and nonprofit communities

• Bilingual English/Spanish proficiency is a plus

What We're Looking For-

The strongest candidates will be:

• Natural relationship builders

• Comfortable engaging with patrons, donors, educators, and community leaders

• Passionate about the arts and community impact

• Highly organized and dependable

• Creative problem-solvers who remain calm under pressure

• Enthusiastic ambassadors for Fort Worth Opera and its mission

Benefits-

• Salary of $55,000 annually

• Paid time off and company holidays

• Flexible work schedule with the option of work-from-home Fridays

• Select company benefits as described in the FWO Employee Handbook, however health

insurance is not provided

• Complimentary tickets to Fort Worth Opera performances

• A collaborative and mission-driven work environment

To Apply-

Please submit a resume, cover letter, and the names and phone numbers of three professional

references to:

Angela Turner Wilson

General and Artistic Director

angela@fwopera.org

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.