Department: Development

Classification: Full-Time, Exempt

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, occasional evenings and weekends required

Posting ends: 9/25/26

How to Apply: Qualified applicants should submit their resume, cover letter, and 1-2 writing samples* via email to employment@detroitopera.org

*Writing samples may be any type of donor correspondence, solicitation, or other relevant materials, with details redacted, as appropriate.

Position Summary

The Major Gifts Officer position is a key member of the Development Department’s team who will be responsible for the identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of a portfolio of current and prospective donors. The Major Gifts Officer is an opportunity for a motivated and experienced development professional to impact strategy and growth for Detroit Opera’s Development Department. This position requires both strategic vision and a hands-on approach with knowledge of all facets of development and a good working understanding of nonprofit best practices. The successful candidate will be motivated to network socially and have a call and passion for building relationships with those in decision making positions; is high energy with a positive attitude and the ability to provide superior donor service; and is a dynamic self-starter who can think strategically and provide solutions.

This position reports to the Director of Individual Giving & Donor Engagement, and works closely with the fuller Development team, President & CEO, Board members, and other organizational leaders.

Specific Responsibilities:

· In partnership with board and staff leadership, support strategy of Detroit Opera’s leadership annual giving, capital, and other identified campaigns

· Support the Development team, CEO, and Development Committee members in their personal solicitation activity by providing background information and any required materials.

· Develop & manage a portfolio of approximately 125 major individual gift prospects with the goal of securing investments in special campaigns and artistic initiatives as well as maintaining and increasing investments in the annual fund**

o ** Portfolio will include a healthy number of cold prospects and upgrades. Success in this role will look like someone who is eager to lean into the discovery and qualification phases of moves management.

· Key staff manager for the solicitation and stewardship of the DiChiera Society – an annual portfolio of donors that give $3,000+

· Build and facilitate plans to cultivate existing donors and prospects with the goal of opening new opportunities for funding and to deepen existing relationships

· Work closely with volunteer leadership to engage in solicitations and other cultivation/stewardship activities

· Attend meetings of board committees and other relevant working groups and meetings as assigned

· Prepare a yearly Work Plan, aligned with financial targets, as well as professional goals and objectives in partnership with the individual giving team

· Keep detailed, comprehensive and accurate records of contacts with all prospects and donors

· Participate in all events of the Development department including donor stewardship events, donor lounge shifts, board engagement, and other key fundraising events throughout the year.

· Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

· Bachelor’s degree and/or 3-5 years of development experience with increasing levels of responsibility and achievement in executing a successful fundraising program or equivalent combination of education and experience

· Demonstrated experience in personal solicitations of gifts $10,000+

· Robust history of fundraising results

· Demonstrated interpersonal skills with an ability to work easily and effectively with volunteers and staff, and sensitive to the needs of individuals and able to maneuver within multiple departments

· Ability to understand diverse perspectives and acknowledge the significance of differences and complexities in backgrounds, cultures, values and viewpoints as the foundation for an inclusive environment.

· Effective leadership skills with a proven track record for meeting goals and objectives

· Strong analytical skills, action-oriented, decisive, accurate and timely with the ability to work in an ever-changing environment and adjust priorities accordingly

· Strategist that is motivated by deadlines and measurable outcomes with the ability to work well under pressure; persistence, perseverance, tenacity, integrity and patience

· Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint

Desired Qualifications:

· Experience working with a donor database such as Tessitura or Raiser’s Edge

· An enthusiasm for opera, dance, arts education, and the performing arts

Physical Demands/Work Environment:

· The person in this position occasionally works weekends and evenings to participate in development activities.

· The person in this position occasionally remains in a stationary position for periods of time.

· The person in this position occasionally navigates throughout the building to attend meetings and access files.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. This job may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended. Applications will be reviewed as received throughout the posting period and continue until the position is filled.

Additional Information

Detroit Opera is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and encourages all employees to fully incorporate their diverse backgrounds, skills, and life experiences into their work and towards the fulfillment of the DO mission

Department: Production 

Classification: Full-Time, Exempt 

Pay Range: $85,000 – $90,000 

Work Schedule:   Schedule varies based on performance and event schedule. This position regularly works on weekends and night-time events. 

How to Apply: Qualified applicants should submit their resume and cover letter to employment@detroitopera.org 

Position Summary: 

The Technical Director (TD) is the leader of a three-person technical direction team responsible for the planning, supervision and management of productions and events at the Detroit Opera House (DOH), ranging from opera and dance performances produced by Detroit Opera (DO) to Broadway touring musicals, graduations and commercial events hosted in the Detroit Opera House. The TD reports to the General Manager (GM), is responsible for all technical aspects of all productions at the Detroit Opera house and leads the technical staff.  The TD is responsible for scheduling and supervising IATSE stage crews and managing various show documentation and, when necessary, drafts (draws) plans and sections for DO opera, dance and other productions. The TD works closely with internal Production staff and external clients.  

Specific Responsibilities:  

• Function as part of the Production staff to plan, schedule and coordinate various departments and production staff for opera season and all other Detroit Opera events. 

• Directly supervise the execution of all technical elements of all productions and rental events throughout the year. 

• Ensure all technical aspects of production are completed within budget and schedule 

• Manage the maintenance and upkeep of all theatrical equipment and systems. 

• Assist the GM in the recruitment and hiring of necessary IATSE crew and seasonal staff. 

• Serve as main contact with IATSE, and act as supervisor for all IATSE stage crew departments. 

• Participate in collective bargaining with IATSE. 

• Ensure compliance with laws and regulations regarding licensing, permits, certificates and relevant documentation regarding the technical and production aspects of performances, including federally mandated safety programs and risk assessment.  

• Implement and monitor safety protocols, procedures, and training programs for routine stage operations as well as specific operations related to performance, e.g., aerial performances, special effects, work at height, etc. 

• Produce and maintain show and building drawings in VectorWorks and appropriate technical paperwork/supporting documents including floor plans, sections, elevations, hanging plots, and hang schedules. 

• Supervise the assembly, storage, and maintenance of scenery and the construction of props for all operas. This may include purchasing materials and supplies and maintaining inventories as needed and supervising the crew during the installation, run, and removal processes. 

Required Qualifications:  

• Bachelor’s degree in theater or related field. 

• Three or more years of experience as a technical director or related role. 

• Outstanding leadership ability. 

• Experience dealing with and leading union crews. 

• Strong Knowledge of scenic automation, rigging systems, theatrical construction techniques, carpentry, metalworking, and engineering. 

• Proficient in CAD Drafting (VectorWorks preferred). 

• Proficient in MS Office software; highly proficient in Excel. 

• Knowledge of industry safety standards. 

• Proficient in setting up basic AV systems (projectors/ portable audio system). 

• Demonstrated excellent communication skills. This position communicates with clients, vendors, and the public. 

• Ability to drive Detroit Opera vehicles, including 24’ box truck. 

• Ability to understand diverse perspectives and acknowledge the significance of differences and complexities in background, cultures, values and viewpoints as the foundation for an inclusive environment.  

Essential functions/physical demands: 

• The person in this position routinely moves materials weighing up to 50 pounds. 

• The person in this position remains in a stationary position for periods of time. 

• The person in this position occasionally ascends/descends ladders. 

• The person in this position occasionally moves throughout the building to access equipment. 

Application Deadline: 

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days.  This job may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended. Applications will be reviewed as received throughout the posting period and continue until the position is filled.  

Additional Information: 

Detroit Opera is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and encourages all employees to fully incorporate their diverse backgrounds, skills, and life experiences into their work and towards the fulfillment of the DO mission. 

Department: Safety and Security

Classification: Part-Time, Non-Exempt

Work Schedule: This position maintains a flexible work schedule, and is part of a pool of Crowd Managers, who work various performances/events at the Detroit Opera House.

Salary: $18.00 – $19.00/hr.

How to apply: Qualified applicants should submit their resume by email to employment@motopera.org.  Please include how you learned of this position. 

Position Summary

Detroit Opera (DO) is southeast Michigan’s premier venue for opera and dance, and is a contemporary cultural-corner stone of the City of Detroit. Located in the heart of downtown, near Comerica Park, Detroit Opera offers a dynamic work environment. DO Crowd Managers work with the Security Team to provide services designed to ensure the safety of Detroit Opera and the Detroit Opera House patrons, visitors, performers during performances and other events. Through working cohesively with the DO Security and Events teams Crowd Managers work to secure the safety of patrons, visitors, and performers by regulating traffic control, maintaining access to entrances and emergency exits, and performing security screenings—when required.  

Responsibilities

• Regulate traffic by managing the movement of activities and guests  

• Monitor entrances and exits to ensure proper egress, in accordance   
• Observe crowds in order to keep vigilant watch for signs of danger  
• Correspond with the Manager on Duty, Director of Security, and the Manager of Venue Operations to adequately provide emergency care within the existing security plan framework.  
• Ensure security and safety of patrons, visitors, performers, and staff, through adherence to DO security policies   
• Ensure security and safety of the venue, and perform security screening when required  

• Interact with guests attending events, provide information and direction in a positive and friendly manner  

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED equivalent  
• Ability to pass state background check 

• Minimum 1 year of experience as a crowd manager or related events management experience 
• Demonstrated customer service skills  

Desired Qualifications

• Security experience 
• Law enforcement experience 
• Crowd control/venue management certification

Essential functions/physical demands

• The person in this position works evenings and weekends, in accordance with the events schedule. 

• The person in this position navigates stairwells, hallways, and other areas of the Detroit Opera House.  
• The person in this position stands for up to 3 hours at a time. 

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days.  This job may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.  Applications will be reviewed as received throughout the posting period and continue until the position is filled.

Detroit Opera is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and encourages all employees to fully incorporate their diverse backgrounds, skills, and life experiences into their work and towards the fulfillment of the DO mission. 

Department: Safety and Security

Classification: Part-Time, Non-Exempt

Work Schedule: This position maintains a flexible work schedule, and is part of a pool of Event Medics, who work various performances/events at the Detroit Opera House.

Salary: $20.00/hr.

How to apply: Qualified applicants should submit their resume by email to employment@motopera.org.  Please include how you learned of this position.

Position Summary

Detroit Opera (DO) is southeast Michigan’s premier venue for opera and dance, and is a contemporary cultural-corner stone of the City of Detroit. Located in the heart of downtown, near Comerica Park, Detroit Opera offers a dynamic work environment. DO Event Medics work with the Security Team to provide services designed to ensure the health and safety of Detroit Opera and the Detroit Opera House patrons, visitors, performers during performances and other events. Event Medics work to secure the safety of patrons, visitors, and performers by providing immediate medical care to any and all individuals who fall ill, to be vigilant of individuals displaying signs or symptoms of illness, to call for or facilitate communication with emergency first responders, and provide crowd management services for the safety of patrons, visitors, employees and artists.  

Responsibilities

• Immediately respond to all medical emergencies in accordance with the relevant procedures and policies.   

• Observe crowds in order to keep vigilant watch for symptoms and early signs of illness or medical emergencies.  
• Treat symptoms of minor injuries, such as small cuts/scrape, dizziness, nausea, headaches, contacting emergency medical services as needed.     
• Correspond with the Manager on Duty, Director of Security, and the Manager of Venue Operations to adequately provide emergency medical care within the existing security plan framework.  
• Participate in traffic control duties for large events, as needed.   

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED equivalent 
• Ability to pass state background check 
• EMT-B license 
• Demonstrated ability to work ethically and dependably 

Desired Qualifications

• EMT-I license or EMT-P license highly preferred 
• Nursing/other health care experience  
• Security experience  
• Crowd manager experience  

Essential functions/physical demands

• The person in this position works evenings and weekends, in accordance with the events schedule. 

• The person in this position navigates stairwells, hallways, and other areas of the Detroit Opera House.  
• The person in this position stands for up to 3 hours at a time. 

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days.  This job may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.  Applications will be reviewed as received throughout the posting period and continue until the position is filled.

Detroit Opera is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and encourages all employees to fully incorporate their diverse backgrounds, skills, and life experiences into their work and towards the fulfillment of the DO mission. 

Shifts available: 

Sat., Sun., 3 PM – 11 PM (16 hrs./week) 

*Detroit Opera employees who work 20 or more hours/week are eligible to participate in the employee benefits program 

Salary: $20/hr.

How to Apply: Qualified applicants should submit their resume by email to employment@detroitopera.org.  

Position Summary:  

Detroit Opera (DO) is southeast Michigan’s premier venue for opera and dance and is a contemporary cultural-corner stone of the City of Detroit. Located in the heart of downtown, near Comerica Park, Detroit Opera offers a dynamic work environment. Through a meticulous security strategy, Detroit Opera Security Officers provide services designed to ensure the protective security of Detroit Opera staff, patrons, visitors and performers; and the Detroit Opera House buildings and grounds. Incumbents in this position will secure premises, personnel, patrons and guests by patrolling property; monitoring surveillance equipment; patrolling and inspecting buildings, equipment, and access points; permitting entry and checking credentials. During performances and other large events with visiting attendees, Security Officers monitor crowds, and provide crowd management services for the safety of visitors, employees and artists.   

Job Responsibilities: 

• Patrol and secure the Detroit Opera House. 
• Monitor and analyze CCTV camera footage. 
• Protect company assets relative to theft, assault, fire and other safety issues; guard valuables in a secure area 
• Respond to alarms and emergencies, communicate any irregularities with management 
• Keep a thorough incident report record; follow procedures for various initiatives including fire prevention, traffic control and accident investigations  
• Check visitors in and out of the Detroit Opera House, and escort visitors around the premises. 
• Guard valuables in a secure area 
• Ensure compliance with government regulations       

Required Qualifications:  

• High school diploma or GED equivalent  
• Ability to pass state background check 
• Clean driving record  
• Minimum 1 year of relevant security experience  
• Demonstrated ability to work ethically and dependably   
• Ability to understand diverse perspectives and acknowledge the significance of differences and complexities in background, cultures, values and viewpoints as the foundation for an inclusive environment. 

Desired Qualifications:  

• First aid/CPR-certified 
• Customer service experience 

Physical Demands of the Work Environment:  

• The person in this position navigates different areas through the building including stairwells, work areas, parking structure, and patron areas as part of building security checks.   
• The person in this position ascends and descends stairwells multiple times during a shift, as part of building security checks. 
• The person in this position stands for up to 3 hours at a time. 
• The person in this position occasionally lifts heavy objects up to 60 lbs.  

Application Deadline  

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days.  This job may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended. Applications will be reviewed as received throughout the posting period and continue until the position is filled.  

Additional Information  

Detroit Opera is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and encourages all employees to fully incorporate their diverse backgrounds, skills, and life experiences into their work and towards the fulfillment of the DO mission.