OPPORTUNITIES

Special Events Manager

The Opportunity:

Palm Beach Opera’s Special Events Manager will play a pivotal role in producing elegant, mission-driven events that deepen relationships and drive philanthropic engagement. This role is ideal for someone who thrives at the intersection of creativity, strategy, and relationship-building — someone who finds joy in crafting meaningful experiences that unite people around a shared love of the arts. In this position, you will lead the planning and execution of donor-centric events that support fundraising goals, strengthen our donor programs, and celebrate the transformative power of opera. You’ll work collaboratively across departments, analyze data to enhance impact, and bring energy and polish to every aspect of your work. You will be joining a mission-driven team that’s dedicated to advancing the arts in our community and shaping the future of opera while living in one of the most desirable coastal communities in the country.

Why Palm Beach Opera?

Palm Beach Opera is a dynamic and nationally recognized company with over 60 years of artistic excellence. Based in the vibrant West Palm Beach, PBO is celebrated for world-class productions, transformative education programs, and one of the industry’s top resident artist training pipelines. We’re passionate about creating extraordinary experiences—on stage, in classrooms, and throughout our community. Our culture thrives on collaboration, mentorship, and innovation, whether we’re launching emerging talent or partnering with local youth organizations to create their own operas.

What you’ll do:

• Plan and execute all donor-centric and fundraising events — including receptions, opening night dinners, a Lunch & Learn series, Board of Directors trips, and a 400-person annual gala at The Breakers — ensuring that each event reflects the mission and elevates the patron experience.
• Develop creative event concepts and thematic elements that align with institutional goals, donor interests, and artistic programming.
• Create and manage detailed event budgets, timelines, and run-of-show schedules to ensure seamless execution and positive financial outcomes.
• Secure and coordinate with venues, caterers, A/V teams, florists, and other vendors while negotiating favorable terms and ensuring exceptional service.
• Recruit, train, and lead event staff and volunteers, cultivating a collaborative and guest-focused event culture.
• Collaborate with internal departments — particularly marketing and artistic — to ensure event messaging, branding, and programming are consistent and compelling.
• Design and implement fundraising strategies within events to drive engagement, secure sponsorships, and inspire giving.
• Manage guest registration and RSVPs, oversee seating plans, and provide high-touch service to VIP donors and sponsors.
• In collaboration with marketing department, develop and execute event materials using email, social media, printed collateral, and press outreach.
• Conduct post-event evaluation, track attendance and giving data, and prepare internal reports that inform future planning.
• Lead aspects of donor programs, including recruitment events, renewals, increases, and benefit fulfillment.
• Analyze donor engagement data to refine strategies, identify trends, and maximize impact across events and fundraising initiatives.
• Serve as an enthusiastic ambassador for Palm Beach Opera at all events — cultivating lasting relationships and delivering outstanding guest experiences.
• Represent Palm Beach Opera’s mission and values with integrity, warmth, and professionalism in all external communications.
• Represent Palm Beach Opera at performances and community events, and build and maintain personal relationships with individuals and organizations that deepen the commitment of the Palm Beach philanthropic community to the company and its mission.

What you’ll bring:

• 3+ years of relevant experience in event planning, fundraising, and/or donor engagement — preferably in a nonprofit or arts organization.
• Demonstrated success planning and executing special events of varying scale with impeccable taste, including experience managing event budgets, logistics, and vendor relationships.
• A track record of meeting or exceeding fundraising goals through events, donor cultivation, and creative engagement strategies.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build meaningful relationships with donors, sponsors, vendors, volunteers, and staff.
• Strong organizational and project management skills — detail-oriented and able to juggle multiple deadlines and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• A proactive, solutions-driven mindset with the ability to troubleshoot on the fly and adapt to changing circumstances with professionalism.
• Proficiency in CRM and event software platforms (such as PatronManager, Raiser’s Edge, OneCause, or similar), as well as Microsoft Office Suite.
• Familiarity with annual fund programs, including donor benefit fulfillment, stewardship, and engagement strategies.
• A collaborative spirit with the ability to work independently and cross-functionally in a team-oriented environment.
• A passion for the performing arts and a strong commitment to the mission of Palm Beach Opera.
• Discretion and sound judgment when working with confidential and sensitive information.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and extended hours for donor events, performances, and meetings.
• Access to reliable transportation for travel to work, meetings, performances, and off-site events.

What we offer:

• Competitive salary range.
• Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, paid time off, remote and flexible work-schedule during off-season, and 403 (b) with company match.
• A collaborative and supportive team environment where ideas are valued and contributions are recognized.

Ready to Increase your Impact?

Submit a resume and a brief cover letter in PDF format, highlighting relevant experience and why you’re excited about this opportunity at Palm Beach Opera, via email to pboHR@pbopera.org. Please address communications to Holland Sunyak, Director of Development.

This job description is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills, requirements, or working conditions associated with the job. While this listing is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current position, the company reserves the right to revise the position or to require that other or different responsibilities and tasks be performed or assigned.

Director of Education & Community Engagement

Palm Beach Opera seeks a Director of Education & Community Engagement to begin full-time work in September/October 2025.  This position is a member of the senior management team, leading the department responsible for the creation and implementation of the company’s Douglas and Delphine Daft Education & Engagement Programs.

Arts education has long been at the core of PBO’s mission, and the company is proud to serve students of all ages, families, and lifelong learners through free year-round educational programming in our fast-growing and diverse community.  Last season, PBO reached over 6,500 children across South Florida, encompassing four counties (Palm Beach, Martin, Broward, and Hendry) and 26 Title I schools.  Key department initiatives include bringing the power of live opera directly into schools with our Concerts in the Classroom featuring the company’s resident artists; welcoming students into the theatre to experience full productions with education stations during each mainstage final dress rehearsal; our popular Story Time Series for younger children which recently launched the sixth original book in our collection, based on Prokofiev’s fantastical opera, The Love for Three Oranges; and an innovative Opera Immersion partnership with the Boys & Girls Club which now reaches nearly 100 students annually who write, produce, and perform their own original operas with year-long mentorship from our staff.  PBO’s adult programming currently includes ANIMA concerts which bring live opera performances to those who may not be able to attend mainstage productions, as well as partnerships with local libraries for Conversations, Forums, and Listening Clubs.

The new Director of Education & Community Engagement will build on the strong foundation established by their predecessor Catherine Hughes, who has recently been appointed executive director of a major university performing arts center.  This current job opening is an exciting opportunity for a passionate educator to evaluate, enhance, and expand the important work of this department, with the support of a continuing full-time Education Manager as well as hourly teaching artists, volunteers, and an energized Board of Directors.  The ideal candidate will be an enthusiastic ambassador for opera as an art form, and a natural teacher who inspires and connects easily with people of all ages.

Primary Responsibilities

• Plan and execute a comprehensive education and community engagement strategy with a focus on civic practice and overcoming barriers to access, resulting in sustained and meaningful impact and a deeper appreciation for opera among all residents in our community.
• Oversee all aspects of department programming for students and adults, from the booking process, to creating curricula and materials, to coordinating artists and staff participation, to leading sessions and evaluating outcomes.
• Collaborate closely with the artistic, marketing, and development departments on scheduling, messaging, and fundraising, including assisting with grant applications and reporting.
• Represent Palm Beach Opera at community events while networking to enhance the company’s relationship with community leaders and service organizations, school boards and teachers/administrators, libraries, and other arts organizations.
• Motivate and lead education department personnel, providing mentorship to the Education Manager, teaching artists, interns, and volunteers, and helping team members to develop skills and increase effectiveness.
• Create and manage the education department budget.
• Prepare and present reports for the Board of Directors.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in arts education.
• Extensive background in music, with a broad knowledge of opera repertoire and history.
• Demonstrated track record of building community collaborations and partnerships, as well as an understanding of protocols and procedures for public, private, and homeschool environments.  Familiarity with the Palm Beach County education system and local service organizations is an advantage.
• Approachable personality with strong interpersonal skills and the ability to inspire and foster a love of opera in people of all ages.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with an affinity for storytelling.  Proficiency or fluency in Spanish is an advantage.
• Ability to establish priorities and multitask, with strong organizational, analytical, and creative problem-solving skills, a determination to succeed, and meticulous attention to detail.
• Effective leadership qualities.  Experience managing a team is an advantage.
• Knowledge of computerized information systems and their application, including Microsoft Outlook and Microsoft Office.
• Must have the ability to work flexible hours, including extended hours, evenings, and weekends for department events and company performances.
• Access to reliable transportation.
• Successful completion of background checks through the School District of Palm Beach County, Children’s Services, and Boys & Girls Club of Palm Beach County.

This job description is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills, requirements, or working conditions associated with the job.  While this listing is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, the company reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed or assigned.

Please forward your cover letter and résumé in pdf format to: pboHR@pbopera.org.  Please address communications to James Barbato, General Director.  As part of the interview process, candidates will be requested to submit work samples relevant to this position, such as study guides, writing samples, and curricula.