Digital Marketing Manager, Fundraising

Company: Lyric Opera of Chicago
Location: Chicago
Posted on: February 16, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description REPORTS TO: Director of Digital Marketing STATUS: Full-time, Exempt Through artistic excellence coupled with innovative, relevant programming; initiatives to connect with and grow new audiences; engagement with communities to ignite creativity across Chicago; and a modernized Opera House that is the setting for truly great experiences, Lyric is leading the advancement of opera and musical theatre. This collaborative vision will deliver ever more exciting, thought-provoking and inclusive audience and community experiences – while increasing the gravitational pull of our art form, our company, and our city. The Digital Marketing Manager, Fundraising, develops, administers, implements, and analyzes brand-appropriate digital solicitation, communication, and stewardship strategies that support and enhance Lyric’s fundraising efforts. This role acts as a critical liaison between Marketing and Development. In addition, the position updates and maintains content on the website; ensures all Development department email campaigns are visually appealing and executed efficiently and accurately as scheduled; builds, tracks, and monitors digital advertising campaigns. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Demonstrate leadership in alignment with Lyric’s mission and vision. Work with Lyric’s Digital team in developing an overall digital strategy for the Development department, including email, website, SMS, and social advertising programs. Recommend and help implement website improvements that enhance the user experience as technology evolves. Design timely and informative reports to help strengthen solicitation and donor relations efforts. Serve as Development’s subject matter expert in digital solicitation and engagement strategies. Train and educate existing Development staff on how to best use digital platforms and onboard new employees to Lyric’s technology. Email Marketing Lead the creation and execution of high-profile, high-volume email campaigns for the Development department. Provide training, mentoring, and guidance to subject matter experts across Development with regard to email creation best practices (technical, brand, writing). Import and maintain customer lists, provide quality assurance for all Development mail campaigns, and deploy/schedule all emails for the Development department. Marketing Automation Create custom email automation with particular attention to personalization. Define the scope and expected outcomes of each project. Website Manage Development’s web presence on lyricopera.org with support from the digital team, including creating, updating, proofing, and maintaining custom landing, donation, and event pages using Lyric’s content management system. Social Advertising Develop, create, and manage social advertising campaigns on Facebook Ads, including content creation, scheduling, calendaring, and project set-up, execution, and analysis. Test digital advertising campaigns and analyze their results to identify the most effective communication tactics with donors and prospects. Stay updated with industry standards and best practices. Assist with Lyric events as needed throughout the season. SMS-Based Communications Potentially work with the Development team to strategize, develop, and execute a permissions-based fundraising campaign using SMS to connect with donors, building upon the existing SMS platform used by Marketing. Other Duties as Assigned As the business evolves, so may this role. Therefore, specific duties may change as Lyric’s leadership identifies the need at any time. KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS: Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university or equivalent experience. 2-4 years of professional work experience in digital communication, marketing, and/or web development/design, or related area required. Previous experience in non-profits is a plus but not required. Aptitude for prioritizing and managing simultaneous projects while adhering to deadlines and collaborating with people at all levels of the organization. Proven ability to work and think independently, a detail-oriented, motivated self-starter with the ability to project manage within a larger team; knowledge of Airtable or other modern project management tools is a big plus. Excellent interpersonal, organizational, analytical, and oral/written communication skills. Working knowledge of web standards and email marketing best practices. Proven experience with website content management systems and email campaign platforms, including responsive design; Active Campaign/Prospect 2 and Episerver a plus. Experience in using or interest in learning marketing automation platforms, Google Analytics, and SEO optimization tools. Some experience with Adobe Photoshop, HTML, CSS, and CAN-SPAM laws is a plus. Familiarity with Google Workspace is a plus. Ability to manage confidential information with discretion. Knowledge of and passion for the arts is a plus. WORK CONDITIONS: Ability to occasionally oversee evening or weekend functions, deployments, or performances. Fast-paced environment. Sitting for extended periods. Ability to operate a computer and handle other office equipment. COMPENSATION: Job Classification: Full-time, Exempt Salary is $55,000-$62,000 Application Deadline: February 16, 2026 (5:00pm CT) Lyric Opera offers benefits including health, dental, vision, 403B (no company match), 401(k) with company match, PTO (including sick, vacation, and personal days, and holidays), life/AD&D coverage, opportunities for professional development, and complimentary tickets. Lyric Opera of Chicago is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, parental status, socio-economic status, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. We strongly encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply. Powered by JazzHR Kt2corVd9f

Keywords: Lyric Opera of Chicago, Berwyn , Digital Marketing Manager, Fundraising, PR / Public Relations , Chicago, Illinois