Founded in 1970, Charlotte Ballet is known for its strong dancers and versatile repertoire, ranging from classical ballet to bold, contemporary works. The company’s professional dancers annually present performances in Charlotte, N.C., during a season spanning from October to June. The Company is also rebuilding our reputation as a distinct voice within the dance field through touring strategies that reach and diversify dance audiences beyond Charlotte. Charlotte Ballet Academy trains students annually and the company has nationally recognized educational and community programs. Charlotte Ballet operates the Patricia McBride and Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux Center for Dance in uptown Charlotte. The Center for Dance houses administrative and rehearsal spaces, as well as a 200-seat theater. Our vision is fueled by creativity with a commitment to diversity, equity and access to education and expression. We inspire individuals and communities to explore the boundless potential of the imagination. We value Community, Equity & Inclusion, Respect, Integrity, Creativity and Excellence.
Job Description
Development Operations Manager
Department
Development/Philanthropy
Reports To
Director of Philanthropy & External Relations
Status
Full-Time, Exempt
Salary Range
$53,000–$58,000
Position Summary
The Development Operations Manager plays a critical role in strengthening fundraising effectiveness by managing the operational, administrative, and systems infrastructure that supports donor cultivation, stewardship, and revenue generation. This position supports operational and administration for frontline fundraisers, enabling them to focus on relationship-driven fundraising, prospecting, and donor conversion.
The role combines development operations, donor data management, direct mail fundraising support, storytelling and data compilation to support marketing campaigns and event administration, with a particular emphasis on supporting annual fund and lower-level donor growth.
Key Responsibilities – Development Operations & Systems
- Manage and maintain the Development team’s donor database and reporting systems (e.g., Raiser’s Edge or comparable CRM).
- Oversee gift processing, acknowledgements, and donor record maintenance.
- Generate fundraising reports, donor lists, and data insights to support solicitations and stewardship.
Annual Fund & Lower-Level Donor Support
- Coordinate and support direct mail fundraising initiatives, including timelines, list preparation, segmentation, and execution.
- Support stewardship and cultivation strategies for annual fund and lower-level donors.
- Ensure consistent tracking and follow-through to support donor conversion efforts.
Event & Administrative Support
- Provide operational and administrative support for development events (excluding primary ownership of the Gala).
- Coordinate event logistics, guest lists, attendance tracking, and post-event follow-up. Partner to help with volunteer coordination and sign up.
Development Team Support
- Serve as the central operations partner to development managers.
- Create and maintain templates, workflows, and documentation to improve efficiency and consistency.
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit development or related field
- 3 years of experience in development operations, fundraising support, or nonprofit administration preferred
- Experience managing donor databases or fundraising systems.
- Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple prioritie
Core Competencies
- Operational excellence and process improvement
- Donor data integrity and systems thinking
- Strong written and organizational communication
- Proactive problem solving and follow-through
Success Indicators (First 6–12 Months)
- Accuracy and timeliness of gift processing and donor acknowledgements
- Increased administrative support to Development Managers
- Consistent execution of direct mail and annual fund initiatives
- Strong adoption and utilization of development systems to inform strategy
Work Environment
This role operates in the office with a hybrid arrangement, with some evening and weekend hours required during performance weeks and special events.
Compensation Range $53K-$58K
Benefits
· Medical, dental, vision and life insurance available
· FSA or HSA - with company contribution
· 20 PTO days yearly with 25 days after 3 years
· 12 paid holidays
· Paid sick time
· 403b matching contribution
· Hybrid working model
· Discounted performances and comp tickets
· Internal opportunities for growth and development
· Volunteer opportunities within the arts community
· Free adult dance classes at Charlotte Ballet
· Invitations to community events and activities
· Free parking provided
Pay: $53,000.00 - $58,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 403(b)
- 403(b) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
