Director of Boards

REPORTS TO: Chief Development Officer

STATUS: Full-time, Exempt

 

Lyric Opera of Chicago is where the world sings — and where Chicago comes alive.

Under the leadership of General Director, President & CEO John Mangum and Music Director Enrique Mazzola, Lyric stands at the intersection of artistic excellence and civic purpose, harnessing the full power of opera — voice, orchestra, stagecraft, and story — to illuminate the questions, emotions, and experiences that define us as human beings.

Nearly 75 seasons of world-class performances have made Lyric one of the greatest opera companies in the world. What drives us now is what has always driven us: the belief that this art form, at its best, can move people in ways nothing else can. Lyric is also Chicago’s partner — in its neighborhoods, its schools, and its communities — through education, engagement, and a relentless commitment to making opera accessible, relevant, and irresistible to everyone. At the heart of that commitment is The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center, which trains the artists who will carry this art form into its future. Every night when the curtain rises, Lyric reminds this city — and the world — why live performance still matters.

Lyric Opera of Chicago doesn’t just present opera, it redefines what opera can be. It’s where Chicago comes to be moved — come inside. 

The Director of Boards oversees the operations, governance, and engagement of Lyric’s six volunteer boards, ensuring alignment with the organization’s mission and strategic goals. This role serves as a key liaison to board leadership, manages board-related meetings, events, communications, and budgets, and collaborates across departments to support fundraising and volunteer engagement.

 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Demonstrate leadership in accordance with Lyric’s mission and vision.
• Oversee activities and meeting agendas for six Lyric boards: Board of Directors, Women’s Board, Ryan Opera Center Board, Guild Board, Chapters’ Executive Board, and Lyric Young Professionals, following best board governance practice.
• Manage staff members who directly support each board with parallel systems.
• Act as a primary staff liaison for the Women’s Board President and oversee all Women’s Board meetings and special projects.
• Partner with Philanthropy Officers as needed to ensure individual board members’ giving.
• In collaboration with the Director of Special Events, work with board presidents and individual event chairs to achieve special event fundraising goals.  
• Oversee planning for all Volunteer Board meetings and committee meetings as well as all board-related events and projects.  
• Coordinate Board of Directors and Women’s Board trips. 
• Coordinate communication between the boards office, the Office of the General Director, and the Office of the Music Director as it relates to the General Director and/or the Music Director’s involvement in board-related activities.
• Work with Artistic, Technical, and Production departments to produce meetings and events in the opera house according to Lyric’s policies and collective bargaining agreements.  
• Manage expense budgets for six Lyric boards.

As the business evolves, so may this role; these duties may change as Lyric's leadership identifies the need.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university.
• 5+ years’ experience in Development or related field.
• 3+ years’ experience working directly with a volunteer board.
• 3+ years’ experience managing staff.
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills, strong project-management and organizational competencies, and a demonstrated track record of success in solicitation of donors are required.
• Working knowledge and comfort working with:
  • Microsoft suite of products
  • CRM expertise (Tessitura a strong plus)
• Ability to work and think independently, a motivated self-starter who also works well in a larger team.

WORK CONDITIONS:

• Must be available to attend regular evening and weekend performances and events.  

COMPENSATION:

Job Classification: Full-time, Exempt 

Salary Range: $100,000-$110,000 annually

Application Deadline: Tuesday, July 7, 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.