Vacancy | Development Assistant 2026

Working closely with the Director of Development and supporting the Development Team, you will play a key role in delivering high-quality donor engagement events and supporting the day-to-day activities of Irish National Opera’s Development Department. This varied and exciting role offers the opportunity to gain hands-on experience across fundraising, events, corporate partnerships and donor engagement within a dynamic national arts organisation. The successful candidate will assist in the delivery of fundraising, membership and supporter events, contribute to the research and stewardship of corporate partners and donors, maintain accurate records and insight through INO’s CRM and box office system, Spektrix, and assist in the preparation and coordination of fundraising materials and communications.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Events & Supporter Engagement
• Assist in the planning and delivery of cultivation events, member events and corporate hospitality.
• Manage guest lists, invitations and RSVPs.
• Support on-the-day event logistics, ensuring a high-quality experience for supporters.
• Liaise with internal teams on event coordination and communications.
• Create and finalise print materials as required.

Corporate & Donor Support

• Research and map the Irish and multinational corporate market, building a rolling prospect list.
• Support the delivery of benefits for corporate partners and individual donors.
• Assist in maintaining accurate records of supporter engagement and activity.
• Prepare briefing notes and materials for meetings and events.
• Act as a point of contact for enquiries where appropriate.

Development Administration

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records in Spektrix, including donor and prospect data.
• Support reporting and data management across development activity.
• Assist in tracking income, pledges and event participation.
• Support general administrative processes within the Development Department.
• Minute meetings as required.

Fundraising & Campaign Support

• Assist in the preparation and coordination of fundraising materials, including print and digital content.
• Track pledges and gifts, generating reports as required.
• Liaise with external suppliers (designers, printers) to support production of collateral.
• Provide administrative support for Trust and Foundation applications and reporting.
• Assist with donor communications and acknowledgements.
• Issue membership renewal letters.

Other

• Act as an ambassador for INO at events, performances and networking opportunities.
• Assist in the compiling and proofing of fundraising and other literature.
• Contribute ideas for fundraising initiatives and supporter engagement.
• Support the wider activities of the Development Department as required.

General

• As appropriate, support the company’s activities in other departments.
• As appropriate, support the company’s outreach initiatives.
• Attend performances and other events as necessary.
• Contribute ideas and analysis for the overall development of the company.
• Perform other duties that may be required by the company from time to time.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

The ideal candidate will be an organised and enthusiastic individual with strong communication and interpersonal skills. They will demonstrate attention to detail and the ability to support multiple projects simultaneously. They will have an interest in the arts and a willingness to learn about fundraising and relationship management.

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

Essential

• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively.
• Proactive approach and willingness to learn.
• Strong IT skills.
• Knowledge of opera, or a willingness to learn, and enthusiasm for INO mission.
• Excellent research skills.

Desirable

• Experience in the arts, non-profit or related sector.
• Experience supporting events or projects.
• Experience with CRM systems or databases (Spektrix or equivalent).
• Experience with design software such as InDesign, Photoshop and Canva.

KEY INFORMATION

• Contract: 3-year fixed term (subject to a 6 to 9-month probation period).
• Salary: €29,000 to €33,000 commensurate with experience, plus up to 5% pension contribution after probation.
• Hours: Full-time. Some evening/weekend work and travel required (time off in lieu).
• Reporting to: Director of Development.
• Location: INO offices, 69 Dame Street, Dublin 2. Hybrid working possible.
• Annual Leave: 20 days.
• Start Date: As soon as possible.

HOW TO APPLY

Please email your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability and experience to Cate Kelliher, Business & Finance Manager at cate@irishnationalopera.ie. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Closing Date: Friday 26 June 2026.

We genuinely appreciate the time and effort it takes to apply. While we would love to connect with everyone, our team’s capacity means we can only reach out to candidates who progress to the next round. Thank you for your understanding.

Interviews: Wednesday 1 July 2026.

For a confidential discussion about the role, contact Aoife Daly, Director of Development at aoife@irishnationalopera.ie.

Thank you for your interest in joining our team.