Internships: Multiple Positions

The Santa Fe Opera has an industry-wide reputation as an excellent employer, providing rewarding opportunities amid a setting of great natural beauty.

With positions ranging from Development to Marketing to Community Engagement, our Internship Program offers a breadth of experience for the aspiring arts administrator. Past interns have gone on to major positions at other opera companies and arts organizations, including Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, Houston Grand Opera and Juilliard. Some have even come back to the Santa Fe Opera as full-time employees! All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.

1) DEVELOPMENT INTERN

The Development Intern works within the Development Department reporting to the Major Gifts Officer, and may assist other members of the team on specific projects. The Development Intern’s primary responsibility is to play a role in the stewardship of all donors, overseeing the operations of the Wyncote Opera Club and assisting with the coordination of various sponsorship activities, recognition and cultivation events, and the fulfillment of donor benefits.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Manage the donor guest lists and attendance reports, including parking pass counts, for the Opera Club for every performance, including requests for special guests and artists.
  • Greet guests at the door of the Opera Club and facilitate introductions as needed.
  • Serve as the liaison to the “Santa Fe Opera Club” 501c3 organization, assisting with their annual meeting and other requests.
  • Troubleshoot any Opera Club facility issues with Operations staff, and help ensure the facility is in good condition for guests.
  • Work with the department’s Executive Assistant & Stewardship Manager to help coordinate the fulfillment of sponsor engagement activities.
  • Assist as needed with donor events, which include complimentary dinners for Annual Fund donors and the Aria Society luncheon.
  • Assist the Annual Fund Director as needed with the fulfillment of donor benefits, including mailing donor packets, and tracking attendance at dress rehearsals and master classes.
  • Enter data in Tessitura as needed with regards to the Opera Club and donor benefits.
  • Other Development department-related tasks as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS

  • Proactive and independent work style, as well as the ability to work as a member of a team.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills, sound judgement, and the ability to solve problems with discretion.
  • Ability to organize and prioritize in a fast-paced environment.
  • Computer skills with Windows-based environment required, including Word and Excel.
  • Experience with a relational database, specifically Tessitura, highly preferred.
  • Fundraising knowledge a plus.
  • Must maintain strict confidentiality regarding donors, members, and guests.
  • Formal and/or professional dress required at all performances and work-related events.

HOURS

While this is a 40-hour per week position, the candidate must be flexible to work a variable schedule due to the work flow, performances, and events. Hours will vary, including evenings and weekends. A car for transportation is highly recommended.

DEADLINE TO APPLY: MARCH 31, 2026

  1. Submit a completed employment application form using either the (PDF) Form or Online Form.
  2. Submit your (PDF) application form, resume and cover letter by email to Human Resources or by mail to:

The Santa Fe Opera
Attention: Human Resources
Post Office Box 2408
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87504-2408

 

2) SPECIAL EVENTS INTERN

The Special Events Intern will be an integral member of the Development Department, actively contributing to the planning, strategy, and execution of special events throughout the summer season. Reporting directly to the Director of Special Events, the intern will participate in team discussions and gain hands-on experience supporting a wide range of donor, board, and patron engagement events.

Events include the Opening Weekend Celebration, Opening Night Dinners, the Summer Gala, Cast and Company Recognition Events, and other donor- and board-related gatherings. Through this role, the intern will develop practical skills in event planning and production, donor relations, and the use of donor database, within a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Special Events Intern will serve as a key team member in the planning and implementation of the summer season’s special events. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Assisting with the design and dissemination of event invitations and related materials
  • Tracking guest responses and maintaining accurate records in Tessitura and Google Docs
  • Supporting event logistics, including set-up, on-site coordination, and take-down
  • Assisting with seating plans and guest management
  • Conducting guest outreach via phone and email for confirmations, follow-ups, and courtesy calls
  • Attending tastings, walk-throughs, and site visits as needed
  • Coordinating and communicating with internal departments, vendors, caterers, and guests
  • Actively participating in Development and interdepartmental meetings

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

Qualified candidates will demonstrate strong communication and interpersonal skills, along with the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. The ideal intern is organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities while maintaining a positive, professional demeanor. Additional qualifications include:

  • Ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment
  • Proactive, independent work style with the ability to contribute effectively as part of a team
  • Basic computer proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel
  • Experience with a donor database such as Tessitura, and familiarity with fundraising or development work, is beneficial but not required

This position supports events held in both indoor and outdoor venues. Interns may occasionally assist with moving event-related equipment weighing up to 40 pounds and should be comfortable working during events that take place in a variety of weather conditions.

HOURS

35-40 hours/week, with overtime as needed. Hours vary based on the event schedule with some work on weekends and evenings.

DEADLINE TO APPLY: MARCH 31, 2026

  1. Submit a completed employment application form using either the (PDF) Form or Online Form.
  2. Submit your (PDF) application form, resume and cover letter by email to Human Resources or by mail to:

The Santa Fe Opera
Attention: Human Resources
Post Office Box 2408
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87504-2408

ABOUT SANTA FE OPERA

The Santa Fe Opera’s mission is to advance the operatic art form by presenting ensemble performances of the highest quality in a unique setting with a varied repertoire of new, rarely performed, and standard works; to ensure the excellence of opera’s future through apprentice programs for singers, technicians and arts administrators; and to foster an understanding and appreciation of opera among a diverse public.

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