ALYSON CAMBRIDGE
New York
Summary
Opera singer, producer, and nonprofit executive director with demonstrated success in foundation relations, institutional fundraising, and donor engagement within leading arts organizations. Proven ability to manage the full grant lifecycle, cultivate long-term foundation partnerships, and represent organizations in high-level donor-facing environments. Deep knowledge of classical music and orchestral institutions, paired with a strong commitment to inclusive, education-centered cultural leadership.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Director & Producer
B.L.A.C. (Black Leadership Arts Collective)
New York
10.2024 - Current
- Led institutional fundraising strategy, managing foundation relations and donor cultivation.
- Increased operating budget from $8,000 to $104,000 within 12 months through sustainable systems.
- Developed first institutional giving portfolio, securing four active foundation grants in one year.
- Cultivated relationships with over 100 individual donors using tailored engagement strategies.
- Directed B.L.A.C.’s Mentorship and Scholarship Program for emerging Black classical artists.
- Designed program framework and evaluation methods aligned with funder priorities.
- Secured funding for scholarships and artist development activities, enhancing program impact.
- Managed full grant lifecycle, coordinating with finance and program teams for accuracy.
- Produced concerts and fundraising events with major artistic and strategic partners.
Principal Opera & Concert Singer
International
New York
09.2001 - Current
- Internationally recognized opera singer with extensive performances at leading opera houses, orchestras, festivals, and educational institutions.
- Collaborated with organizations including: Metropolitan Opera, Washington National Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Los Angeles Opera, Dallas Opera, San Diego Opera, Deutsche Oper Berlin, Royal Albert Hall London, Carnegie Hall, National Symphony Orchestra, American Symphony Orchestra, San Francisco Symphony, Vienna Philharmonic, Lithuanian National Symphony Orchestra, Festival de Saint-Denis.
- Engage regularly with boards, donors, foundation partners, and institutional leaders through cultivation events, funder briefings, and education programs.
- Collaborate with artistic, education, and development teams to support fundraising and audience engagement initiatives.
- Produce and lead interdisciplinary projects linking artistic excellence with education, mentorship, and community impact.
Education
B.A. - Sociology, Pre-Law Concentration; B.M. Vocal Performance
Oberlin College and Conservatory of Music
M.M. - Opera Performance
Curtis Institute of Music
Post-Masters -
The Metropolitan Opera Lindemann Young Artist Development Program
Skills
- Institutional & Foundation Fundraising
- Grant Writing & Reporting
- Arts & Education Program Leadership
- Donor cultivation and stewardship
- Classical Music & Orchestral Institutions
- Database & CRM Systems
- Microsoft Word & Excel
- Public Speaking & Presentation
- Cross-Departmental Collaboration
Additional Information
Extensive knowledge of classical music, opera, and orchestral institutions, Comfortable with evening and weekend commitments for performances, galas, and donor events, Strong commitment to inclusive, collaborative, mission-driven work environments, Experienced in producing post-concert events and gala receptions. Language proficiency in Italian, French and Spanish.
Foundation Relations And Development Experience
- Foundation prospect research and pipeline management
- Grant writing: proposals, LOIs, interim and final reports
- Budget development and financial coordination
- Donor stewardship and relationship management
- Funder recognition and contractual compliance
- Revenue tracking and goal monitoring
- Database and record maintenance
- Development events, galas, and donor cultivation
- Patron-facing engagement during performances and events
Timeline
Executive Director & Producer
B.L.A.C. (Black Leadership Arts Collective)
10.2024 - Current
Principal Opera & Concert Singer
International
09.2001 - Current
B.A. - Sociology, Pre-Law Concentration; B.M. Vocal Performance
Oberlin College and Conservatory of Music
M.M. - Opera Performance
Curtis Institute of Music
Post-Masters -
The Metropolitan Opera Lindemann Young Artist Development Program