Job Opportunities

JOB OPPORTUNITIES
Founded in 1965, San Diego Opera is a highly regarded member of the international opera community and an invaluable cultural resource to the San Diego region. The mission of San Diego Opera is to deliver exceptional performances and exciting, accessible programs to diverse audiences, focusing on community partnerships and the transformative and expressive power of the human voice. The company’s vision is to be recognized globally as a leading example of adaptability, innovation, and sustainability, promoting diversity on stage, in our repertoire, and in our staff and leadership, with a commitment to world-class and emerging talent, and innovative use of technology.

Artistic Administrator

San Diego Opera seeks experienced candidates to join our team as an Artistic Administrator.

POSITION DESCRIPTION (Exempt):
The Artistic Administrator reports to Director of Production and Artistic Administration and serves as an advisor to the General Director, contracts the company’s principal artists, directors and conductors, working with them and their managers to meet all needs related to the engagement. The Artistic Administrator works as an integral member of full time artistic/production team to ensure daily operations and future plans of the company are fulfilled.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Negotiate, prepare, file and manage artist contracts.
  • Assist with casting, scheduling and planning of future opera seasons including recommending singers and conductors.
  • Advise General Director regarding availability of artists and available production rentals for SDO productions.
  • Assist in researching and producing production budgets and schedules.
  • Attend weekly meetings and rehearsals, performances and special events.
  • Arrange, coordinate and attend artists’ auditions, both local and in New York.
  • Prepare file and manage O-1B visa applications for foreign artists, including support documentation.
  • Coordinate housing and transportation for visiting artists.
  • Coordinates transportation for out-of-town artists, airport pick-ups (in conjunction with volunteers).
  • Create artist contact/information sheets and welcome packets and manage artist needs and communication.
  • Create season timing and info sheets and distributes
  • Create detailed payroll and per diem lists and provide checks to artists on performance nights.
  • Coordinate and arrange invitations to visiting artists for outreach events.
  • Maintains files of artists’ materials.
  • Communicates with AGMA as necessary with regards to artists’ contracts, membership questions, union questions, etc.
  • Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Network of relationships in the opera industry (e.g. artist managers, singers, directors, designers, guest conductors, music staff).
  • Minimum of 5 years’ experience in the performing arts.
  • Knowledge of technique and repertoire to assist General Director in casting decisions.
  • Ability to negotiate and manage contracts and budgets.
  • Excellent writing skills.
  • Located in San Diego with understanding this is an in office position.
  • Ability to work key nights and weekends.
  • Willingness to travel as requested for auditions and performances.
  • Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office.
  • Proficiency in Spanish a plus.
  • Team player and sense of humor.

Salary range: $70,100-$74,900 with comprehensive benefits package.

Send resume and references to Jobs@sdopera.org.

 

Assistant to Costume Director

San Diego Opera is looking for a Costume Assistant for our 2024-2025 season. The position is hourly with some overtime.  Hours will vary depending on production schedule. Some weekend and evening work will be required.

Contract dates are listed below:

SALOME & LA TRAVIATA – February 6, 2025 – May 2, 2025 (estimated 12.5 weeks full-time)

The ideal candidate will have some experience with theatrical costumes or the fashion industry. The candidate must be a skilled computer user and know the Microsoft office suite. Expertise with FileMaker is a plus. Must be organized, flexible and knowledge of period costumes preferred. Candidate must have a car and shopping skills. Duties include research, creating costume plots/charts and show bibles.

The position will be reporting to the Costume Director and work directly with her as well as with other production departments. If you are interested in learning and advancing your career in costumes and would enjoy working in a fast paced, exciting, and creative environment, please send your resume and references to Associate Director of Production, Grace Herzog, at grace.herzog@sdopera.org.

This position includes parking, complimentary tickets to each opera, and hourly pay from $18-$20 depending on experience.  This is not a union position.

Director of Finance and Operations

San Diego Opera seeks a highly qualified nonprofit professional to serve as the organization’s next Director of Finance and Operations. This position is the chief financial officer and has the primary responsibility of day-to-day operations at the Opera. The Director of Finance and Operations reports to the General Director, is a member of the staff executive team, and is responsible for monitoring the execution of the General Director’s short- and long-term visions for the organization.

The Director of Finance and Operations oversees the accounting system and financial management of San Diego Opera. They will work with the independent auditors; submit financial information to the CPA audit firm and review the Form 990 tax returns; collaborate with the investment portfolio advisor and investment committee to insure that assets/investments are managed in compliance with the Board’s investment strategies and in accordance with best practices for not for profit investment management; and serve as the primary point of contact for property and liability insurance, leases, and 403b administration and contractual obligations.

The position oversees information technology for the company and ensures best practices for internal control and safeguarding of proprietary data and oversees payroll and human resources, ensuring that all interactions are culturally responsive, respectful, and based on the Opera’s commitment to inclusion, equity, diversity, and accessibility and are in compliance with all local, state, and federal labor codes.

The Director of Finance and Operations reviews contracts and monitors legal matters, consulting with outside legal counsel if needed. The position is also responsible for day-to-day operations management, ensuring that the organization is run smoothly and seamlessly, supporting a work environment that is safe, positive, and efficient.

This position currently has five direct reports in finance and operations, works closely with all other department heads and staff, and serves as the lead staff liaison for the Board of Directors’ finance and audit committees.

Qualifications and requirements:

  • Minimum five years of financial leadership in a 501(c)(3), nonprofit organization
  • Experience in and demonstrated knowledge of operations and/or human resources
  • Knowledge of financial and complex database systems
  • Excellent spoken and written communication skills, positive personality, and initiative
  • Ability to synthesize data and communicate complex financial concepts
  • Team-focused, ability to work with others
  • Interest in opera and the performing arts a plus
  • In-office work environment with offices located in downtown San Diego

Salary range: $110,000 – $130,000 annually with a comprehensive benefits package. In-office work environment with offices located in downtown San Diego.

To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter detailing your background and interest in this position, to Hiring Manager at jobs@sdopera.org. No phone calls, please. San Diego Opera is an equal opportunity employer.

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