Opera & Music Theatre

Community & IDEA Manager

About the Opportunity

Opera Paralèlle (OP) is one of the leading producers of contemporary opera in the United States, presenting works of social, cultural, and political relevance that reflect the concerns of today’s audiences. With a commitment to artistic excellence and innovation, collaboration, and inclusion, OP merges tradition with innovation to re-invent opera for our modern world to tell compelling stories that explore the depth and breadth of the human condition. We are seeking a proactive, collaborative professional  to join our team in the new position of Community & IDEA Manager (C&IM). 

The C&IM will lead OP’s efforts to deepen community engagement and advance inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA) across the organization. Reporting to the Artistic Director (AD) and working closely with the Executive Director (ED) and other staff, this role manages The Bullhorn, OP’s flagship civic practice–based community engagement initiative, serving as the primary liaison with community partners and overseeing the development and execution of co-created programs. Additionally, the position supports the organization’s IDEA work by coordinating internal initiatives, researching best practices, and managing accessibility strategies. The role works cross-departmentally with the Artistic, Production, Development, and Marketing teams to ensure programs reflect OP’s values and serve a broad, diverse audience. The person in this position will play a key role in implementing essential components of internal organizational integrity, while helping to ensure that we meet our goal to engage authentically and responsibly with diverse communities.

Key Responsibilities

The C&IM’s duties include, but are not limited to:

The Bullhorn Community Programs:  90%

  • Collaborate with the AD, ED, and Scholar-in-Residence to design and implement The Bullhorn, OP’s community engagement initiatives, using a civic practice model to build and deepen relationships with community partners, as well as expand audience reach.
  • Serve as the primary liaison between OP and all community partners, ensuring clear communication that maintains OP’s strong reputation.
  • Cultivate, develop, and sustain a diverse network of community relationships in alignment with OP’s artistic and strategic goals.
  • Develop and manage the annual Bullhorn program budget in partnership with the AD and ED.
  • Work closely with community partners and internal stakeholders to ideate and execute co-created programming and engagement initiatives, including events and performances.
  • Collaborate with the Development Director, AD, and ED to align community engagement programs with donor cultivation opportunities, where appropriate.
  • Coordinate with the Development team and external Grant Writer to contribute to funding proposals and final reports related to community engagement work.
  • Liaise with the Director of Production to plan and implement production elements of Bullhorn events and co-created programming.
  • Collaborate with the Marketing department on the promotion of Bullhorn programs and to support audience development initiatives.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for maintaining and updating project management tools, including the season calendar and “Blueprint” master calendar, as they relate to community and co-created programs.
  • Oversee the administrative operations of the Hands-On-Opera and Expansive programs, as needed, ensuring smooth execution and partner coordination.
  • Ensure and maintain documentation and evaluation of all Bullhorn projects and provide shared access for other staff.

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accessibility (IDEA): 10%

  • Provide project management support for OPs IDEA initiatives, under the supervision of the ED.
  • Coordinate scheduling, research, resource gathering, and guest speaker engagement for ongoing IDEA conversations and programming for both staff and Board.
  • Attend relevant trainings/webinars, and share promising IDEA practices and tools to support continuous learning across the organization.
  • Research funding opportunities and available resources to advance IDEA-related work, and collaborate with the Grant Writer and Development  team on proposals and reporting.
  • Identify and analyze best practices for improving the accessibility of OP’s programs, venues, and communications, particularly for individuals with disabilities.
  • Develop and present actionable recommendations, including a phased accessibility improvement plan across all organizational areas.
  • Collaborate with OP leadership and staff to implement accessibility strategies in alignment with organizational goals and capacity.
  • Coordinate logistics and engagement with accessibility service providers, such as ASL interpreters, captioning providers, and audio description services, as needed for events and programming.

The breakdown of hours listed above is meant as an indication only; the actual hours spent working in each area will fluctuate depending on operational needs each week. OP is a growing organization with many interdepartmental collaborations. Supporting and collaborating across departments is essential for every member of our team.

Who We’re Looking For

This section describes the skills and experience that are most important to this position. We realize not everyone will be equally strong in all of these areas. We also know you can bring strengths and talents beyond what we’ve described. If you are excited about this role and our mission, we welcome your application.

The C&IM  role would be best served by a person who has:

  • At least 3–5 years of experience in arts administration, arts program development and implementation, and/or community-oriented work
  • Experience working and communicating with, and respect for, people of intergenerational and diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds
  • Completion of IDEA–related training classes or programs, and/or experience developing and/or delivering IDEA workshops or training
  • Knowledge of Bay Area cultural communities and history, including LGBTQ+ communities
  • Proficiency in Google Suite and Microsoft Office applications; database skills desirable
  • Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and exercise good judgment and initiative
  • Demonstrated ability to deliver high-quality work with very strong attention to detail
  • Strong and demonstrated organizational and project management skills, including ability to juggle multiple and competing priorities
  • Ability to develop and deliver budgets and presentations to multiple types of audiences
  • Outstanding interpersonal skills, including the ability to interact with artists, staff, and the public in a professional, confidential, and tactful manner
  • An innovative and collaborative spirit that embraces cultural humility, with the ability to work as a team player and to build and manage strong relationships with co-workers and external producing and community partners; a good listener
  • Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing
  • Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends
  • A commitment to performing the functions of the position in a safe manner

Location, Schedule, and Physical Requirements

  • OP’s administrative offices are located on the fourth floor of 44 Page Street in San Francisco, close to public transportation (BART and MUNI) and accessible by one set of stairs and one elevator.
  • Events and performances of OP productions take place in varying local sites around San Francisco and occasionally throughout the Bay Area.
  • OP’s general office hours are Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. It is expected that the C&IM will work at the OP offices a minimum of two days per week, with some flexibility depending on weekly demands.
  • This position requires the ability to sit at a computer, speak, and type for extended periods of time.

Compensation

This position is year round, non-exempt, and part time, up to 24 hours per week, with some weeks busier than others. Base compensation is $30–$32 per hour, up to an annual maximum of $39,936.

What We Offer

  • A dynamic and collaborative work environment with a leading contemporary opera company
  • Opportunities for professional development and growth
  • Complimentary tickets to performances and events
  • Paid sick leave accrued at the rate of 1 hour earned per 30 hours worked (up to a maximum total of 72 hours), in accordance with the San Francisco Paid Sick Leave Ordinance
  • After 90 days of employment, the opportunity to contribute to a retirement plan through OP’s payroll provider, Paychex

How to Apply
Send your resume and a one-page cover letter explaining your interest and why you are a great fit for this position to employment@operaparallele.org with the subject line “Community & IDEA Manager Application – [Your Name].” Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled; applicants who apply prior to September 28, 2025, will be given priority review. Due to the volume of applicants, only candidates who will be invited to interview will be contacted. 

Who We Are

Based in San Francisco, Opera Parallèle (OP) is an award-winning, artist-led contemporary opera company. Collaboration is in our DNA, as well as a drive to create and keep opera relevant and accessible for our diverse modern world.

Since 2010, OP has become one of the foremost presenters of new opera in the US. A dedication to current issues, 20th- and 21st-century composers, immersive opera experiences, and hands-on, intergenerational community engagement puts OP at the vanguard of making opera meaningful for today’s audiences. OP is on a growth trajectory, with increasing national visibility and a current organizational budget of about $2M. OP is governed by a 17-member Board of Directors passionate about innovation and access in opera.

OP’s core expertise is in staging new opera and creating chamber (slimmed-down) orchestrations of larger operas adaptable to many venues, giving many works an afterlife and accessibility beyond their initial run. OP enjoys close relationships with creators and producing partners working in opera, the performing arts, and visual art, and its founders are often sought by today’s top composers to develop the chamber premiere of operas they’ve debuted at top international houses.

OP is committed to creating an inclusive work environment through diversity of people, ideas, talents, and experiences. We value providing a culturally safe workplace, and we recognize that this looks different for everyone. Our work with existing staff and new hires to identify and respect cultural safety needs and build trust across the organization is ongoing, to ensure that all staff can feel engaged and thrive. OP is actively working on increasing fluency in equity issues and is participating in ongoing organization-wide engagement around inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility. We welcome open dialogue about how we can continue to improve our support for our community in all aspects of our work.

Please visit our about us page to learn more about who we are, what we do, and the values we embrace.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Opera Parallèle is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and maintains a policy of non-discrimination with respect to employees and applicants for employment. No aspect of employment will be influenced in any matter by race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, age, marital or parental status, pregnancy, disability, medical condition (including HIV or AIDS status), genetic information or characteristics (or those of a family member), veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

We value a strong, diverse team, and women, trans- and gender-nonconforming folks, queer people, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color), and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. We acknowledge this list is incomplete and encourage you to apply if your lived experience informs your desire to support OP’s commitment to telling diverse, relevant stories through contemporary opera.

Executive Director

Position Responsibilities
Strategic Vision and Financial Oversight

  • Collaborate with the Artistic Director and Music Director on season planning, budget
    development, and ensuring that all artistic and financial decisions will advance
    organizational goals.
  • Work with board members, staff and external constituents to develop a long-range
    strategic plan for the company.
  • Monitor financial performance by developing and managing budgets, identifying new
    revenue sources, controlling expenses and overseeing financial processes to support
    decision-making and ensure long-term fiscal health.
  • Supervise the preparation and presentation of detailed financial reports and Issue
    regular updates, reports and strategic guidance to the Board of Directors.
  • Work with financial team and senior artistic and production leaders to develop strategies
    to enhance revenue generation.

Organizational Effectiveness and Revenue Enhancement

  • Recruit and supervise key senior team members, fostering a culture of accountability,
    empowerment and continuous professional growth within the organization.
  • Cultivate a supportive organizational culture where staff members feel a strong sense of
    belonging, trust and shared purpose, encourage collaboration and innovation.
  • Seek out new and renewed sources of contributed income, with a particular focus on
    individual donors and production-specific funding, while motivating board members to
    leverage their networks and skills.
  • Embrace organizational diversity, equity inclusion and accessibility initiatives across all administrative and artistic decisions.

Community Leadership and Educational Engagement

  • Serve as a public spokesperson and ambassador, raising awareness and support for
    the organization’s activities and promoting LBO and its mission. Form relationships with
    elected officials, state and local government agencies and other community leaders.
  • Create opportunities for collaborations with local and regional partners to raise the
    visibility and cultural presence of LBO.
  • Collaborate with the Opera@School team to promote Long Beach Opera’s presence
    and revenue-generating possibilities with local school districts.
  • Direct and expand LBO’s opportunities to engage with more diverse audiences.

Organizational and Administrative Leadership

  • Supervise and manage direct reports, including the Directors of Development,
    Marketing, Production, Administration, and Artistic Production, and consultants as
    needed.
  • Oversee the hiring, supervision and mentoring of all administrative staff, providing
    opportunities for professional development and growth to support employee
    engagement, satisfaction and a high level of performance.
  • Manage board relations through effective communication, ensuring that board members
    are fully engaged while identifying and recruiting new board members as part of the
    Nominating and Governance Committee.

Traits and Characteristics

The Executive Director will be an entrepreneurial, adventurous and strategic leader who
leads with creativity and pragmatism. With a collaborative approach to problem-solving,
they will be an effective and transparent communicator who is able to resolve conflict
and handle challenging situations calmly and with compassion. Embracing a public-
facing role, they will be a natural collaborator who forms strong working relationships
internally and throughout the community.

Other key competencies include:

Leadership and Teamwork – the ability to organize and influence people to believe in a
vision while creating a sense of purpose and direction.
Personal Accountability and Interpersonal Skills – the capacity to be answerable for
personal actions while effectively communicating, building rapport, and relating well to
all kinds of people.
Diplomacy and Negotiation – the dexterity to effectively and tactfully handle difficult or
sensitive issues while listening to many points of view and facilitating agreements
between two or more parties.
Goal Orientation – the acumen to set, pursue and attain goals in the face of obstacles
or difficult circumstances.

Qualifications

The Executive Director will bring demonstrated leadership experience, ideally with
significant experience in opera, music or theater production and administration. A
proven track record of success in fiscal understanding and accountability, fundraising
and strategic partnership building is essential. They should exhibit exceptional written
and verbal communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with a wide
range of stakeholders, including artists, staff, board members, donors, and community

partners. The Executive Director will possess a deep commitment to advancing equity,
diversity, and inclusion. No specific number of years of experience or specific
educational credential are required, but love and knowledge of opera, new music and/or
theatre is desirable.

Compensation and How to Apply
The annual salary range for the Executive Director role at Long Beach Opera is
$125,000 – $175,000, depending on qualifications and experience.

Interested and qualified candidates should submit the following items for consideration
by April 14, 2025:

Cover letter
Current resumé
Names and contact information for three professional references

All documents should be in .pdf format and include the candidates’ name as part of the
file name. Submissions should be made to Amaridis Quintana via email at
aquintana@longbeachopera.org

This position will remain open until filled and may be filled prior to the closing
submission date above.

Long Beach Opera is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate based
upon race, religion color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender
expression, age status, status as an individual with a disability, genetic information or
other applicable legally protected characteristics. Candidates from historically
underrepresented populations are encouraged to apply for this role.

Executive Director

POSITION SUMMARY

The Executive Director (ED) is responsible for the organization’s administrative oversight to ensure the fulfillment of Opera Paralèlle (OP)’s mission and progress towards its long-term goals. As the chief administrator, the ED is responsible for fiscal management, including review of the budgeting process and monitoring of the annual budget. The ED leads the areas of fund development, finance, business planning (facilities, technology), marketing and promotion, and human resources—i.e., the day-to-day operations of the company. In collaboration with the Artistic/Founding Director (AD) and the Board of Directors, the ED leads strategic planning and execution. The ED is responsible for management and professional development of all directors in the areas of finance, marketing, and development. The ED is also responsible for setting, nurturing, and maintaining the company culture, working closely with the AD, who is responsible for the overall artistic direction and strategy of the company.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Fundraising & Development/External Relations

Manage the Development Director and ensure that the development plan is designed to reach annual fundraising goals. Participate in the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major gifts, as appropriate. Areas of oversight include:

  • Individual donor fundraising.
  • Identification of new sources of contributed income.
  • Fundraising initiatives and partnerships: work with the AD to identify and secure community partners that achieve strategic community and income goals.
  • Grant-making with foundations, corporations, and government agencies: help ensure the quality of grant applications and reports.
  • Maintenance of accurate and complete records of financial contributions and other substantial support, and acknowledgment as may be required by law and as is otherwise appropriate.

Finance

  • Manage the Finance Director.
  • Ensure that financial reports are accurate and timely.
  • Ensure that the budget reflects annual goals and the strategic plan.
  • Be knowledgeable of OP’s monthly finances and measure against cash flow budgets and projections. Work with the Finance Director to end the fiscal year with a balanced budget.
  • Ensure that grants and restricted gifts are spent in accordance with guidelines and that all reporting requirements are met.
  • Ensure that all periodic tax and regulatory filings are done.

Human Resources & Administration

  • Oversee human resources functions, including recruitment, training, and compliance with employment laws.
  • Create and adhere to an employee development plan for managed reports: finance, development, marketing.
  • Ensure documents are safely maintained according to legal requirements and/or Board policies and procedures.
  • Know the terms of all completed contracts and ensure compliance.
  • Monitor and maintain adequate insurance to protect the assets and property of the ensemble and the organization.
  • Manage technology needs and systems.
  • Maintain the business office (brick and mortar or virtual) of the organization. Help negotiate office space lease.

Marketing, Promotion & Public Relations

  • Support the work of the Marketing Director in their development and implementation of a marketing plan for performances. Review and monitor ticket sales operations.
  • Oversee the Marketing Director’s maintenance of the website, newsletter creation, social networking activities, and other marketing materials.

Board of Directors

  • Attend Board and Committee meetings (unless they are sitting in Executive Session) and serve as a non-voting member of the Finance, Marketing, Development, and Governance Committees.
  • Advise the Board on matters within the ED’s scope of responsibilities to promote the efficient operation of the organization.
  • Provide support to the Board and its committees. Ensure that reports are presented in agreed formats and that meeting minutes are recorded and filed.

Strategic Planning

  • Lead in the development and implementation of the Strategic Plan that supports the fundraising, financial, marketing, and other objectives of the organization.
  • Implement current and develop long-range administrative and personnel planning to ensure the organization is effectively structured and utilizing effective systems.
  • Lead annual review and guide any necessary adjustments to ensure progress towards long-term goals.

Community Engagement

  • As a leader of the organization, make public appearances, develop deep ties with partners, and represent the organization in networking, donor events, and OP presentations.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate will have substantial experience as a nonprofit professional who has successfully worked with small diverse teams to accomplish organizational goals. They will be a skilled communicator, a strategic thinker, and an effective leader. Their background will include a proven track record in finance, development, and marketing. They will have worked with governing boards in close successful partnership. They will be flexible in attitude and creative in thinking while able to keep track of important details and deadlines.

OP is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or veteran or disability status.

TO APPLY:  Send a cover letter and resume to employment@operaparallele.org by April 15, 2025.

SALARY & BENEFITS: $140,000–$150,000/year; health coverage, liberal vacation, and holidays.

Development Director

The Opportunity

Opera Parallèle (OP) is seeking a Development Director to plan and execute all aspects of fundraising toward a current ~$1.4M annual contributed revenue goal, as well as special future campaigns and legacy giving for one of the country’s preeminent contemporary opera companies. Serving as a key member of OP’s administrative leadership team, the Development Director reports to the Managing Director (MD) and is supported by a Development Associate, a contract grant writer, founders who maintain strong relationships with OP’s loyal donor base, and an enthusiastic board and staff who understand the importance of fundraising and prioritize it in their work. This position provides strategic leadership in all aspects of generating contributed income and oversees staff, while also rolling up their sleeves as a hands-on practitioner.

Who We Are

Based in San Francisco, Opera Parallèle (OP) is an award-winning, female- and artist-led contemporary opera company. Collaboration is in our DNA, as well as a drive to create and keep opera relevant and accessible for our diverse modern world. Since 2010, Opera Parallèle has become one of the foremost presenters of new opera in the country. A dedication to current issues, 20th- and 21st-century composers, immersive opera experiences, and hands-on, intergenerational community engagement puts OP at the vanguard of making opera meaningful for today’s audiences. OP is on a growth trajectory, with increasing national visibility and a current organizational budget of about $1.8M. OP is governed by a 17-member Board of Directors passionate about innovation and access in opera.

OP’s core expertise is in staging new opera and creating chamber (slimmed-down) orchestrations of larger operas adaptable to many venues, giving many works an afterlife and accessibility beyond their initial run. OP enjoys close relationships with creators and producing partners working in opera, the performing arts, and visual art, and its founders are often sought by today’s top composers to develop the chamber premiere of operas they’ve debuted at top international houses.

OP is committed to creating an inclusive work environment through diversity of people, ideas, talents, and experiences. We value providing a culturally safe workplace, and we recognize that this looks different for everyone. Our work with existing staff and new hires to identify and respect cultural safety needs and build trust across the organization is ongoing, to ensure that all staff can feel engaged and thrive. OP is actively working on increasing fluency in equity issues and is participating in ongoing organization-wide assessment and training in equity, diversity, and inclusion. We welcome open dialogue about how we can continue to improve our support for our community in all aspects of our work. 

Please visit our about us page to learn more about who we are, what we do, and the values we embrace.

Who We’re Looking For 

This section describes the skills and experience most important to this position. We realize not everyone will be equally strong in all of these areas. We are interested in hearing from candidates who can bring strengths and talents beyond what we’ve described, so if you are excited about this role and our mission, we welcome your application.

  • 3–5+ years experience in a nonprofit development role with record of raising funds from diverse sources, including major gifts from individuals, foundations, corporations, and government agencies
  • Working knowledge of, or connections to, the San Francisco Bay Area philanthropic community and beyond with respect to performing arts/opera funding
  • Strong interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills adaptable to different constituencies and audiences
  • A passion for opera and/or the arts and to innovative artistic collaboration, and a commitment to community access
  • Demonstrated success with donor cultivation, grant writing, and special events
  • Ability to inspire and use effective diplomacy as part of a team, to harness the energy and talent of staff, board, volunteers, and external stakeholders
  • Experience handling multiple priorities effectively, organizing time efficiently, and a high tolerance for dynamic environments
  • Ability to work remotely, to work on site during occasional evenings and weekends, and to travel as required.

This role would be best served by a person who has

  • An entrepreneurial spirit that supports the success of a small, growing arts organization
  • Ability to take on responsibility, work independently, and be flexible in a changing environment with a commitment to accuracy and details
  • Respect for diverse backgrounds and voices and a demonstrated commitment to inclusion, accessibility, and equity
  • Proficiency in Google Suite and Microsoft Office applications; database skills desirable (OP uses DonorSnap)
  • Demonstrated ability to deliver high-quality work with very strong attention to detail
  • Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and exercise good judgment and initiative
  • A collaborative approach—team player, consensus builder, good listener
  • Sense of humor a plus!

Key Responsibilities

  • Developing and executing annual fundraising plan to maintain and grow contributed support, including individual and major giving, institutional and corporate giving, and an annual fundraising event
  • Developing regular donor-related programs, events, collateral, and communications in partnership with Marketing and PR staff
  • Working with Finance team to ensure consistent CRM entry and reporting processes
  • Managing Development Associate’s work to provide administrative support for all fundraising activities, including CRM entry and management, donor listings, donor recognition and acknowledgement, volunteer and intern management, and event coordination
  • Managing remote contract grant writer
  • Cultivating and stewarding new and existing major donor relationships independently and in close partnership with OP leaders
  • Providing leadership and support to Development Committee made up of Board, community, and staff members and its chairs, and presenting progress quarterly to the Board and during Board/staff retreats
  • Leveraging Board and existing relationships to build donor base and pipeline
  • Supporting General & Artistic Director and Board in  their fundraising efforts
  • Planning/executing special campaigns
  • Managing Development expense budget and regularly reviewing return on investment of Development resources
  • Participating as an active member of OP’s leadership team, furthering the strategic and financial goals of the organization through collaborative budget modeling and review, effective strategic planning, clear and frequent communication of measurements and outcomes, strengthening of board processes, and modeling of OP’s commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA).

These tasks represent baseline responsibilities for this position. As OP grows, there may be opportunities (and sometimes the need to) add new responsibilities and areas of work. We are a small (but growing!) staff, so an openness to supporting other areas of work is essential for every member of our team.

Location, Schedule, and Physical Requirements

  • OP’s administrative offices are located on the fourth floor of 44 Page Street in San Francisco, close to public transportation (BART and MUNI) and accessible by one set of stairs and one elevator.
  • Events and performances of OP productions and events take place in varying local sites around San Francisco (and possibly throughout the Bay Area).
  • The OP administrative workday is generally Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. We’re happy to accommodate a hybrid work schedule, and require at least two days of on-site work each week as well as an availability to be on site for occasional evenings and weekend events.
  • This position requires the ability to sit at a computer, speak, and type for extended periods of time.  Duties of this role may also include lifting, bending, and pulling furniture to set up, configure, and break down event spaces.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Opera Parallèle is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and maintains a policy of non-discrimination with respect to employees and applicants for employment. No aspect of employment will be influenced in any matter by race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, age, marital or parental status, pregnancy, disability, medical condition (including HIV or AIDS status), genetic information or characteristics (or those of a family member), veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

We value a strong, diverse team, and women, trans- and gender-nonconforming folks, queer people, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color), and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. We acknowledge this list is incomplete and encourage you to apply if your lived experience informs your desire to support OP’s commitment to telling diverse, relevant stories through contemporary opera.

Compensation and Benefits

This is a year-round, exempt position averaging 40 hours per week. Compensation is competitive and commensurate with responsibilities and experience, with a salary range of $107,000–$127,000. This position also includes the following benefits:

  • Health care allowance of $600 per month
  • 12 paid public holidays
  • Paid vacation of 10 days (80 hours) per year
  • Paid sick leave of 10 days (80 hours) per year
  • Funds for professional development opportunities

To Apply: Send your resume and a one-page cover letter explaining your interest and why you are a great fit for this position to employment@operaparallele.org, with “Development Director” in the subject header. Due to the volume of applicants, only candidates who will be invited to interview will be contacted. 

Application Deadline: Open until filled.

Community, IDEA & Contracting Associate

The Opportunity

Opera Parallèle (OP) is seeking a proactive, collaborative professional to work in the new position of Community Programs, IDEA & Contracting Associate (CICA). This role works within and across the organization to coordinate the community engagement programs collectively known as The Bullhorn, including Hands-On-Opera and Expansive. The CICA will also  coordinate the implementation of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) initiatives within the organization and across all programs, and will administer the contracting of temporary employees and independent contractors for productions and events. The person in this role will play a key role in implementing essential components of internal organizational integrity, while helping to ensure that we meet our goal to engage authentically and responsibly with diverse communities. In turn, we’d love to help you grow the skills, experiences, and connections you’re looking for to advance your career.

Who We Are

Based in San Francisco, Opera Parallèle (OP) is an award-winning, female- and artist-led contemporary opera company. Collaboration is in our DNA, as well as a drive to create and keep opera relevant and accessible for our diverse modern world.

Since 2010, Opera Parallèle has become one of the foremost presenters of new opera in the country. A dedication to current issues, 20th- and 21st-century composers, immersive opera experiences, and hands-on, intergenerational community engagement puts OP at the vanguard of making opera meaningful for today’s audiences. OP is on a growth trajectory, with increasing national visibility and a current organizational budget of about $1 million. OP is governed by a 17-member Board of Directors passionate about innovation in the arts.

OP’s core expertise is in staging new opera and creating chamber (slimmed-down) orchestrations of larger operas adaptable to many venues, giving many works an afterlife and accessibility beyond their initial run. OP enjoys close relationships with creators and producing partners working in opera, the performing arts, and visual art, and is often sought by today’s top composers to develop the chamber premiere of operas they debuted at top international houses.

OP is committed to creating an inclusive work environment through diversity of people, ideas, talents, and experiences. We are committed to providing a culturally safe workplace, and we recognize that this looks different for everyone. We will work with existing staff and new hires to identify and ensure respect for cultural safety needs and develop opportunities for all staff to connect, engage, and thrive. OP is actively working on increasing fluency in equity issues and is participating in ongoing organization-wide assessment and training in equity, diversity, and inclusion. We welcome open dialogue about how we can continually improve our support for our community in all aspects of our work.

Please visit our about us page to learn more about who we are, what we do, and the values we embrace.

Who We’re Looking For

This section describes the skills and experience that are most important to this position. We realize not everyone will be equally strong in all of these areas. We also know you can bring strengths and talents beyond what we’ve described. If you are excited about this role and our mission, we welcome your application!

This role would be best served by a person who has:

  • At least 1–2 years of experience in arts administration, arts program development, and/or community-oriented work
  • Knowledge of the Bay Area cultural communities and history, with particular emphasis on the LGBTQ+ communities
  • Experience working and communicating with intergenerational and diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds
  • Respect for diverse backgrounds and voices and a demonstrated commitment to inclusion, accessibility, and equity
  • Proficiency in Google Suite and Microsoft Office applications; database skills desirable
  • Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and exercise good judgment and initiative
  • Demonstrated ability to deliver high-quality work with very strong attention to detail
  • Ability to manage multiple, competing priorities successfully
  • Outstanding interpersonal skills, including the ability to interact with artists, staff, and the public in a professional, confidential, and tactful manner
  • An innovative and collaborative spirit, with the ability to work as a team player and to build and manage strong relationships with co-workers and external producing and community partners; a good listener
  • Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing
  • Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends
  • A commitment to performing the functions of the position in a safe manner
  • Sense of humor a plus!

Key Responsibilities

Note: The breakdown of hours listed below is meant as an indication only; the actual hours spent working in each area will fluctuate depending on operational needs each week.

Community Programs (~50%)

The Bullhorn

  • Working with the AP&CPD, community partners, and other stakeholders to support the development and curation of co-created engagement programs that deepen our relationship with communities
  • Executing all administrative elements (including contracting and budget management) of all Bullhorn programs
  • Supporting the AP&CPD in working with the Development team on cultivation, fundraising events, grant proposals, and final reports related to Bullhorn programs
  • Maintaining documentation of all Bullhorn projects and providing shared access for other staff.

Hands-On-Opera

  • Working alongside the AP&CPD to oversee administrative elements of Hands-On-Opera projects
  • Liaising with the Production Director (PD) on production elements of Hands-On-Opera projects
  • Working alongside the AP&CPD and Artistic team to manage logistics for readings and workshops (e.g., venue selection, budgeting, securing musicians, housing, travel).

IDEA: Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accessibility (~20%)

  • Providing project management support for IDEA initiatives and conversations year round (all OP staff are required to be engaged in and responsible for this work)
  • Coordinating calendaring, research, resources, and speakers for ongoing IDEA initiatives across all OP programs
  • Attending webinars and trainings as appropriate and sharing promising IDEA practices and resources with OP staff
  • Researching current resources and funding available for IDEA initiatives, and working with the Development team to secure such funding
  • Researching promising practices for improving the accessibility of OP programs, venues, and communications for individuals with disabilities
  • Developing recommendations and creating a phased plan to improve accessibility across OP programs, venues, and communications
  • Supporting the OP leadership team and other staff in the  implementation of the accessibility plan
  • Coordinating with accessibility service providers, such as ASL interpreters, Audio Description Services, etc.

Contracting (~30%)

  • Working with the MD, AP&CD, PD, Finance Manager, and Artistic Administrator to create contract templates for employees and independent contractors (ICs).
  • Issuing contracts to temporary employees and ICs for productions and events, using OP templates and processes, utilizing a strong attention to detail to ensure accuracy
  • Following up with those contracted via email and phone to ensure all paperwork (e.g., contract, W4/W9, I9) is fully executed by the time work commences
  • Filing fully executed documents in correct locations on OP’s Google Drive
  • Entering accurate data to enroll employees in the payroll system (Paychex)
  • Responding to external requests for employee documentation (e.g., from the Employment Development Department, surveys from the field, etc.).

These tasks represent baseline responsibilities for this position. As OP grows, there may be opportunities (and sometimes the need to) add new responsibilities and areas of work. We are a small (but growing!) staff, so an openness to supporting other areas of work is essential for every member of our team.

Location, Schedule, and Physical Requirements

  • OP’s administrative offices are located on the fourth floor of 44 Page Street in San Francisco, close to public transportation (BART and MUNI) and accessible by one set of stairs and one elevator.
  • Events and performances of OP productions and events take place in varying local sites around San Francisco (and possibly throughout the Bay Area).
  • The OP administrative workday is generally Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. We’re happy to accommodate a hybrid work schedule, and require at least one day of on-site work each week as well as an availability to be on site for occasional evenings and weekend events.
  • This position requires the ability to sit at a computer, speak, and type for extended periods of time.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Opera Parallèle is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and maintains a policy of non-discrimination with respect to employees and applicants for employment. No aspect of employment will be influenced in any matter by race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, age, marital or parental status, pregnancy, disability, medical condition (including HIV or AIDS status), genetic information or characteristics (or those of a family member), veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

We value a strong, diverse team, and women, trans- and gender-nonconforming folks, queer people, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color), and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. We acknowledge this list is incomplete and encourage you to apply if your lived experience informs your desire to support OP’s commitment to telling diverse, relevant stories through contemporary opera.

Compensation and Benefits

This is a year-round, part-time, non-exempt position averaging 18 hours per week with some weeks busier than others. Base compensation is $23–$25 per hour, up to an annual maximum of $23,000.

This position also includes the following benefits:

  • All employer taxes, including worker’s compensation, unemployment, and social security, are paid by OP.
  • After three (3) months of employment, you are eligible to contribute to a retirement plan through our payroll provider, Paychex.
  • Flexible work schedule, except for production periods.
  • Paid sick leave is accrued at the rate of 1 hour earned per 30 hours worked (up to a maximum total of 72 hours), in accordance with the San Francisco Paid Sick Leave Ordinance.

To Apply

Send your resume and a one-page cover letter explaining your interest and why you are a great fit for this position to employment@operaparallele.org, with “Community Programs, IDEA & Contracting Associate” in the subject header. Due to the volume of applicants, only candidates who will be invited to interview will be contacted.

Application Deadline: Open until filled; priority given to applications received by August 6, 2023.

Marketing Director

The Opportunity

Opera Parallèle (OP) is looking for an innovative, creative professional to manage OP’s marketing and branding activities as a member of OP’s administrative leadership team. The Marketing Director will report to the Managing Director (MD), oversee the part-time Marketing Associate (MA), and work directly with the General and Artistic Director, Artistic Producer & Community Director, publicity consultant, and all administrative staff. The Marketing Director will play an important role in ensuring that the organization meets our earned revenue goals and provides regular communication with our patrons and social network community. The Marketing Director will be responsible for strategic oversight, planning, branding, and execution of all marketing campaigns, communications strategies, and publications. This position will provide strategic leadership and oversee staff, while also rolling up their sleeves as a hands-on practitioner.

Who We Are

Based in San Francisco, Opera Parallèle (OP) is an award-winning, female- and artist-led contemporary opera company. Collaboration is in our DNA, as well as a drive to create and keep opera relevant and accessible for our diverse modern world.

Since 2010, Opera Parallèle has become one of the foremost presenters of new opera in the country. A dedication to current issues, 20th- and 21st-century composers, immersive opera experiences, and hands-on, intergenerational community engagement puts OP at the vanguard of making opera meaningful for today’s audiences. OP is on a growth trajectory, with increasing national visibility and a current organizational budget of about $1 million. OP is governed by a 17-member Board of Directors passionate about innovation in the arts.

OP’s core expertise is in staging new opera and creating chamber (slimmed-down) orchestrations of larger operas adaptable to many venues, giving many works an afterlife and accessibility beyond their initial run. OP enjoys close relationships with creators and producing partners working in opera, the performing arts, and visual art, and is often sought by today’s top composers to develop the chamber premiere of operas they debuted at top international houses.

OP is committed to being an inclusive work environment through diversity of people, ideas, talents, and experiences. We are committed to providing a culturally safe workplace, and we recognize that this looks different for everyone. We will work with existing staff and new hires to identify and ensure respect for cultural safety needs and develop opportunities for all staff to connect, engage, and thrive. OP is actively working on increasing fluency in equity issues, and is participating in ongoing organization-wide assessment and training in equity, diversity, and inclusion. We welcome open dialogue about how we can continually improve our support for our community in all aspects of our work.

Please visit our about us page to learn more about who we are, what we do, and the values we embrace.

Who We’re Looking For

This section describes the skills and experience that are most important to this position. We realize not everyone will be equally strong in all of these areas. We also know you can bring strengths and talents beyond what we’ve described. If you are excited about this role and our mission, we welcome your application!

  • Prior non-profit arts marketing and communications leadership experience
  • Experience developing and implementing successful branding and communications strategies
  • Familiarity with and interest in online and digital marketing trends (web, e-mail, social media)
  • Strong writing (institutional, fundraising, and marketing), editing, and proofreading skills
  • High level of proficiency with word processing and spreadsheet software (OP uses Google Suite—Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, etc.—mostly on a Mac platform)
  • Proficiency with web platforms and software necessary to maintain OP’s website, including HTML and WordPress
  • Comfort using design software (Adobe Photoshop/InDesign, Canva, or similar)
  • Experience with donor management software a plus (OP uses DonorSnap)
  • Innovator, team player, and consensus builder with a collaborative spirit, good listener
  • Strong relationship builder and manager, with co-workers and external producing and community partners
  • Comfort with self-starting in a fast-paced environment and working independently
  • Interest in and basic knowledge of classical music, especially opera, and/or contemporary music/art, music education, other performing arts
  • Respect for diverse backgrounds and voices and a commitment to inclusion, accessibility, and equity
  • Experience working and communicating with intergenerational and diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds
  • Knowledge of San Francisco and other Bay Area communities
  • Sense of humor a plus!

Key Responsibilities

General Marketing & Communications

  • Creating an annual, year-round marketing campaign to broaden OP’s visibility, developed and implemented in collaboration with the MD, Artistic and Development team leaders, and the Marketing Committee made up of board, community, and staff members
  • Developing a compelling narrative and brand that most effectively tells the OP story, while serving as the brand manager to build brand and mission awareness and deliver key messages through all of OP’s external communications
  • Creating and articulating comprehensive marketing plans and budgets designed to achieve earned revenue goals (ticket sales, co-productions and rentals) for each production
  • Project managing all printed publications, including program books and marketing and development collateral; designing, writing, and/or curating content
  • Interfacing with public relations (PR) consultant(s)
  • For each production, selecting (if there is a choice) and supervising the ticketing service and box office provider, and creating ticket price strategies and audience and trend analyses
  • Hiring and providing direction to OP’s graphic designer and any other necessary staff, subject to approval by MD, staff, and consultants
  • Supervising and mentoring the part-time Marketing Associate
  • Working with Development Director to create and deploy membership content

Digital Marketing

  • Maintaining OP’s website and regularly updating content
  • Ensuring the website is accessible to people with disabilities
  • Creating e-communication and external communication content (currently using Constant Contact)
  • Developing and expanding OP’s online presence, and promoting the OP brand, through social media, email, web advertising, and other sources
  • Creating engaging and culturally appropriate content for website and social media platforms
  • Coordinating with other staff members to ensure active promotions and campaigns are well represented online

Data and Reporting

  • For each production, serving as primary liaison to box office venues/partners to generate updated reports and reconciliation of box office transactions post-closing night
  • Providing regular internal reports on Google analytics, web traffic, and social media metrics
  • Providing support and data for grant materials and Data Arts, as needed

Administration

  • Oversee mailings (e.g., coordinating with mailhouse, conducting mail merges and list selection/segmentation)
  • Providing support for board, performances, and events, as needed

These tasks represent baseline responsibilities for this position. As OP grows, there may be opportunities (and sometimes the need to) add new responsibilities and areas of work. We are a small (but growing!) staff, so an openness to supporting other areas of work is essential for every member of our team.

Location, Schedule, and Physical Requirements

  • OP’s administrative offices are located on the fourth floor of 44 Page Street in San Francisco, close to public transportation (BART and MUNI) and accessible by one set of stairs and one elevator.
  • The OP administrative workday is generally Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. We’re happy to accommodate a partial remote work schedule but prefer a candidate who can work in our office at least 2 days a week, as well as be present on weekends and evenings for events and performance support, as needed.
  • This position requires the ability to sit at a computer, speak, and type for extended periods of time. Duties of this role may also include lifting, bending, and pulling furniture to set up, configure, and break down event spaces.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Opera Parallèle is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and maintains a policy of non-discrimination with respect to employees and applicants for employment. No aspect of employment will be influenced in any matter by race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, age, marital or parental status, pregnancy, disability, medical condition (including HIV or AIDS status), genetic information or characteristics (or those of a family member), veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

We value a strong, diverse team, and women, trans- and gender-nonconforming folks, queer people, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color), and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. We acknowledge this list is incomplete and encourage you to apply if your lived experience informs your desire to support our commitment to telling diverse, relevant stories through contemporary opera.

Compensation and Benefits

This position is part-time, 32 hours per week, and exempt. The hourly rate for this position is $40–$45 per hour, for an annual salary of $66,560–$74,880.

This position also includes the following benefits:

  • Health care allowance of $500 per month
  • 12 paid public holidays
  • Paid vacation of 8 days (64 hours) per year, accrued at 2.664 hours per bi-monthly pay period
  • Paid sick leave of 8 days (64 hours) per year, accrued at 2.664 hours per bi-monthly pay period
  • Funds for professional development opportunities

To Apply: Send your resume and a one-page cover letter explaining your interest and why you are a great fit for this position to employment@operaparallele.org, with “Marketing Director” in the subject header. Due to the volume of applicants, only candidates who will be invited to interview will be contacted.

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