Opera & Music Theatre

Production Director

Classification: Part-time non-exempt employee (W2) or independent contractor (1099)

Compensation: $48–$58 per hour, 40–70 hours per month depending on production cycle, up to maximum annual base compensation of $35,000–$45,000. NOTE: On-site work with other companies that rent or co-produce OP productions may provide opportunities for additional compensation beyond listed salary.

Location: Hybrid remote/in-person (see below for information about physical requirements)

Expected Start Date/Term: July 31, 2023; one-year contract with annual option to renew

Reports to: Creative Director and General & Artistic Director

 

Position Summary

Opera Parallèle (OP) is seeking a proactive, collaborative professional to oversee all production planning, implementation, and management as a member of our leadership team. The Production Director will work closely with the Creative Director (CD), General & Artistic Director (G&AD), Managing Director (MD), Development Director, and the entire OP Artistic Team (Artistic Producer and Artistic Administrator). Under the direction of the CD and G&AD, the Production Director will be responsible for overseeing the production needs and resources for all of OP’s programs, including two mainstage operas a season, one Hands-On-Opera youth production, the Annual Benefit, as well as all other OP events that require production support. You will play an important role in ensuring that all programs are implemented within budgeted resources and realize the artistic goals and standards of the organization.

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.

If you haven’t already, 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 role would be best served by an arts professional who has:

  • At least five (5) years of progressive professional experience managing the production function of a producing opera or theater company
  • A thorough understanding of theater and opera production techniques and processes, including industry safety standards
  • Knowledge of stagecraft, opera repertoire, and scenic construction
  • Knowledge of principles of management and financial accounting, with experience preparing and monitoring budgets
  • Success with selecting, supervising, evaluating, and developing staff
  • Demonstrated ability to motivate and manage a work group responsibly and with integrity
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications; database skills desirable
  • Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and exercise good judgment and initiative
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to deliver high-quality work
  • 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
  • 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
  • Ability to work evenings and weekends
  • Knowledge of the Bay Area cultural community, rental shops, and vendors
  • A commitment to performing the functions of the position in a safe manner
  • Sense of humor a plus!

Key Responsibilities

Current-Season Production Management 

  • Create, maintain, and distribute production calendars and schedules for all three productions in the OP season, as well as all OP events, including the Annual Benefit and additional community programs where needed.
  • Maintain and manage production budgets and (re)forecasts, tracking actual expenses for all production departments along with the CD and MD.
  • Ensure all production staff, including designers, artisans, stage managers, and assistant stage managers, are hired, contracted, and onboarded over the course of an entire season.
  • Manage the work and schedules of all designers, artisans, stage managers, assistant stage managers, and additional technicians for all productions.
  • Confirm and liaise with venues for staging rehearsals.
  • Ensure that the material elements (scenic, costume, lighting, properties, etc.) of all productions are completed and delivered on time and are taken away at the end of the last performance of each production, under the auspices of the host venue, and that all material expenses remain within the agreed-upon budget.
  • Support the Development Director and Artistic Team on production elements of OP’s Annual Benefit event, as well as all other fundraising events that include performance elements.
  • Support the Community Manager/Coordinator on production elements of all community programming with performance elements, including Hands-On-Opera and the annual “Expansive” showcase.
  • Coordinate transportation of all production elements needed for rehearsals and performances.
  • Act as liaison between OP and performance venue production staff, including determining and implementing health and safety protocols.
  • Provide all technical information to performance venues.
  • Supervise all performance venue technicians.
  • Attend all technical rehearsals, dress rehearsals, and performances.
  • Review final estimate and final settlement from performance venues with the MD.
  • Under the direction of the G&AD and Artistic Administrator, coordinate and facilitate orchestra physical needs.
  • Schedule and lead all production meetings.
  • Attend agreed-upon staff meetings as necessary.
  • Secure, coordinate, and manage storage of sets and other physical production elements in OP’s storage facility.
  • Uphold the artistic integrity and standards of OP.

Future-Season Planning

  • Work with OP’s Artistic Team to plan future seasons, including evaluating and advising on performance venues, production elements of new repertoire, design collaborators, etc.
  • Create production budgets along with CD, G&AD, and MD.
  • Assist MD in finalizing performance venue agreements and production estimates.
  • Under direction of CD, negotiate, hire, contract, and onboard (with MD) all production staff, including designers, artisans, stage managers, and assistant stage managers.
  • Secure and/or confirm spaces for staging rehearsals within approved budget limits..

Production Rentals & Co-Productions

  • Create and maintain comprehensive technical riders and “Production Book” for all productions, coordinating with department heads to collate a complete picture of the production to be shared with future renting companies and co-producers.
  • Support Artistic Producer in providing technical information for OP productions to prospective renters and co-producers.
  • Attend meetings with prospective renters and co-producers to provide technical information and insights.
  • Coordinate with any renting company or co-producer to assist in their planned presentations of OP productions.
  • Liaise with renting companies and co-producers to arrange transport of OP productions.
  • Support Artistic Producer and MD with production-related elements of co-production and rental agreements.
  • NOTE: On-site work with renting companies or co-producers may provide opportunities for additional compensation (as outlined in rental and co-production agreements), beyond listed salary.

These tasks represent baseline responsibilities for this position. As OP grows, there may be opportunities 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

  • We’re happy to accommodate a remote work schedule but require on-site work during the entirety of our production periods.
  • Rehearsals and performances of OP productions and OP events take place in varying local sites around San Francisco (and possibly throughout the Bay Area). Opportunities may arise to travel outside the Bay Area/nationally in support of OP productions that are rented or co-produced by outside companies.
  • The workflow varies greatly throughout the year, with work time demands beyond the standard workweek determined by production planning and execution. The Production Director is required to be available year-round to a schedule agreed with the CD and G&AD. The role requires irregular and extended working hours.
  • 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 sets, properties, and lighting to set up, configure, and break down rehearsal, performance, and 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 position can be structured either for an employee or for an independent contractor, if the candidate has their own LLC. For an employee, this is a year-round, part-time, non-exempt position. In either case, the contract is for one year, with an annually recurring option to renew.   The expected time commitment is 40–70 hours per month, depending on the production cycle. Base compensation is $48–$58 per hour, up to an annual maximum of $35,000–$45,000 per year (not including opportunities that may arise to earn additional compensation for supporting rentals and/or co-productions of OP productions by outside companies).

For an employee, 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 “Production Director” in the subject header. Due to the volume of applicants, only candidates who will be invited to interview will be contacted.

Application Deadline: July 15, 2023

Executive Director

Ópera Cultura, a Latinx opera company, is seeking an innovative and collaborative leader to serve as Executive Director. Reporting to the board of directors, the Executive Director will work closely with the Artistic Director in ensuring the artistic and financial success of the company. 

As the organizational leader of the company, the Executive Director is actively involved in the San Jose community and participates in various events.  The Executive Director also works closely with the board to implement Ópera Cultura’s long term strategic plan. The Executive Director may work the majority of their hours at home; however, s/he is required to attend meetings, community events, and productions. 

 

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • DEVELOPMENT –  Serve as lead fundraiser;  oversee fundraising campaigns, submit grants and final reports, individual donor cultivation, and identify new funding streams.
  • FINANCE –  Responsible for fiscal management, organizational and project budgets.
  • MARKETING – Develops marketing plans, which includes creating email blasts, social media posts, and press releases.
  • HIRING – In consultation with the Artistic Director and Production Manager, identifies and hires some production staff. Oversees contracts and offer letters. Works with payroll service to ensure proper processing of timesheets and payments to staff.
  • PRODUCTION – In collaboration with the Artistic Director, the Executive Director ensures all productions are artistically and financially successful. Oversees La Escuela Initiative programming. 

QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate has a passion for the arts and has a minimum of two years of senior management experience in the non profit sector. S/he also has a proven track record in fundraising and management. Familiarity with google docs and google sheets is required. Further, the candidate has a commitment to empowering communities of color through the arts. While not required, s/he speaks Spanish and has had prior experience working in the field of opera. . 

COMPENSATION AND START DATE:

Thirty hour salaried position.
Salary range: $45,000
Start date is August 1st, 2023

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Founded by composer Héctor Armienta in 2008, Ópera Cultura is the only professional Latinx opera company in the country and is a professional member of Opera America. Our primary mission is to tell the stories of the Latinx community through opera, as well as create opportunities for the community to participate as creators, performers, and audience members. We are based in San Jose Ca. Ópera Cultura produces one main stage production in San Jose. CA, community events, and provides training to young people in the arts through La Escuela Initiative. When funding permits, the company also co-produces outside of California. 

Ópera Cultura is an equal opportunity employer and committed to diversity. To apply, please send cover letter and résume to info@operacultura.org

Marketing Coordinator: Brand and Audiences

Supporting marketing efforts surrounding ticket sales and audience development campaigns for San Francisco Opera, including patron experience initiatives, subscriptions, and events.
 
 EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university (preferred) or equivalent work experience.

 

EXPERIENCE: Minimum two years of experience in marketing, public relations, sales, and/or customer service. Arts background preferred.

 

PREREQUISITE SKILLS & REQUIREMENTS:

 

Demonstrated experience with and knowledge of marketing principles across channels including direct mail, email, digital, and teleservices.
Excellent writing, editing, and organizational skills.
Familiarity with CRM programs; Tessitura highly preferred.
Familiarity with invoicing and reconciling budgets.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google applications; Excel and Word highly preferred.
Demonstrated experience in email platforms; Wordfly preferred.
Proficiency in project management tools and platforms; Asana and Microsoft Teams highly preferred.
Ability to provide excellent customer service and problem solve with multiple internal and external constituencies.
Ability to brainstorm and research potential contacts and programs.
Ability to work some evening and weekend hours, if necessary.
Ability to work independently, take initiative, prioritize tasks, and exercise good judgment.
Demonstrated experience coordinating multiple, competing priorities successfully and meeting firm deadlines.
Ability and disposition navigating fast-paced, team-oriented, rapidly changing environments.
Outstanding interpersonal skills including the ability to interact with artists, staff, the public and volunteers in an effective, professional, confidential, and tactful manner.
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
Must perform the functions of the position in a safe manner.
Familiarity with operatic repertoire and/or the Bay Area performing arts landscape preferred.
Knowledge of Associated Press style guide preferred.
 

 ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

 

Contributes as an active part of the marketing team, supporting all ticket sales, audience development, patron retention, advertising, and promotional strategies to meet institutional goals.
Writes draft marketing collateral copy as assigned for supervisor’s review and approval.
Builds and extracts lists in Tessitura for internal and external trade list fulfillment.
Coordinates scheduling and deployment of email, web, and direct mail promotions.
Serves as one of the primary patron service contacts for the marketing department.
Coordinates patron benefit fulfillment including subscription renewals, welcome packets, perk partners, parking fulfillment, events, and surprise-and-delight initiatives.
 

SECONDARY FUNCTIONS:

 

Attends evening and/or weekend performances as requested to perform essential job functions.
Supports third-party marketing vendor initiatives including teleservices and transportation.
Maintains server organization and filing; processes invoices for marketing and audience development activities and initiatives.
Performs other job-related duties as assigned.
Processes invoices for marketing and audience development activities and initiatives.
Supports audience experience initiatives for key San Francisco Opera events in the bay area.
EQUIPMENT OR MACHINES, IF ANY, THAT MUST BE OPERATED TO PERFORM THE POSITION ACCEPTABLY:   Computer, printer, copier, telephone and other general office equipment and machines.

WORKING CONDITIONS:  Indoors with temperature and noise levels typical of this environment

Application Instructions: E-mail required job application, cover letter, résumé, and two work/writing samples to employment@sfopera.com or fax to (415) 634-0203.  No phone calls please.  San Francisco Opera only retains résumés that are sent in response to specific, posted job openings.

Qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records will be considered for this position in accordance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.

 

Artistic Planning Manager

PURPOSE: To work closely with the Managing Director: Artistic to plan, manage, and coordinate activities and operations of San Francisco Opera’s Artistic Department.

 

EDUCATION: 

·        Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university preferably in the arts or arts administration.

·        Advance coursework and/or Master’s Degree preferred or equivalent work experience.

 

EXPERIENCE:

 

·        Minimum five (5) years of experience working in an artistic administration role with increasing levels of responsibility.

·        Demonstrated knowledge of arts administration along with a track record of success in the field of project management

 

PREREQUISITE SKILLS & REQUIREMENTS:

 

·        Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications; database skills desirable.

·        Advanced knowledge of the field of opera, performing arts, and theatrical production.

·        Excellent project management skills and ability to implement and evaluate processes.

·        Familiarity and knowledge of foreign languages, especially German, Italian, French and/or Spanish.

·        Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate people and events effectively and efficiently.

·        Must maintain a high level of confidentiality.

·        Ability to work independently; prioritize tasks; and exercise good judgment and initiative.

·        Ability to manage multiple, competing priorities successfully.

·        Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, rapidly changing environment.

·        Outstanding interpersonal skills including the ability to interact with all staff in a professional and tactful manner.

·        Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.

·        Must perform the functions of the position in a safe manner.

·        Position requires evening and weekend obligations during the opera season.

 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

 

·        Assists the Managing Director: Artistic with the support and oversight of the Artistic Department including direct management of the Artistic Operations & Technology Coordinator, the Artist Services Coordinator.

·        Assists in the negotiation of contract terms and financial packages for Principal Artists for mainstage programming as directed by the Managing Director: Artistic.

·        Manages and shepherds artistic planning and operations for mainstage and other artistic projects, liaising with artists, agents, and company departments.

·        Liaises with stage director and choreographers on behalf of the Company in advance of production periods.

·        Produces and manages planning for artistic special projects, including SF Opera Lab, Pop-Ups, and non-mainstage and/or no subscription mainstage artistic programs, as directed by the Managing Director: Artistic.

·        Oversees and manages Artistic department involvement in digital content projects, including liaising with artists and creatives, production and media teams, and Philanthropy & Audiences teams.

·        Creates and manages all budgets for the Artistic Department and prepares and submits regular forecasting and analysis.

·        Oversees all expenses for the department and approves expenses as required or in the absence of the Managing Director: Artistic.

·        Oversees department contracting process and the approval of contracts, financial breakdowns and abstracts.

·        Oversees artist media rights acquisition process and liaises with company departments on direction and priorities.

·        Oversees operations for the department, developing and evaluating new processes for implementation and digital transformation.

·        Collaborates with company departments on artistic content for special events, including developing and curating content and assigning and/or hiring artists.

 

SECONDARY FUNCTIONS:

 

·        Acts on behalf of the Managing Director: Artistic in providing supervision and continuity during periods when the Managing Director: Artistic is away.

·        Maintains relationships with artists and managers and engage in correspondence on behalf of the Managing Director: Artistic.

·        Liaises with AGMA on matters related to Principal Artists including information requests and policies/procedures and oversee the distribution of contracting and reporting to AGMA.

·        Participates and represents the Artistic Department in company collective bargaining sessions with AGMA.

·        Oversees all cross-departmental projects involving artists and/or artistic personnel and communicating casting and planning details with company personnel as needed.

·        Attends company general audition sessions for soloists in San Francisco.

·        Attends company mainstage rehearsals and supervises principal artists and artistic staff as directed by the Managing Director: Artistic.

·        Undertakes public speaking engagements to support and promote the Company and its audience engagement efforts.

·        Attend meetings and/or workgroups related to job functions listed above.

·        Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

 

 

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

 

E-mail required cover letter, job application, and résumé to employment@sfopera.com or fax to (415) 634-0203.  No phone calls please.  San Francisco Opera only retains résumés that are sent in response to specific, posted job openings.

 

Qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records will be considered for this position in accordance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.

 

SAN FRANCISCO OPERA IS AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

COMMITTED TO DIVERSITY OF STAFF 

Community Engagement Coordinator

The San Francisco Opera Department of Diversity, Equity and Community (DEC) provides guidance and support for equitable and inclusionary community engagement and business practices. DEC provides experiential engagement opportunities for adults, kindergarten through university students, families, and the community. DEC prioritizes identifying and removing barriers to racial, and cultural equity within our institution and relationships.

EDUCATION:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, or equivalent work experience

 

EXPERIENCE:

Minimum two to three years of arts administration experience, preferably in arts education with adult and family programming.

 

PREREQUISITE SKILLS & REQUIREMENTS:

Knowledge of:

Music, opera and/or the performing arts (preferred)
Social justice and racial equity principles
Bay Area arts education community, education institutions, and school systems (preferred)
Skill in:

Effective community engagement strategies; strong written communication skills
Planning, organizing, and managing people and events
Microsoft Office (ex. Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, Publisher, and PowerPoint)
Database systems (Tessitura preferred)
Asana project management software
HTML and Web Content Management Systems

Ability to:

Communicate tactfully, professionally, effectively, and accurately both orally and in writing
Understand the critical importance of confidentiality, discretion, and ethical conduct in all business and professional transactions
Establish working relationships and interact in a professional manner with a wide range of people
Work independently and resourcefully to complete assigned tasks with initiative; while also being a collegial member of a fast-paced, integrated team
Complete projects with a high degree of accuracy, detail, confidentiality and timeliness; and handle multiple projects simultaneously by accurately setting priorities
Ensure reliable daily attendance and punctuality
Work nights and weekends as assigned
Thrive in a fast-paced, rapidly changing environment
Perform the functions of the position in a safe manner
Lift up to 25 lbs.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Coordinates and assists in implementation and administrative aspects of new and emerging community engagement initiatives, including but not limited to professional developments, workshops, convenings, surveys, dialogues and gatherings
Supports the implementation of education and community engagement programs, including; Student and Senior Final Dress Rehearsal and its subsequent programs, Opera Aficionado, Opera Nova, as well as symposia, community events, senior lectures, movie screenings, family workshops, and other programs to be developed
Supports department-wide and company-wide, and community-based projects, working collaboratively with other departments and external partners and stakeholders including but not limited to other arts and community organizations on projects that connect and engage the community with the work of the SF Opera
Supports the Community Engagement Manager in implementation of the Opera Arts Resources in Action (ARIA) program, SF Opera’s K-12 residency program
Serve as department liaison to Marketing and HR; participating in the weekly and bi-weekly production meetings and check-in meetings
Represents the Department on internal and external teams and working groups as needed
Represents the San Francisco Opera in arts, education, and social justice communities. Performs other job-related duties as assigned

EQUIPMENT OR MACHINES, IF ANY, THAT MUST BE OPERATED TO PERFORM THE POSITION ACCEPTABLY:   Computer, printer, copier, telephone and other general office equipment and machines.

WORKING CONDITIONS:  Indoors with temperature and noise levels typical of this environment

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: E-mail required job application, cover letter and résumé to employment@sfopera.com or fax to (415) 634-0203.  No phone calls please.  San Francisco Opera only retains résumés that are sent in response to specific, posted job openings

Qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records will be considered for this position in accordance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.

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