Director of Artistic Planning and Operations

OPERA America, Inc.; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington National Opera seeks a Director of Artistic Planning and Operations to lead the artistic operations in collaboration with the General Director & CEO and Artistic Director. The role combines artistic vision with business goals and requires overseeing casting, season planning, and contracts.

The incumbent will collaborate with the Artistic Director to cast WNO’s productions, manage the artistic budget (~$9M) and oversee staff, contracts, visas, and venue operations for a $30M annual

Qualifications

• 8–10 years’ experience in opera artistic management.
• Knowledge of opera, music, and the performing arts.
• Bachelor’s degree in artistic or related field; advanced degree a plus.
• Excellent verbal and written communication.
• Strong judgment, discretion, and integrity.
• Strong organizational skills; ability to work independently or in a team.
• Willingness to travel up to 30% domestically and internationally.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Artistic Director to cast productions and lead season planning.
• Oversee Artistic Department and related functions, including contracts and visas.
• Engage stage directors, conductors, and other artists.
• Develop and oversee artistic and orchestra budgets (~$9M) as part of a $30M operating budget.
• Liaise with unions and participate in labor negotiations.
• Manage music staff, orchestra librarian, chorus, dancers, and staff.
• Provide artistic content for recitals, concerts, and events.
• Act as liaison to guest artists and attend performances.
• Support staff scheduling for lectures and audience engagement events.
• Ensure flow of artistic information across the company and maintain databases.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Organizational skills

Independent work

Discretion

Multitasking

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in artistic field

Advanced degree a plus

Job description

Director of Artistic Planning and Operations

Network(s): Artistic Administration; General, Executive, & Artistic Directors

DESCRIPTION

The Director of Artistic Planning and Operations is responsible for planning and executing the artistic operations of WNO in collaboration with the artistic vision and business goals established by the General Director & CEO and Artistic Director.

The Director of Artistic Planning and Operations is responsible for collaborating with the Artistic Director to cast WNO’s productions and lead WNO’s season planning process. The incumbent will also oversee WNO’s Artistic Department and all related functions. These functions include: engagement of stage directors and conductors; developing and implementing commission and performance rights agreements; overseeing administration of artistic contracts and visas; orchestra management; and management of WNO’s music staff, orchestra librarian, chorus, supernumeraries, and dancers.

The Director of Artistic Planning and Operations is responsible for developing and overseeing the artistic and orchestra budgets which, combined, are in the range of $9 million annually, as part of WNO’s annual operating budget of $30 million. This role takes responsibility for an array of financial and labor issues, participating in labor negotiations and liaising with unions, as necessary.

Responsibilities

Principally responsible for working with the Artistic Director to cast WNO’s artists (principally solo singers and conductors but also encompassing directors, choreographers, music staff, etc.). Maintain travel schedule to attend performances and hold auditions (regionally, nationally, and internationally) to recruit and invite artists to WNO.

Collaborate with General Director & CEO and Artistic Director to drive the season planning process according to WNO institutional priorities. Work closely with these colleagues as well as WNO’s Director of Production, Technical Director, Costume Director, and Director of the Cafritz Young Artist Program and other relevant members of the WNO Management Team on all future seasons and company-wide budgeting and planning.

Responsible for the operational functions of WNO’s Artistic Department in accordance with applicable collective bargaining agreements. Supervise and manage three full-time staff members to accomplish the work of WNO’s artistic and orchestra operations, including contract administration, securing required visas, budget management, and oversight of music staff, the orchestra librarian, the WNO Orchestra, chorus, corps dancers, and supernumeraries.

Provide artistic content for recitals, concerts, and special events as necessary.

Act as WNO’s management liaison to guest artists, and attend performances and rehearsals as relevant to support guest artists and other members of the Artistic teams as described above.

Manage the staffing of pre-performance lectures and post-performance Q&A sessions as well as development and audience engagement events, as needed.

Ensure flow of artistic information throughout the company to support interdepartmental needs and planning. Review and approve all printed and digital materials pertaining to casts and artistic teams. Responsible for ensuring that WNO-specific artistic databases are updated to reflect current casting and contract information.

Qualifications

8 – 10 years’ experience in opera artistic management.

Knowledge of opera, music, and the performing arts is a must; experience with managing collective bargaining agreements is preferred.

Bachelor’s degree in artistic or related field or equivalent training/ experience. Advanced degree a plus.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Must exercise good judgment, show initiative, and handle sensitive data in a trustworthy manner.

Strong organizational skills and ability to work independently as well collaboratively as in a team environment.

Discretion, maturity, and composure, especially under pressure.

Ability to establish priorities and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

High standards and strong sense of responsibility.

Comfortable with up to 30% domestic and international travel