Director of Artistic Planning and Operations

Washington National Opera; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 150,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington National Opera seeks a Director of Artistic Planning and Operations to guide season planning in concert with the General Director & CEO. You will collaborate with the Artistic Director to cast productions and lead the artistic department, directing staff and contracts across regional and international engagements.

The role oversees budgets for artistic and orchestra operations (approx. $9M within a $30M operating budget), negotiates labor terms, manages visas, and ensures timely

Qualifications

• 8–10 years’ experience in opera artistic management.
• Knowledge of opera, music, and performing arts; experience with collective bargaining agreements 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.
• Comfortable with up to 30% domestic and international travel.

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.

Skills

Opera artistic management

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Budgeting

Contract administration

Team leadership

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in artistic or related field

Advanced degree

Job 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.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $150,000 - $170,000 per year. This range reflects what WNO in good faith expects to pay for this role. Where a candidate is placed within the range depends on their relevant experience, skills and competencies, qualifications, and internal pay equity. WNO offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance, and paid time off.

• health, dental, and vision insurance, and paid time off.

Equal Employment Opportunity

We believe that a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences strengthens our work and our community. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, familial status, family responsibilities, personal appearance, political affiliation, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or District of Columbia law.

WNO is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants with disabilities.