Director of Artistic Planning & Operations (Opera)

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

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