Artistic Operations Assistant Manager

About the Washington National Opera

Founded in 1956 as a modest but intrepid ensemble known as the Opera Society of Washington, Washington National Opera (WNO) is today one of America’s largest opera companies. Under the leadership of General Director Timothy O’Leary and Artistic Director Francesca Zambello, WNO draws inspiration from a rich legacy built on the values of artistic excellence, engagement with a broad community, and a thriving future for opera and its audiences. As an artistic affiliate of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, WNO performs fall and spring seasons in the 2,200-seat Kennedy Center Opera House. WNO also offers performances on Millennium Stage and at other venues at the Center and throughout the city, and offers training, educational, and social impact programs year-round.

WNO Mission Statement: Washington National Opera, as a leader in opera and a flagship of the Kennedy Center, seeks to inspire, connect, and enrich our community, shape the future of opera, and illuminate the American and human experience. We tell timeless stories with programming that excites, entertains, engages, and educates. We are committed to diversity and balance – presenting classic, contemporary, and American works – to broad local, national, and international audiences.

WNO Core Values: Integrity, Excellence, Inclusivity, Innovation, Joy

At the Kennedy Center, we strive to foster belonging and empowerment at work. We are able to advance our mission because of our committed and passionate employees. We are fortunate to be able to leverage their diverse perspectives, life experiences and skills to inform how our workplace can be a safe, transparent, and replenishing community. The Kennedy Center is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant based on race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related condition, or any other basis protected by law. 

Why Join Us

We offer a comprehensive range of benefits to all full-time employees including: 

• Staff offers for discount tickets
• Retirement plan with organization matching (after 1 year of employment)
• Qualifying employer for the Public Student Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)
• Commuter programs including pre-tax options for discounted parking and SmartBenefits (WMATA)
• Annual Leave, Sick Leave, and Personal Days available immediately upon hire
• 11 paid holidays per year 
• Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits with FSA and HSA options, and paid FMLA
• Flexible work arrangements
• We like to have fun! Check out the Kennedy Center National Dance Day 2022 staff video!

Job Description

The Artistic Operations Assistant Manager works closely with the Director of Artistic Planning and Operations, and Associate Director of Artistic Operations to carry out objectives for the Artistic Operations department.

Under the oversight of the Director of Artistic Planning and Operations, and Associate Director of Artistic Operations, the Artistic Operations Assistant Manager serves as the secondary point person for the WNO Music Staff (WNO Chorus Master, WNO Head of Music Staff, WNO Music Administrator, and the WNO Orchestra Librarian). This includes timesheet collection, payroll processing, and day to day needs.   

The Artistic Operations Assistant Manager serves as a member of artistic planning sessions to facilitate achieving financial goals in the current season.  In collaboration with the Director of Artistic Planning and Operations and Associate Director of Artistic Operations, this position is also responsible for the processing of of artist contracts, grand rights agreements, contracts for commissioning and re-orchestration of compositions, and all WNO director, choreographer, dancer, chorus, children’s chorus, and super contracts.

The Artistic Operations Assistant Manager assists in managing the Artistic Budget in collaboration with the Directors of Artistic Planning and Administration, and under the oversight of the Associate Director of Artistic Operations.  This position coordinates with the Finance Manager to develop budget strategies for the integrated WNO Company budget. 

Duties & Responsibilities

• Contract execution (union, Grand Rights, etc).  In coordination with Associate Director of Artistic Operations, they are responsible for drafting, executing, tracking and processing all WNO artistic contracts. In coordination with Associate Director of Artistic Operations, execute contract packages with directors, choreographers, conductors for upcoming Washington National Opera productions. This includes confirming financial terms and also involves the artistic rights in future rentals, revivals, crediting, copyright protections, travel and housing arrangements, payment schedules, etc.
• The Artistic Operations Assistant manager is responsible for drafting, executing, tracking, processing and distribution of payments for all WNO artistic contracts. The Artistic Operations Assistant Manager will also serve as the point person for contracts and payroll for the WNO Music Staff under the oversight of the Associate Director of Artistic Operations.
• Budget planning. Responsible for the maintenance of the current season’s Artistic budget,  under the oversight of the Director of Artistic Planning and Operations and the Associate Director of Artistic Operations.
• Administrative support to the Director of Artistic Planning and Operations.
• Other duties as assigned.

Key Qualifications

• 3 - 5 years of experience in artistic operations/administration preferably within a performing arts organization.
• Work experience and interest/knowledge in opera, classical music, or performing arts encouraged.
• Experience with union contracts a strong plus.
• Expertise in Microsoft Excel for budgeting.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent training/ experience.
• Must have the ability to work flexible hours, including extended hours, evenings and weekends.
• Candidate must be local or willing to relocate to the DMV area.