Senior Manager, Artistic Administration - Washington National Opera

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 Senior Manager, Artistic Administration (Artistic Operations) is responsible for collaborating with the Director of Artistic Planning and Administration in planning and executing WNO artistic operations as well as logistics for artistic involvement in WNO productions and events.

Under the oversight of the Director of Artistic Planning and Operations, the Senior Manager, Artistic Administration serves as the supervisor and primary 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 contract negotiation, timesheet collection, payroll processing, and day to day needs.   This role also supervises the Artistic Operations Assistant Manager.

This role serves as a member of artistic planning sessions to facilitate achieving financial goals in current and future seasons.  In collaboration with the General Director, Artistic Director, Director of Artistic Planning and Administration and Associate Director of Artistic Administration, this position is also responsible for the negotiation of artist contracts, grand rights agreements, contracts for commissioning and re-orchestration of compositions, and all WNO director, choreographer, dancer, chorus, supers contracts and VISAS. This role works with and under the guidance of the Director of Artistic Planning and Operations; the successful candidate must therefore have creative and casting capabilities.

The Senior Manager, Artistic Administration, under the oversight of the Director of Artistic Planning and Administration and in collaboration with the Director of Production manages the WNO Master Calendar and Artistic Budget lines.  This position coordinates planning information with the Finance Manager to develop budget strategies for the integrated WNO Company budget.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Director of Artistic Planning and Operations on the development of casting and programming of future seasons, as well as creating drafts of future season budgets under their oversight. Communicate with artists and agents to determine artist availability, finalize contract details, artist fees, housing and travel for principal artists, directors, conductors, dancers, choreographers, chorus, children’s chorus, supers, and music staff within the AGMA and AFM CBAs. Summarize results for Artistic Operations Assistant Manager to execute contracts. Coordinate artist VISAS, ensure all artist needs are clearly passed on to Artist Services in anticipation of arrival in Washington.
• Organize libretto readings and workshops for commissions, perform production research, create presentation materials for any informational artistic planning.
• With Rehearsal Planning- Plan, coordinate and attend chorus, children’s chorus, dance, super auditions. Oversee the Chorus Master with casting of Chorus, Children’s Chorus and the Choreographer with Dancers. Collaborates with Directing and Costume staff to cast Supers.
• Act as liaison to distribute information to Kennedy Center Departments; Liaise with Development to include artistic information in grant proposals and cultivation efforts; Proof marketing materials; Coordinate with Education, Development, Community Engagement, and Social Impact to plan WNO centered events
• Casting Information Database: Maintain Artistic information portion of ArtsVision database. Distribute all relevant casting information to WNO departments.
• Coordinate with Artist Services Coordinator and other staff to plan cast receptions, special events; Organize Artistic presence for any and all WNO related events
• Other duties as assigned.

Key Qualifications

• 5-8 years of experience in artistic operations/administration within a performing arts organization. Interest/knowledge in opera, classical music encouraged.
• Bachelor’s Degree (preferably in a music-related subject) or equivalent training/ experience
• Experience with union contracts a strong plus.
• Expertise in Microsoft Excel for budgeting.
• Interest in, and extensive knowledge of, opera, classical music, and the performing arts
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong organization skills, including the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects at one time, especially under pressure.  Must be able to work independently as well as in a team environment.
• Must display good judgement, discretion, and the ability to handle sensitive information in a trustworthy manner.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office: Outlook, Word, and Excel required; Access a plus; accurate word processing, proofreading, and filing skills.
• Willingness to learn all associated software programs, particularly ArtsVision and KC accounting
• Candidate must be local or willing to relocate to the DMV area.