WNO Artistic Planning & Operations Assistant Manager (Temporary)

About the Washington National Opera

In 1956, the sound of opera rang out in DC, heralding the birth of a new company. Four decades and countless artistic leaps later, Washington National Opera continues to move boldly forward on the great adventure that began years ago in a university auditorium. Washington National Opera is now one of the nation's leading opera companies and plays to standing room audiences in the Kennedy Center.

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. 

Mission Statement: As the nation's performing arts center, and a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy, we are a leader for the arts across America and around the world, reaching and connecting with artists, inspiring and educating communities. We welcome all to create, experience, learn about, and engage with the arts. 

Why Join Us

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

• Staff offers for discount tickets
• We like to have fun! Check out the Kennedy Center National Dance Day 2023 staff video!

Job Description

This is a temporary full-time position with a targeted end date around October 1st.

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

Under the oversight of the Director of Artistic Planning & Operations and Senior Manager of Artistic Planning & Operations, the Assistant Manager serves as the secondary point person for WNO chorus, corp dancers, children’s chorus and supers. This includes timesheet collection, payroll processing, and day to day needs.

Under the oversight of the Director of Artistic Planning & Operations, and Senior Manager of Artistic Planning & Operations, the Assistant Manager serves as the primary point person for payment tracking and processing for all WNO principal singers, conductors and directors. This includes regular collaboration with the Kennedy Center Finance department.

The 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 & Operations and Senior Manager of Artistic Planning & Operations, this position is also responsible for the processing of principle artist contracts and all WNO director, conductor, choreographer, dancer, chorus, children’s chorus, and super contracts.

Key Responsibilities

• Contract execution (union, independent contractor, etc). In coordination with Senior Manager of Artistic Planning & Operations, they are responsible for drafting, executing, tracking and processing all WNO artistic contracts. In coordination with the Senior Manager, execute contract packages with directors, conductors, and choreographers for upcoming WNO productions. This includes confirming financial terms and also involves the artistic rights in travel and housing arrangements, payment schedules, etc.
• The Assistant Manager of Artistic Planning & Operations is responsible for drafting, executing, tracking, processing and distribution of payments for all WNO artistic contracts. The Assistant Manager will also serve as the point person for contracts and payroll for the WNO chorus and corps dancers under the oversight of the Senior Manager of Artistic Planning & Operations.
• Collaboration with Kennedy Center Payroll and Accounts Payable departments to achieve timely all artistic payments; collaboration with WNO Rehearsal Planning team for all artistic auditions and related events. Responsible for processing and reporting accurate financial information to AGMA union representatives.
• Administrative support to the Director of Artistic Planning and Operations.
• Other duties as assigned.

Key Qualifications

• 1-3 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
• Candidate must be local to the DMV area

Additional Information

• The noise level in the work environment is consistent with an opera environment including frequent exposure to elevated levels of sound from instrumentalists and vocalists.
• Must have the ability to work flexible hours, including extended hours, evenings and weekends.