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 as collaboratively 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

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