Position: Director of Artistic Planning

Status: Full-time/Regular/Salary - Exempt

Reports to: General Director

Supervises: Artistic Administrator, Music Administrator & Librarian, Manager of Education and Outreach, Chorus Master /Assistant Conductor, Music Assistant, Resident Artists, Orchestra Personnel Manager, all other Artistic Operations staff

Normal hours: Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (37.5 hours per week) 

Duties will require evening and weekend hours during performances and related events.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of Artistic Operations assists the General Director in the artistic operation of Portland Opera’s mainstage operas and studio productions, auditions, and future repertory/artist planning.  This position is composed of three major areas of management responsibility: 

• Artistic management (in coordination with the General Director), including hiring of singers and other artists
• Mainstage operations
• Department contracting, administration and financial oversight

As a member of the senior management team, the Director of Artistic Planning coordinates with other staff directors in areas of common concern and overall company management.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Personnel

• Recruits, engages, manages and directs all Artistic Department personnel
• Prepares and executes artistic department employment contracts
• Prepares and tracks performance evaluations
• Educates staff on company personnel policies
• Ensure that that personnel policies are carried out and that the Artistic Department functions smoothly and efficiently in collaboration with other areas of the company

Artistic Management 

• Manages all hiring of singers, stage directors, guest conductors, choreographers, actors, and dancers
• Serves as Portland Opera representative to artist managers; disseminates casting needs and manages communication throughout the engagement period
• Negotiates and issues all artist contracts, in coordination with General Director
• Identifies and recommends potential singers for future productions
• Occassional travel to other opera companies/summer festivals to see productions, auditions singers under the guidance of the General Director
• Screens and catalogues new operas submitted to the General Director, responds to applicants and advises General Director on new works
• Manages department staff

Portland Opera Resident Artist program - provide oversight and development of:

• Portland Opera Resident Artists
• Arranges teachers, classes, lessons, coaching sessions and ensures consistency of training
• Other professional development curriculum
  (Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)

Mainstage Operations

• For budgeting purposes, determines and communicates specific musical needs for each production to Director of Production, including size of orchestra and chorus required, AGMA roles and minimum fees, special orchestral needs, etc.
• Ensures that musical matters identified by visiting conductors and stage directors are addressed in a timely manner, including score versions, cuts/additions, etc.
• Maintains a thorough understanding of AFM and AGMA work rules
  • Acts as resident expert in matters involving such issues
  • When needed, explains and applies work rules in a manner that takes into account the needs of the specific production, while ensuring compliance and fiscal accountability
• All departmental contracting (chorus, orchestra, pianists, staff)
• Providing lecturers and public speakers as needed for Portland Opera events, including production previews, audience talk-backs, etc.

Department Administration

• Prepares department budgets, both expense and revenue, for all programs and activities
• With assistance from the Accounting team, review all department costs and revenue reports on no less than a monthly basis
• Prepares forecast projections throughout the fiscal year and review any projected cost overruns or unbudgeted expenses with the General Director
• Oversees all departmental contracting
• Serves as committee member for all artist union relations and negotiations (AGMA, AFM)
• Addresses and manages all personnel issues within the department
• Manages department staff in the following processes and duties, including:
  • Organizes, contracts and manages all aspects of local performances, fund-raising events
  • Maintains lists of all local singers, accompanists, etc.

(Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)

OTHER DUTIES
Please note, this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. 

SKILLS/EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

ESSENTIAL

• Graduate degree or beyond work in Music and/or Music Administration
• Demonstrated strong management and leadership skills
• Ability to delegate appropriately to department and contracted staff
• Thorough understanding of opera repertoire and production
• Effective of budgeting, cost management and financial tracking skills
• Understanding of human resource principles, particularly in a union environment
• Microsoft Excel skill level: Intermediate or above

Highly Desirable:

• Ability to communicate effectively with a wide array of parties
• Public speaking skills
• Ability to read and speak multiple languages
• Working knowledge of database management, especially related to contact management and scheduling

JOB CONDITIONS

The Director of Artistic Planning has a wide variety of duties, both inside and away from the office.  Roughly 80% of the workday is spent either on the phone or working at a computer workstation.  The work area has natural light and a combination of fluorescent and incandescent lighting.

EQUIPMENT USED:  In addition to computer workstation and telephone, this position requires use of a cell phone, copy/print and fax machines to perform duties.  Use of other office tools may occasionally be required. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:  Concentrated use of computer keyboard and mouse is frequently required.  Lifting tasks are occasional and limited to 25 pounds or less without assistance.  Computer workstation, desk and other equipment are not shared and can be adjusted to make them more ergonomically comfortable.

OUR MISSION, VISION, AND VALUES

VISION
We celebrate the power of performance, storytelling, and song as an inclusive artistic leader.

MISSION
We gather and inspire audiences, artists, and collaborators to share opera experiences that enliven and connect us all, enhancing the cultural landscape of the beautiful Pacific Northwest.

VALUES
We realize our mission and vision with a constellation of values that guide our work:

The Art of Opera

We are unapologetically passionate about the live art of opera, and are energized by its roots as the people’s art form. We believe in its future. We continue the timeless tradition of storytelling, we celebrate the universal language of music, and we honor the brilliance of the human voice. 

Ensemble & Cultural Equity

Our work relies on being an ensemble, and our ensemble only thrives with diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect. We commit to actively confronting and dismantling white supremacy, patriarchy, and exclusion in our company, field, and community. We commit to being inclusive and strive every day to be an anti-racist organization. 

Our Shared Humanity

We sing stories about experiences, emotions, and moments that matter in life. In this practice we, together with audiences, aim to reveal and gain insight into the human condition—as a reflection of ourselves, and ourselves in relation to each other. 

Fiscal Strength & Stewardship

We are committed to the fiscal health of our organization, and its bright future. We are dedicated financial stewards of the community and the philanthropic funding that makes our work possible. 

Community Connections

We generate positive impacts for our community, fostering and co-authoring collaborations and programs to achieve meaningful engagement. We contribute to the civic and cultural life of our region, and amplify the contributions and insights of our peers, colleagues, and partners. 

Imagination & the Entrepreneurial Spirit

We accomplish our work with an enthusiasm to be creative, to innovate and transform, to adapt and collaborate. We hold ourselves and each other accountable to achieve sustainability, increase accessibility, and make space for curiosity in attaining our strategic goals. 

Compensation/Benefits: We work to empower and inspire all to be their very best. We are committed to keeping our employees and their families as healthy as they can be, which is why we provide a comprehensive benefits package.

• Compensation Structure: This position offers an exempt salary of $85,000 + per year, dependent on experience, with the below benefits:

• Our benefits start the 1^st of the month following your start date and include: 
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision options
  • HAS/FSA
  • Life Insurance 
  • Retirement plan w/employer match
  • Up to 18 days of PTO plus 16+ Paid Holidays off; including the last week of December off
  • Work-life balance with a 37.5-hour work week 
  • Two complimentary tickets to all Opera productions
  • Free parking or employer-paid monthly transportation allowance 
  • Indoor bike storage, shower, and locker room