Senior Director of Administration and Operations, Vocal Studies and Curtis Opera Theatre

Reports to: Artistic Director, Curtis Opera Theatre

Department: Vocal Studies and Curtis Opera Theatre

Status: Full-time; Exempt

The Senior Director of Administration and Operations, Vocal Studies and Curtis Opera Theatre is a 12-month, full-time position providing daily and long term logistical and administrative oversight for a wide range of activities by the Vocal Studies Department and Curtis Opera Theatre. This position is the principal point of contact for departmental administration of Vocal Studies and Curtis Opera Theatre, reporting to the department’s artistic leadership, working closely with the Director of Production, overseeing administrative staff and student workers, and liaising with all branches of the institution. 

Essential Functions:

BUDGET/FINANCE: 

  • Facilitate and assist with fiscal budget planning 
  • Create the general department and opera production budget 
  • Work with Dean to create annual department faculty budget 
  • Oversee and approve department expenses: 
  • Curtis Opera Theatre 
  • Recitals, Masterclasses, Concerts with CSO, etc. 
  • AmEx expenses 
  • Misc. Department expenses 
  • Submit and track reimbursements for Vocal Dept & Curtis Opera Theatre 
  • Vocal Studies Payroll (hours and record keeping – music staff, voice faculty, student workers) 

 

SCHEDULE: 

  • Create and maintain master calendar for Vocal Studies and Curtis Opera Theatre 
  • Oversee Administrative Coordinator in producing and maintaining weekly schedule: 
  • Coachings/Lessons/Rehearsals/Classes/Seminars/Curtis Opera Theatre 
  • Other events: Masterclasses/Guest Residencies/Auditions 
  • Submit release requests for departmental approval 
  • Coordinate Curtis Opera Theatre rehearsal schedule: 
  • Consult with production staff (Director of Production, Stage Manager) as they produce rehearsal and tech schedules 
  • Consult with Principal Coach/Department Chair to coordinate music preparation requirements and music staff schedules 
  • Integrate any auxiliary appointments into the weekly schedule (costume fittings, wig & makeup trials, recitative rehearsals) 
  • Handle space usage via Asimut 
  • Distribute and integrate schedules as appropriate throughout department and institution. 

 

PRODUCTION: 

  • Negotiate and contract artistic teams (conductor, stage director & design team) for Curtis Opera Theatre productions. 
  • Oversee and coordinate with Director of Production to facilitate departmental production needs 
  • Attend all production meetings and all relevant artistic planning meetings 
  • Order and prepare all vocal scores at the start of the season 
  • Maintain up-to-date cast lists 
  • Coordinate song translations, opera libretti translations 
  • Coordinate supertitles rental/creation, cueing and software as needed for opera performances and recital streaming. 

 

DEPARTMENTAL ADMINISTRATION: 

  • Create and maintain contact sheets 
  • Create Departmental Handbook 
  • Arrange travel and housing as necessary for Vocal Department and Curtis Opera Theatre 
  • Contract guest artists (Masterclasses, residencies, etc.) 
  • Work with Public Relations/Marketing for Vocal Studies & Curtis Opera Theatre publications: 
  • Program Book, 
  • Marketing Materials 
  • Website 
  • Liaise with departments throughout Curtis, distributing information as necessary including artistic plans, schedules, budgets, pedagogical objectives: 
  • Administration and Academic Departments 
  • Music Staff/Voice Faculty 
  • Communications & Advancement 
  • Curtis-on-Tour/Management 
  • IT 
  • Facilities/Security 
  • Library Staff 
  • Liaise with external  organizations and partners 
  • Local arts organizations 
  • International, national, regional opera houses, competitions, young artist programs and auditions 

Requirements:

  • This position is based on the Curtis Institute of Music’s campus in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
  • Valid driver’s license
  • 5+ years of technical theater experience, including direct experience as Director of Production or Production Manager
  • Experience with IATSE, AFM, Local 829, AGMA, and other unions

Competencies:

  • Level-headed, clear communication, with a dedication to the students and education provided at Curtis
  • Ability to simultaneously maintain multiple projects on various timelines and achieve results in a timely manner
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to deliver high-quality work

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Previous experience in opera preferred, along with the ability to read music
  • Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite, database and scheduling softwares

Required Core Values:

  • A positive, “can-do” attitude
  • Devotion and dedication to Curtis, its students, alumni, and parents
  • Passion for their work, and contribution to the field and greater good
  • Commitment and Accountability for their work, and an ability to effect change
  • Desire and willingness to collaborate, think creatively, and make data-driven decisions
  • Respect, courtesy, and patience for colleagues, other staff, faculty, patrons, core constituents, and volunteers
  • An eagerness to make Curtis a more diverse and inclusive institution

Working Conditions/Physical Demands:

  • Frequent walking, standing, pushing and pulling
  • The ability to lifting up to 50 pounds
  • Climbing of ladders and the ability to work at heights
  • Low light visibility
  • Flexible schedule – night and weekend work required frequently throughout the academic year

Salary and Benefits:

  • Annual Salary Range: $75,000 – $90,000
  • Curtis offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical and dental insurance and retirement plans.

To Apply:

For best consideration, interested and qualified applicants should electronically submit a cover letter, resume, three professional references, and salary requirements to: human.resources@curtis.edu. Position will remain open until filled. Curtis offers a competitive salary, commensurate with experience, and an attractive benefit package. Hire is contingent upon the successful passing of PA Act 153 and criminal (ADP) background screenings. No phone calls, please. EOE. URL: http://www.curtis.edu

To Apply

For best consideration, interested and qualified applicants should electronically submit a cover letter, resume, three professional references, and salary requirements to: human.resources@curtis.edu. Position will remain open until filled.

Curtis offers a competitive salary, commensurate with experience, and an attractive benefits package. Hire is contingent upon the successful passing of PA Act 153 and criminal (ADP) background screenings. No phone calls, please. EOE.

Submit Application