Vocal Studies and Curtis Opera Theatre Associate

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

Department: Vocal Studies

Status: Exempt; Full-Time

The Vocal Studies and Curtis Opera Theatre Associate is a full-time position providing administrative support for the Vocal Studies and Opera Theatre department. The department maintains complex and robust performance, rehearsal, and academic calendars. The Associate plays an integral role in the efficiency of departmental workflow and facilitates effective communication between department leadership, students, and faculty.

This position reports to the Senior Director of Administration and Operations and works closely with the Hirsig Family Chair in Vocal Studies and Director of Production, Curtis Opera Theatre.

 

Responsibilities

DEPARTMENTAL

• In consultation with departmental leadership, facilitate and build the weekly schedule of coachings, lessons and rehearsals for all Vocal students and faculty
• Provide administrative support for any cancellations, rescheduling, or alterations to the weekly schedule and make necessary updates in appropriate software
• Coordinate with campus partners the scheduling of studio/rehearsal space for department activities; submit and facilitate any requests related to the use of space, including piano tuning
• Serve as a resource for student and faculty questions, escalating communication to the Senior Director and/or Chair, when necessary
• Communicate regularly with students and faculty involved in all aspects of the Department’s academic and performance programs, providing attentive responses consistent with departmental policy
• Work closely with department leaders to address students’ needs while supporting the development and implementation of equitable policies that support students’ academic and artistic progress
• Process check requests and reimbursements in consultation with Senior Director
• Establish, maintain, and process student worker payroll
• Track approved release requests in department master calendar
• Maintain databases and integrate all schedules in Asimut, Excel, and OPAS and update department materials, including Handbook, as changes arise
• Office scheduling and logistics including meeting scheduling, phone calls, zoom invitations, meeting notes, mail
• Provide general administrative support and other duties, as assigned

 

PRODUCTION

• Assist with performance preparation, including student recitals:
  • Compile texts & translations, including subtitle files
  • Coordinate cued scores with music staff
  • Communicate performance needs with Director of Production
• Liaise with other departments in preparation for opera productions, including facilities management
  • Assist in the coordination of front of house run plan with departmental leadership, Advancement and Marketing Departments
  • Maintain updated pre- and post-performance activities schedule for leadership of department
  • Create and maintain backstage guest list
• Prepare and distribute scores as needed
• Maintain up-to-date cast lists and calendars
• Assist with recital and masterclass supervision as requested
• Attend rehearsals, recitals, masterclasses, and performances as needed
• Other duties as assigned

 

Qualifications

The ideal candidate would possess:

• Ability to read music with a working knowledge of the operatic and classical vocal repertoire
• Degree or experience in arts administration, classical vocal music, or performance
• 2+ years’ experience working in an academic and/or higher education environment or performing arts organization
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; knowledge of scheduling software, a plus

 

The ideal candidate must exhibit:

• A positive, welcoming, and inclusive perspective
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Consistent, high-level communication skills
• Creative and proactive problem solving
• A willingness to learn and collaborate
• Empathetic support for the needs of students and faculty while maintaining discretion and a commitment to upholding departmental policies, perspectives, and procedures
• The ability to thrive working both independently and as part of a team

 

Required Core Values

• A positive, “can-do” attitude
• Dedication to Curtis, its students, faculty, staff, alumni, and parents
• Passion for their work, and contribution to the field and greater good
• Maintaining a collaborative mindset in a small but high achieving organization
• Commitment to and accountability for their work, and their ability to affect change
• Working with energy, empathy, and resolve
• Respect, courtesy, and patience for colleagues, staff, faculty, patrons, core constituents, and volunteers
• Improving upon and keeping front of mind personal and institutional practices to make Curtis ever more diverse, equitable, and inclusive
• Administrative excellence that matches the excellence of the Curtis student body

 

Working Conditions/Physical Demands

• Routine for an office environment
• Flexibility for work some nights and weekends, when necessary
• Primarily based on the Philadelphia, PA campus with some remote/hybrid possibilities, particularly in summer

 

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. URL: http://www.curtis.edu