CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

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The vision of The American Opera Project (AOP) begins with storytelling. We reaffirm our commitment to providing–and celebrating–an environment of mutual respect, in which all people can feel free to tell and live their stories. To us, the American part of our name acknowledges the full diversity represented in the United States, now and throughout the history of our country. These heritages, and their stories, influence American culture in important and meaningful ways. AOP believes that fostering a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion among our staff, board, artists and collaborators is critical for our success as an organization, and for the advancement of opera as an art form that represents us all.

General Director

Reports to: AOP Board of Directors

Classification: Employee

AOP seeks a General Director who will work in partnership with the Board to chart the future for the organization as it approaches its 35th anniversary. The General Director, together with the Board and staff will work to shape a dynamic, engaging, and relevant future for the organization. AOP is a vibrant home for talented creators, composers, librettists, singers, conductors, instrumentalists, directors, designers, choreographers, and dancers in the US. The General Director is the chief executive of the organization and reports to AOP’s Board of Directors.

AOP assumes that the new General Director may be engaged in other professional activities or employment and that that activity or employment would be complementary to the AOP position, not interfering with the duties of a General Director.

Compensation range: $65-$70K

NOTE FROM CO-CHAIRS OF AOP BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Thank you for considering the position of General Director at AOP. To help you in your decision-making process, we wanted to share some additional information with you about why we value AOP. Throughout its history AOP has been at the forefront of innovation in the operatic field. We have done this by actively supporting a myriad of composers and librettists through all stages of development either with our company or through a vast network of partnerships and collaborators across the country. We are proud that groundbreaking ideas that had their beginnings at AOP are now considered the industry standard. We currently have an exceptionally talented staff of creative individuals who work well together and are responsive to interesting and innovative ideas. The Board and staff are united in their belief that there are continued frontiers to explore in this unique art form. The Board looks forward to co-authoring a new vision for AOP’s future with the next General Director.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • In partnership with AOP’s Board and staff, craft a new vision and strategic plan for AOP;

  • Establish goals and priorities, artistic and financial, set objectives, and monitor progress;

  • Provide leadership in developing programs, organizational, and financial plans in coordination with the Board and staff; and execute plans and policies authorized by the Board;

  • Spearhead fundraising, communications, marketing, and community outreach planning and implementation;

  • Represent and be an advocate for AOP at industry events and conferences;

  • Work with the Development Director to manage relationships with key constituents including individuals, corporations, foundations, and other stakeholders, securing contributions from all sources in support of the operations and activities of AOP;

  • Build AOP’s relevance to the community through increasing the depth and breadth of the AOP audience and stakeholders;

  • Promote active and broad participation by volunteers in all areas of AOP’s work;

  • Propose and monitor annual budgets; work with bookkeeper, accountants and Board Finance Committee to produce all monthly/annual financial reports and tax filings

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

  • A commitment to the mission of AOP and to the creation and production of new opera;

  • Proven partnership ability with diverse stakeholders including artists, staff members, board members, donors, funders and producing and programming partners;

  • A history of cultivating and maintaining long-term relationships with donors and funders and of successfully securing grants and major gifts;

  • The ability to shape and communicate a vision for AOP;

  • Experience engaging and activating boards and managing staff teams;

  • Fluency in current and emerging fundraising and producing best practices

APPLYING

AOP will consider candidates with a broad range of backgrounds. A bachelor's degree (or an equivalent combination of education and experience) and at least ten years of experience in a senior leadership role, including fundraising and the oversight of high performing teams, is preferred.

All applications must be accompanied by a cover letter and resume. Cover letters should be responsive to AOP’s mission as well as the responsibilities and qualifications stated in the position prospectus.

Preference will be given to applications received by August 31, 2023.

All applications will be acknowledged and personally reviewed upon receipt.