Careers at Opera San Jose
Open Positions
Opera San José is an opera company located in the heart of Silicon Valley. Maintaining a resident company of artists, OSJ presents four mainstage productions annually in San Jose’s historic California Theatre, while regularly broadcasting fully-produced productions from its state-of-the-art Heiman Digital Media Studio. Entering its 40th season, OSJ specializes in role debuts, serving as an artistic incubator for established and emerging artists alike, producing world-class operatic performances for diverse audiences throughout the Bay Area and around the globe.
Production Manager
The Production Department at Opera San José is responsible for all production and technical details related to the development, creation, and performance of productions, presentations, concerts, and events produced by OSJ. The Production Manager leads general administration for all such production activities across all venues including the California Theater, OSJ’s Heiman Digital Media Studio, and offsite Bay Area venues, and serves as the stage manager for black box productions and community events.
Responsibilities
- Lead general administration of all productions, working closely with the creative team, production, and administrative staff.
- Organize and lead all production meetings and production post-mortems; create and track design deadlines and deliverables; in collaboration with heads of production departments, assess project needs and design viability, problem solve budgetary and logistical issues, track the progress of design builds, and maintain healthy and effective production department communications in order to effectively and efficiently move projects forward on time and on budget.
- Manage all production department contracting, onboarding, hospitality, and payment for production personnel and production-related staff hires, including but not limited to Directors, Designers, Stage Managers, Choreographers, Crew, and Designer revival rights & royalties.
- Manage the production department budget, including reporting and reconciliation, and assist in budget development.
- Create, distribute, and update all necessary production calendars and production information.
- Serve as OSJ liaison for performance or event space venues, coordinating production schedules, production and crew needs, technical requests, and show-specific requirements.
- Serve as production point of contact for Team San Jose while in residence at the California Theater. Manage the administrative venue-specific tasks while in residence, including security cards and keys, parking, EMT scheduling, door guards, and HVAC needs.
- Track negotiations and ensure compliance with production department union collective bargaining agreements. Participate in union CBA negotiations as needed.
- Serve as stage manager for non-mainstage productions, including but not limited to events in the Heiman Media Lab and offsite Bay Area venues.
- Manage OSJ production rental inquiries, including administering all rental, sale, and licensing agreements. Oversee maintenance and updating of the rental catalog.
- Collaborate with the Artistic department in the creation and maintenance of the OSJ season master calendar and the OSJ master weekly schedule.
- Oversee the OSJ digital media and archival video library, including timely uploading and organization of all production files.
- Manage and update the OSJ production history database.
- Manage local and off-site storage facilities in conjunction with the Technical Director.
Requirements for Consideration
- Demonstrated Production Management or Production Stage Manager experience in the performing arts
- Strong administrative and project management skills
- Experience stage managing live music performing arts events
- Ability to interact and communicate well with people of various backgrounds
- Ability to manage multiple projects independently and simultaneously in a busy environment
- Computer skills: Excel, Word, Outlook, digital file storage and organization
- Excellent judgment, discretion, and integrity under stressful circumstances
- Ability to read music
- Flexibility to work evening and weekend rehearsals and performances
Preferred Experience & Skills
- Strong understanding of computer technology, video, and streaming technology and hardware, and live-streaming platforms such as OBS
- Experience with union compliance and budgeting
- Familiarity with online project management tools such as Asana
- Interest in and/or knowledge of opera
- Valid driver’s license
Personal Characteristics
- A forward-thinker, able to anticipate possible outcomes, needs or conflicts, and strategize solutions.
- A flexible and creative individual who can find alternative ways to reach objectives when barriers arise.
- A team builder – confident and competent, with strong skills in management and leadership; one who understands the subtleties of motivating and directing a diverse group of personalities with different work styles.
Compensation
Opera San Jose offers competitive wages for its industry and location. This full-time position is classified as exempt and will be paid a salary ranging $65,000-$75,000. This position is eligible for company benefits, which currently include paid time off, health insurance plans, pre-tax flexible spending accounts, and a pre-tax savings program. Benefits may change from time to time as Management determines.
Company Culture
Opera San José, in desiring a more equitable world, is committed to fostering equity in our art form. Opera in the twenty-first century can and should demonstrate today’s values of equity and inclusion. We believe in building, fostering and sustaining a company that reflects, celebrates and serves the diverse communities of the Bay Area. Opera San José cultivates a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork and respect among all employees. We are firmly committed to maintaining a work atmosphere in which people of diverse backgrounds may grow personally and professionally.
Opera San José is an equal opportunity employer. It is our strong belief that equal opportunity for all employees is central to the continuing success of our organization. We will not discriminate against an employee or applicant for employment because of race, religion, gender, national origin, ethnicity, age, physical disabilities, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, or veteran status in hiring, promoting, training, benefits, recommendations, rate of pay or other forms of compensation. Opportunity is provided to all employees based on qualifications and job requirements.
To Apply
Interested applicants should submit a Cover Letter and Resume to careers@operasj.org. Please include “Production Manager” in the subject line of your email.
Master Carpenter
Reporting to the Technical Director, the Master Carpenter is a member of the theatrical scenery production team. This position works closely with the Scene Shop Supervisor and other craftspeople.
Now entering its 39th season, Opera San José is one of the leading cultural institutions in Silicon Valley and is distinctive in maintaining a Resident Company of artists, with onsite Scenic and Costume shops, as well as a local scenic warehouse. With a $6M budget, Opera San José’s mission and commitment is to incubate talent and innovation across the field.
Responsibilities
- In coordination with the Technical Director and Scene Shop Supervisor, construct scenery per design specifications
- Ensure scenery meets all safety and mobility standards
- Provide hands-on advanced carpentry skills, and from time to time supervise crews of carpenters
- Construct special projects for outside customers
- Assist during load-ins and load-outs
Ideal Skills & Experience Sought
- 3+ years experience as Carpenter or 1+ year experience as Master Carpenter of a 5+million scenery construction company
- Experience effectively leading multiple IATSE crews of up to 16 people in total
- Knowledge of current OSHA & Cal-OSHA standards and a strong proclivity for shop safety
- Ability to train inexperienced crew on proper/safe tool use of all shop tools
- Good organizational skills and multi-step task retention
- Basic knowledge of electrical and shop tool repair
- Eye for detail
- Adept at troubleshooting and providing solutions
- Positive attitude and ability to fit well into the current production team
- Experience assisting the charge painter with simple painting when absolutely necessary
- Desire and experience traveling to manage scenery installations and removals of set rental and contract projects
Minimum Requirements for Consideration
- 2 years of technical theater college or professional theater construction experience
- Ability to lead a crew of 4 or more
- Valid driver’s license and driving record which passes insurance company check of DMV records.
- Ability to drive a 26’ box truck
- Read and build from design and technical drawings
- Able to collaborate and effectively communicate with colleagues
- Safely use standard carpentry tools: table saw, miter saw, jig saw, grinder, sander, etc.
- MIG welding experience
- Self-motivated
- Scenery load-in and load-out experience inside a theater
- Forklift operation
- Comfortable on a 16’ ladder or 32’ personnel lift such as a Genie lift
Compensation
Opera San José offers competitive wages for its industry and location. This position is classified as full-time non-exempt with an hourly wage range of $30.00 to $32.50 depending on expertise and experience. This position would be eligible for company benefits, which currently include paid time off, medical/dental/vision insurance plans, flexible spending accounts for medical costs and dependent care, and a pre-tax savings program. Benefits may change from time to time as Management determines.
Work Location & Schedule
Work is required primarily on-site in order to interface with team members and artists. The principal work location is Opera San José’s Scene Shop at 2245 Paragon Drive, San Jose CA, and the California Theatre in downtown San Jose when in production. Regular business hours are Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm with evening and weekend work during in-theater load-ins, tech rehearsals, and performances. The ideal candidate for this role must live or be willing to live in the San Jose Bay Area.
Physical Expectations
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In order to ensure a healthy and safe work environment, Opera San José is requiring all employees to be fully vaccinated, including subsequent boosters, and provide proof of their COVID-19 vaccine status before their start date. Employees who cannot receive the vaccine because of a disability/medical condition or sincerely held religious belief may request an exemption to this requirement.
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Ability to lift 50 pounds safely.
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Ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time.
Company Culture
Opera San José, in desiring a more equitable world, is committed to fostering equity in our art form. Opera in the twenty-first century can and should demonstrate today’s values of equity and inclusion. We believe in building, fostering and sustaining a company that reflects, celebrates, and serves the diverse communities of the Bay Area. Opera San José cultivates a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork and respect among all employees. We are firmly committed to maintaining a work atmosphere in which people of diverse backgrounds may grow personally and professionally.
Opera San José is an equal opportunity employer. It is our strong belief that equal opportunity for all employees is central to the continuing success of our organization. We will not discriminate against an employee or applicant for employment because of race, religion, gender, national origin, ethnicity, age, physical disabilities, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, or veteran status in hiring, promoting, training, benefits, recommendations, rate of pay or other forms of compensation. Opportunity is provided to all employees based on qualifications and job requirements.
To Apply
Interested applicants should submit a resume to careers@operasj.org. Please include “Master Carpenter” in the subject line of your email.
Director of Development
Opera San José seeks a passionate and focused fundraising professional to join its expanding patron-facing team and lead the efforts of the Development department. We are looking for an experienced, resourceful, and dynamic individual with a strong track record of soliciting and securing major gifts exceeding $5,000. You will be responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive fundraising strategies to support Opera San José’s artistic and educational programs.
Your skill set includes:
- Being a long-range planner who is creative and adept at tactics
- Being a supportive, caring, and kind leader with the ability to motivate others
- Being a great listener and a people person
- Being a strong strategist who is goal-oriented
- Being self-disciplined, a self-starter
- Being articulate, persuasive, and convincing with the ability to inspire action
In its 40th season, Opera San José is one of the leading cultural institutions in Silicon Valley and is distinctive in maintaining a Resident Company of artists. With a $5M budget and an annual fundraising goal of $3.5M, the company’s mission is to incubate talent and innovation across the field.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
- Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy to meet annual fundraising goals, with a strong focus on major gifts.
- Identify, cultivate, and solicit individual donors capable of making major gifts of $5,000 and above.
- Build and maintain relationships with major donors, ensuring their ongoing engagement and investment in Opera San José’s mission.
- Collaborate with the General Director, Board of Directors, and other staff members to align fundraising efforts with the organization’s strategic goals.
- Plan and execute donor cultivation and stewardship events, including OSJ travel program.
- Attend all mainstage performances and other key events to support donor cultivation
- Prepare and present regular reports on fundraising progress and major gift solicitation outcomes to the Board of Directors.
- Collaborate with marketing and patron experience teams to develop materials and strategies that support fundraising efforts.
- Collaborate with the Patron Operations Manager to ensure the ongoing maintenance of the fundraising database.
Requirements for Consideration
- 5+ years of development experience, including gift cultivation and solicitation.
- Experience making asks and closing major and planned gifts.
- Understanding of and commitment to professional fundraising ethical standards.
- Exceptional customer service and relationship-building skills.
- Strategic thinking, planning, and timely execution skills.
- Strong written and verbal skills with the ability to communicate clearly, calmly, and efficiently with company members, donors and patrons, guest artists, musicians, and trustees.
- Excellent project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects independently and simultaneously in a busy environment. Maintain strong judgment, discretion, and integrity under stressful circumstances.
- Ability to work some evenings and weekend hours and to travel around the Bay Area as needed.
- Passion for and knowledge of the performing arts.
- Ability to analyze and synthesize complex data.
- Working knowledge of Word and Excel, Google Suite, CRMs/Donor Databases.
- The ability to assert influence in ensuring deadlines are met and leadership stays on track to meet critical deliverables or communication timelines.
- Demonstrated track record of handling a variety of constituencies and multiple priorities simultaneously.
- Contribute to the overall success of the organization by working together to achieve the mission. Develop and maintain a sensitivity to employee diversity and demonstrate cultural competence in the workplace.
Compensation
Salary Range- $110,000-$125,000.
This position is classified as salaried exempt, which will be paid an annual salary and is not eligible for overtime pay. This position is eligible for company benefits, which currently include 15 days vacation, generous sick and holiday time, 403b savings with a 3% match, employer-sponsored health plans with a shared premium, and pre-tax flexible spending accounts. Professional development opportunities are available and encouraged for all employees. Benefits may change from time to time as Management determines
Work Location
This position has the flexibility to work a hybrid schedule with work being done both remotely and on-site at Opera San José’s offices at 2149 Paragon Drive, San Jose, CA, and on performance days, at the California Theatre Box Office at 345 S 1st Street, San Jose CA. There are 24 performances annually, which are evenings or weekend matinees. Travel around the Bay Area for additional donor events will also be expected.
Company Culture
Opera San José, in desiring a more equitable world, is committed to fostering equity in our art form. Opera in the twenty-first century can and should demonstrate today’s values of equity and inclusion. We believe in building, fostering and sustaining a company that reflects, celebrates and serves the diverse communities of the Bay Area. Opera San José cultivates a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork and respect among all employees. We are firmly committed to maintaining a work atmosphere in which people of diverse backgrounds may grow personally and professionally.
Opera San José is an equal opportunity employer. It is our strong belief that equal opportunity for all employees is central to the continuing success of our organization. We will not discriminate against an employee or applicant for employment because of race, religion, gender, national origin, ethnicity, age, physical disabilities, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, or veteran status in hiring, promoting, training, benefits, recommendations, rate of pay or other forms of compensation. Opportunity is provided to all employees based on qualifications and job requirements.
To Apply:
Please email your resume and a cover letter outlining your interest in the position to careers@operasj.org.
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