Careers at Opera San Jose

Artistic Operations Manager

Reports to: Director of Artistic Administration

Location: Remote (occasional travel to San José, CA may be required for key production meetings or events)

Description

Opera San José seeks a highly organized and solutions-oriented Artistic Operations Manager to oversee contracting and scheduling functions that support the company’s Artistic, Music, and Production departments. This mid-level, remote position plays a vital role in ensuring OSJ’s rehearsals, performances, and community programs are backed by clear contracts, coordinated schedules, and smooth administrative operations.

Reporting to the Director of Artistic Administration, the Artistic Operations Manager will serve as the operational hub for contracting and scheduling—drafting and administering artist, music, and production contracts, managing the company-wide production calendar, and supporting cross-departmental communication. This is an ideal opportunity for a detail-oriented professional experienced in live performance administration who wants to contribute remotely to the creative and operational success of opera.

Key Responsibilities

Company-Wide Scheduling & Calendar Oversight

• Manage and update the company-wide master calendar including rehearsals, tech schedules, performances, and special events
• Coordinate and communicate all schedule updates across Artistic, Production, Music, and Administrative teams
• Anticipate conflicts and proactively propose solutions in collaboration with department heads

Contracting Oversight

• Draft and administer contracts for artists, creative teams, and production staff as assigned, covering artistic, music, and production engagements
• Track deliverables, payments, and reimbursements; process invoices and per diems with finance team support
• Maintain digital records, design archives, production history database, and artistic/technical inventory lists

Interdepartmental Communication

• Prepare agendas and notes for Artistic and Production department meetings
• Ensure the Artistic and Production teams are aligned in weekly and long-term planning
• Support internal coordination for community events, donor-facing programs, and auditions

Other Duties

• Provide cross-functional administrative support for artistic operations and strategic initiatives
• Other administrative duties as assigned

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience in arts administration, artistic operations, or contract administration
• Proven ability to manage complex schedules, people, and priorities
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; comfortable coordinating across departments and artist relationships remotely
• Experience with contract drafting/administration and vendor/artist services required
• High attention to detail and ability to anticipate logistical challenges
• Proficiency in Google Workspace, Microsoft Office; familiarity with project management or calendar tools
• Knowledge of opera and/or classical music a plus
• Comfortable working independently in a remote role, with availability for occasional evening/weekend coordination aligned with the production calendar

Compensation

Salary range: $70,304–$75,000

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.

Location & Hours

This is a remote position. Occasional travel to San José, CA may be required for key production meetings, tech weeks, or events. Some evening/weekend availability is expected to align with the live production calendar.

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

To Apply: Please submit your resume and cover letter outlining your interest at https://www.indeed.com/job/artistic-operations-manager-1dcc710e3f98ede8

Production & Company Manager

Reports to: Director of Artistic Administration, with 50% dotted-line reporting to the Technical Director

Location: Opera San José, San José, California (in person)

Description

Opera San José seeks a highly organized and hands-on Production & Company Manager to oversee on-site production logistics, serve as the primary conduit to all technical departments, administer production rental contracts, and manage OSJ’s apartment rental (Airbnb) business. This mid-level, in-person position plays a vital role in ensuring OSJ’s rehearsals, performances, and technical operations run smoothly, and that artist housing is well-managed and revenue-generating.

Reporting to the Director of Artistic Administration, with 50% dotted-line reporting to the Technical Director, the Production & Company Manager will serve as the on-the-ground liaison between the Costumes, Wigs & Makeup, Scene Shop, and Lighting departments—coordinating rehearsal and venue logistics, administering set, prop, and costume rental contracts, supporting visiting artists and crew, and overseeing OSJ’s apartment rental program. This is an ideal opportunity for a motivated professional with experience in live performance logistics, contract administration, and hospitality/rental operations who wants to contribute meaningfully to the technical and company-management side of opera.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Department Liaison

• Serve as the primary point of contact and communication conduit between Production and all technical departments—Costumes, Wigs & Makeup, Scene Shop, and Lighting—ensuring needs, schedules, and updates are aligned
• Anticipate conflicts across technical departments and proactively propose solutions in collaboration with department heads

Production and Rehearsal Logistics

• Serve as lead coordinator for all rehearsal space scheduling, orchestra setups, and venue access needs
• Act as liaison with California Theatre and other venues for backstage logistics, security, and artist services
• Coordinate supertitles support, backstage hospitality, and production-related logistics

Artist & Crew Support

• Oversee travel, housing, hospitality, and general services for visiting artists, designers, and overhire crew
• Serve as point-of-contact for artists and production personnel on-site during rehearsal and performance periods
• Ensure timely dissemination of daily schedules, call times, and internal memos

Rental & Revenue Support

• Draft and administer contracts for OSJ’s set, prop, and costume rentals and build-for-hire activities
• Track and coordinate rental deliverables, payments, and deadlines
• Maintain accurate inventory records and support catalog updates with the scenic and costume shops

Apartment Rental Program (Airbnb / Short-Term Rental Business)

• Manage Opera San José’s apartment rental (Airbnb) business, including listings, bookings, guest communication, and coordination with the contract rental manager
• Balance short-term rental bookings with artist housing needs across the production calendar
• Ensure apartments are cleaned, stocked, and prepared for external renters when not occupied by artists
• Track rental revenue and expenses and report on program performance

Other Duties

• Serve as rehearsal or event stage manager for community concerts and lab productions as needed
• Provide cross-functional support for production planning and strategic initiatives
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience in stage/production management, company management, or arts administration
• Proven ability to manage complex on-site logistics, people, and priorities
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills across technical departments and with visiting artists
• Experience coordinating with vendors, contractors, or technical shops preferred; experience drafting or administering rental/vendor contracts a plus
• High attention to detail and ability to anticipate and troubleshoot logistical challenges in real time
• Proficiency in Google Workspace, Microsoft Office; familiarity with project management or scheduling tools
• Experience managing short-term rental, hospitality, or housing operations (e.g., Airbnb or similar) a plus
• Knowledge of opera and/or classical music a plus
• Ability to lift 25 lbs and work evenings/weekends on-site during production weeks

Compensation

Salary range: $70,304–$75,000

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.

Location & Hours

This role is based in San José, CA. Work is primarily in person at OSJ’s scene shop, costume shop, rehearsal studio, and the California Theatre. Evening and weekend availability is required during production periods.

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

To Apply: Please submit your resume and cover letter outlining your interest at https://www.indeed.com/job/production-company-manager-597fe6355d7c58a2

Master Electrician

Master Electrician

Fiddler on the Roof  |  Opera San José 2026–27 Season

About Opera San José

Opera San José is a professional opera company performing mainstage productions at the historic California Theatre in downtown San Jose. For the 2026–27 season, OSJ presents Fiddler on the Roof and seeks an experienced Master Electrician to lead the lighting execution for this production.

Position Summary

The Master Electrician is responsible for realizing the Lighting Designer’s design on stage: preparing all lighting paperwork and equipment in advance of load-in, leading a mixed team of union and non-union electricians through hang and focus, and supporting the production through cueing sessions, technical and dress rehearsals, performances, and strike. The ME communicates and works cooperatively with Opera staff including the General Director, Stage Director, Technical Director, Lighting Designer, and Assistant Master Electrician in executing the Opera’s design concepts.

Key Responsibilities

• Review final designs from the Lighting Designer and work with the Technical Director to adjust the design to fit within the lighting budget.
• Research and secure any required rental equipment and make all purchases and preparations prior to load-in, within the given budget and in coordination with the Lighting Designer and technical staff.
• Prepare all required lighting paperwork and plot(s), produce ‘cardboards’ to be used by the lighting crew, assist in identifying over-hire electricians, and prepare gel and gobos before load-in.
• Work with the TD, IATSE Steward, and IATSE Lighting Head to manage a mixed team of union and non-union electricians in the hanging and focusing of lighting instruments and practicals before the first cueing session.
• Participate in production meetings, load-in, focus and cueing sessions, technical rehearsals, dress rehearsals, and performances as agreed upon with OSJ.
• Make prompt corrections to any lighting element found to be insufficient with regard to safety.
• Communicate any scheduling conflicts or planned non-attendance to the Technical Director in advance, and arrange coverage where possible.

Qualifications

• Professional experience as a Master Electrician or lead electrician in opera, theatre, or a comparable live-performance setting.
• Fluency in reading and executing light plots and lighting paperwork; experience preparing hang and focus documentation.
• Working knowledge of theatrical lighting consoles, dimming, and control systems; experience with rental gear sourcing and budgeting.
• Experience leading crews, including working alongside IATSE stagehands, with a collaborative and safety-first approach.
• Comfortable working at height (ladders, personnel lifts) and with the physical demands of load-in, focus, and strike.
• Availability for daytime, evening, and weekend calls per the production schedule below.

Key Dates

All technical work takes place at the California Theatre unless otherwise noted. A complete, day-by-day schedule will be provided in the letter of agreement.

Employment Details

This is a part-time, short-term employment position (employer–employee relationship) for the term of the production, paid biweekly at $35.00 per hour plus overtime if applicable, in accordance with all federal, state, and local regulations. As a short-term, part-time employee, the Master Electrician is not eligible for paid vacation, medical insurance, or other benefits not required by local, state, or federal law (such as paid sick leave). The Master Electrician will receive a credit in the program. This engagement does not restrict the Master Electrician from employment with other organizations during the term.

To Apply

Please send a resume and two professional references to careers@operasj.org with the subject line “Master Electrician — Fiddler on the Roof.” Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Opera San José is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, or veteran status.

Patron Experience Representative

Assistant Stage Manager

Opera San José is looking for qualified Bay Area/San José local Assistant Stage Manager candidates for its 2025-2026 season. Candidates should indicate which production(s) that are applying for.

2025-2026 Season

Cosi fan tutti: August 11 – September 28, 2025
Madama Butterfly: October 13 – November 30, 2025
Cavalleria Rusticana/Pagliacci: January 12– March 1, 2026
La Traviata: March 16 – May 3, 2026 

Responsibilities:

• ASM will attend all staging, technical, and dress rehearsals, production meetings, and performances as indicated by the production calendar.
• ASM will report to the PSM, and support the PSM in the management of show paperwork including but not limited to rehearsal, tech, and performance reports, tech train schedules, contact lists, and daily rehearsal schedules, deck sheets, scene breakdowns, WWW’s, spice matrix, and first entrance timings.
• ASM will support the PSM in running daily rehearsals, and will step in to run the rehearsals themselves when PSM is not available.
• Ensure rehearsal venues are properly set up for daily rehearsal activities and ensure rehearsal preparation and coordinate daily needs with scenic, lights, props, and costumes departments
• Create an ASM score for personal track of the show (performer cues, prop hand offs, presets, wardrobe changes, etc.)
• During the tech period, in addition to regular rehearsal duties, ASM shall work and communicate closely with the PSM, run crews and TD on scenic moves.
• Supervise the work of 5-6 deck crew members and the prop runner
• ASM will report rehearsal, production, or artist issues or concerns to OSJ management in a timely manner.
• ASM will be fully conversant in OSJ COVID production safety protocols as well as Santa Clara County COVID health mandate in order to appropriately and safely execute their duties and activities in rehearsals and backstage.

Qualifications

• Experience working in professional opera
• Experience working shows with multiple scenic shifts
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team
• Ability to read music and piano/vocal scores

Compensation

This is a part-time, hourly, temporary position paid at $22/hour and is not eligible for benefits. No housing or travel stipend provided.

Location

All rehearsals and performances are held in San José, CA.

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.

Equal Opportunity:

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 submit your resume at www.operasj.org/careers.