CONTACT PATRON SERVICES
(408) 437-4450
boxoffice@operasj.org
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Director of Advancement
Opera San José seeks a passionate and focused fundraising professional to join its expanding patron facing teams and drive the day to day operations of the development department. Working closely with the General Director and Managing Director of Institutional Advancement & Strategy, this position’s responsibilities will include developing strategies to help significantly expand the organization's fund-raising activities, building upon the recent expansion of the individual giving programing, and identifying opportunities around institutional partnerships.
Now entering its 38th season, Opera San José is one of the three pillar arts institutions in Silicon Valley and is unique in the nation maintaining a Resident Company of artists. With a $5M budget and annual fundraising goal of $3.5M, the company is in a growth period and has been at the forefront of the industry in developing new audience delivery methods and revenue sharing models.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
- Establish annual goals for contributed revenue. Develop and execute strategies around increased giving opportunities.
- Prepare and implement an annual fundraising plan, including projections, timetables, and deliverables.
- Develop and implement strategies for direct mail and electronic fundraising, communications and cultivation efforts, including events and subscriber benefits.
- Oversee grant proposals. Research and analyze grant-funding sources from private foundations as well as federal, state, and local agencies. Prepare grant funding applications for submittal and assist with the preparation of quarterly or annual reports as required by granting agencies. Create and maintain all grant application materials, reporting materials, templates, grant letters, grant agreements, etc.
- Oversee the planning and execution of fundraising events throughout the year.
Requirements for Consideration
- 3+ years of senior-level fundraising experience with a track record of success in gift cultivation and solicitation.
- Vision to develop new advancement programs and execute successfully.
- Exceptional customer service and relationship building skills.
- Demonstrated success identifying institutional funding opportunities and writing grant proposals.
- Strong written and verbal skills with the ability to communicate smoothly 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 judgement, 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.
- Thrives in a fast-paced environment with a strong work ethic with a results-driven attitude.
- The ability to assert influence in ensuring deadlines are met, and leadership stays on track to critical deliverables or communication timelines.
- Demonstrated track record of handling a variety of constituencies and multiple priorities simultaneously.
Preferred Experience & Skills
- Experience successfully managing non-profit direct mail and membership programs.
- Comfortable being in a front-facing role and speaking before groups or individuals.
- Bilingual in Spanish or Chinese.
- Experience working with a CRM database.
Compensation
Compensation based on candidate’s relevant experience and track record of securing major gifts. This position is classified as full-time, salaried exempt and is therefore not eligible for overtime pay. This position is eligible for company benefits which currently include paid-time-off, shared-cost health insurance plans, flexible spending account, and pre-tax savings program. Benefits may change from time to time as Management determines.
Company Culture
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 “Director of Advancement” in the subject line of your email.
GENOVESE VANDERHOOF & ASSOCIATES
Cultural Management Consultants
Position Announcement
GENERAL DIRECTOR
OPERA SAN JOSÉ
San Jose, California
Opera San José (OSJ) invites applications and recommendations for the position of General Director.
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the General Director provides for the overall leadership of this $5 million company, with ultimate responsibility for all creative and operational aspects of administration and production. The General Director is the primary leader in artistic planning, fund-raising, building relationships with individuals and organizations in the community, and fulfilling the mission of the company.
Opera San José:
Located in the cultural, financial, and political center of the Silicon Valley, Opera San José’s mission has always been to develop and support artists, keeping the Artist at the very heart of the organization’s creative and administrative life. OSJ is dedicated to nurturing both emerging and established artists, specializing in role debuts as one of North America’s leading operatic incubators. The company stages large-scale professional main stage productions, maintains extensive educational and community outreach programs, and is in the vanguard of creating digital productions in the United States.
In the Spring of 2020 OSJ initiated its Heiman Digital Media Studio, a fully equipped media lab that allows the company to produce and design works specifically for digital capture. The company is committed to adapting and expanding new models of producing opera to welcome a new generation of audience members. One major achievement was a virtual production of Jake Heggie’s “Three Decembers,” with Susan Graham, Efrain Solis, and Maya Kherani.
OSJ was founded by legendary mezzo-soprano Irene Dalis who served as general director for thirty years. In 2004 the company moved its main season to the California Theatre, a beautifully renovated 1927 historic venue (1122 seats). Khori Dastoor assumed the position of General Director in the Fall of 2019, having previously served as Director of Artistic Planning.
OSJ has produced a number of world and West Coast premieres, presenting more than 150 opera productions overall.
Opera San José is financially stable: has never incurred debt and has an endowment fund. It owns two 24,000 sq. ft operations facilities, and two apartment buildings used for artist housing.
It has received on-going four-star ratings from Charity Navigator for its record of responsible fiscal management. The OSJ Board is engaged and financially supportive and there is a hard-working volunteer group, the Friends of Opera San José.
The Position:
The General Director is the Chief Executive Officer of Opera San José, reporting to the Board of Directors, responsible for artistic direction and overall organizational management. Specific responsibilities include the oversight of fund-raising, strategic planning, opera production, digital initiatives, fiscal stewardship, diversity/equity/inclusion commitments and community relations.
The General Director partners with Music Director and Principal Conductor Joseph Marcheso and with highly dedicated and motivated artistic and management teams. Maestro Marcheso’s musical leadership has been an essential element in elevating OSJ to a nationally recognized company.
We seek a dynamic, charismatic leader who will build on the company’s solid foundation and reputation while attracting ever greater public support. The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated commitment to emerging artists, excellent artistic standards, and digital creation. The successful candidate will have a proven track record of effective leadership, fiscal responsibility, and fund-raising, with a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and community/educational partnerships.
The General Director is expected to maintain a profile as a leader of the opera industry and should foster a strong presence in San José. The position requires the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with artists, board members, community leaders, administrative and artistic staff, foundations, artists’ managers, corporate and individual donors, the operatic community, the media, and the audience. A strong contact network throughout the opera industry is vital.
Education and Experience:
Training in opera and business management would be helpful, as well as prior experience in opera company leadership, knowledge of the repertoire, and general knowledge of not-for-profit arts revenue generation (subscription and single ticket sales, all aspects of fund-raising), strategic and operating planning, budget development, office administration, board relations and governance, information systems, and human resource management.
The ideal candidate will have excellent communication skills, inspire enthusiasm, and be comfortable in the role as key spokesperson for the company.
Application Process:
Interested candidates are invited to submit a letter of interest, resume and references, in confidence to:
Margaret Genovese
Senior Partner
Genovese Vanderhoof & Associates
gvamargaret@aol.com
416/340-2762
For additional information: www.osj.org; www.genovesevanderhoof.com.
Deadline for Applications: Friday, September 10, 2021
Opera San José does not discriminate against any person based on race, color, gender identify or expression, sexual orientation, religion, age, familial or marital status, veteran status, non-job related disability or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.
Institutional Advancement Manager
Responsibilities
The Institutional Advancement Manager will play a key role in the fundraising efforts of Opera San José. This position reports to the Managing Director, Institutional Strategy & Advancement and supports the operations of the department through maintenance of gift entry, donor correspondence and mailing, cultivation efforts, and logistical support. The Institutional Advancement Manager will provide strong administrative support to all fundraising activities; interacting with donors, Board Members, Friends of Opera San José volunteers, patrons and subscribers. The ideal candidate is a highly self-motivated professional with excellent project management skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities independently.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
- Ensure accuracy and maintenance of all donor records, including communications history and all relevant data through use of databases. Work closely with the Business Intelligence Manager to ensure the integrity of the database and create accurate donor reports and mailing lists.
- Provide insight into donor trends and success rates of fundraising efforts.
- Write and manage communications to steward and cultivate donors at every level, work with the Business Intelligence Manager to ensure timely and effective donor acknowledgement and communications.
- Support engagement activities and events including logistics, stewardship and engagement tracking, and donor recognition integrity.
- Conduct donor, foundation and grant research to support cultivation of new philanthropy streams.
- Provide administrative, clerical, and operational support to the department including material preparation and meeting scheduling.
- Provide administrative support to the Board of Directors through the maintenance of the Board Portal and preparation of materials for Board meetings.
- Work with OSJ’s affinity groups to encourage leadership development and determine strategy to align with institutional priorities.
Preferred Experience & Skills
- BA Degree, or at least 2 years prior experience working in the non-profit sector.
- Strong customer service experience
- Exceptional attention to detail and follow-through.
- Demonstrated ability to problem solve and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Outstanding verbal and written communication skills.
- Demonstrated success working collaboratively and cooperatively with others as part of a team.
- Maintain confidentiality.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Applications.
- Working knowledge and use of CRM database systems.
Compensation
Opera San José offers competitive wages for its industry and location. This position is classified as salaried exempt which will be paid an annual salary and is not eligible for over-time pay. Salary is approximately $65,000 depending on experience. This position is eligible for company benefits, which currently include paid-time-off, health plans, flexible spending accounts, and pre-tax savings program. Benefits may change from time to time as Management determines.
Work Location
Work is required primarily on-site in order to interface with patrons and donors. Some remote work is possible with approval. Main location is at Opera San José’s offices at 2149 Paragon Drive, San Jose CA. On performance days, work location is the California Theatre Box Office at 345 S 1st Street, San Jose CA. There are 24 performances annually which are evenings or weekend matinees. Events may be scheduled on occasion at other locations requiring Development team presence.
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 “Institutional Advancement Manager” in the subject line of your email.
Patron Experience Manager
Position Responsibilities:
The Manager of Patron Experience is a full-time position responsible for ensuring that a world-class patron experience is provided to the patrons, subscribers, donors, and guests of Opera San José. This position oversees day-to-day Patron Services operations, including supervision, training and support of box office staff and volunteers, preparation of daily deposits & sales reports, patron support (including inbound and outbound phone and email correspondence), operational support for special events and other development initiatives (both virtual & in-person), operational support for patron outreach and acquisition initiatives, and implementation of approved ticketing policies. Additionally, this position is tasked with daily administration of OSJ’s ticketing system (currently Patron Manager), overseeing database maintenance, product building, and troubleshooting system issues as needed. This manager will take a lead role in the implementation of a new ticketing system, Tessitura, in first year. Other duties related to patron experience assigned as needed.
Requirements for consideration
- Experience working with a ticketing system
- Customer service experience
- Proven skills to utilize all aspects of ticketing system for ticket sales, exchanges, problem-solving, renewal campaigns, and reporting to management
- Supervisory experience
- Excellent communication skills
- Is organized and a self-starter
Preferred Experience
- Worked in the Performing Arts Industry
- Knowledge of Tessitura or Patron Manager ticketing systems
- Managed staff
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tools
- Experience working across departments
- Project Management experience using project management software
Compensation
Opera San José offers competitive wages for the industry and location. This position is classified as salaried exempt, and accordingly will not be eligible for over-time pay in accordance with all applicable regulations. Salary is approximately $65,000 depending on experience. Full-time employees are eligible for company benefits which currently include paid-time-off, health plans, and pre-tax savings program. Benefits may change from time to time as Management determines.
Work Location
Work is required primarily on-site in order to interface with patrons. Main Box Office location is at Opera San José’s offices at 2149 Paragon Drive, San Jose CA. Box Office hours are 9:00am – 5:00pm. On performance days, work location is the California Theatre Box Office at 345 S 1st Street, San Jose CA. Theatre Box Office opens two-hours before each performance and remains open through intermission. There are 24 performances annually which are evenings or weekend matinees. Events may be scheduled on occasion at other locations requiring Box Office presence.
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 “Patron Experience Manager” in the subject line of your email.
Production Manager
Description
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 creative team, production and administrative staff.
- Organize and lead all production meetings; 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 a healthy and effective production department. communication in order to effectively and efficiently move projects forward on time and on budget.
- Manage all production department contracting, on-boarding, 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 catalogue.
- 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
- Fluency in VectorWorks and AutoCAD software, and online project management tools such as Asana
- Interest in and/or knowledge of opera
- Valid driver’s license
Compensation
Opera San Jose offers competitive wages for its industry and location. This full-time position is classified as exempt and will be paid salary. This position is eligible for company benefits, which currently include paid-time-off, health insurance plan, pre-tax flexible spending account, and 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.
Production Stage Manager
Reports to the Director of Artistic and Music Administration, Opera San José, San José, California
Description
Opera San José is looking for qualified Bay Area/San José local Production Stage Manager candidates for its 2021-2022 season. Candidates should indicate which production(s) that are available for.
2021-2022 Season
Dido and Aeneas: October 4 – November 28, 2021
Carmen: January 3 – February 27, 2022
West Side Story: March 7 – May 1, 2022
Responsibilities
- Run company staging, music, and technical rehearsals
- Call all dress rehearsals and performances
- Create, maintain, and finalize all necessary production paperwork
- Supervise the work of 2 – 3 Assistant Stage Managers
- Ensure rehearsal preparation and coordinate daily needs with scenic, lights, props, and costumes departments
- Ensure rehearsal venues are properly set up and broken down for rehearsals
- Assist in gathering weekly rehearsal schedule requests from the artistic team for the Vocal Arts department
Requirements for Consideration
- Experience working in professional opera
- Experience calling full productions in a proscenium stage theater
- Experience calling shows with multiple scenic shifts and automated scenery
- 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 position is classified as temporary salaried exempt and is therefore not eligible for overtime pay in accordance with all applicable regulations.
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 Stage Manager” in the subject line of your email.