Director of Operations for Opera

The Director of Operations for Opera (DOO) provides vital administrative, financial, and logistical leadership for the Shepherd School of Music’s Opera Department and its operations within Brockman Hall for Opera. Serving as the operational cornerstone of the department, the DOO oversees comprehensive annual and weekly scheduling, production planning, fiscal administration, and guest artist management, from contract drafting through residency execution. This position serves as the bridge among academic, artistic, and technical production areas, liaising daily with students, faculty, visiting artists, and school-wide staff. Reporting to the Director of Opera Studies, the DOO collaborates closely with two full-time members of the Opera Department staff, the Director of Production and the Company & Stage Manager for Opera, Opera Department faculty and music staff, Facilities, Central Production, and Marketing and Communications to ensure a professional, well-coordinated, and supportive performance and learning environment.
The ideal candidate is a thoughtful, proactive arts administrator and collaborative leader who thrives at the intersection of logistical precision, fiscal stewardship, and high-level opera production. Serving as the operational cornerstone of the department, this individual brings a calm, solutions-oriented presence to a fast-paced conservatory setting, seamlessly connecting academic, artistic, and production priorities.
An agile systems thinker, the ideal candidate balances strategic planning with meticulous daily execution, excelling at complex master scheduling in ASIMUT, departmental budget management, and procurement workflows. In close partnership with the Director of Production and the Company & Stage Manager, this individual ensures smooth operations while delivering polished guest-artist contracting and hospitality services. Above all, the ideal candidate leads with emotional intelligence, discretion, and patience and is dedicated to fostering an organized, respectful, and supportive environment where emerging vocal artists can flourish.
Special Instructions to Applicants: All interested applicants should attach a resume and cover letter in the Supporting Documents section of the application, preferably in PDF format to avoid any formatting issues.
Workplace Requirements
Available to work nights and weekends during production periods, performances, auditions, and special events, as required.
Maintain a clean and safe work environment at all times.
Workplace Location
This position is exclusively on-site, necessitating all duties to be performed in person at Brockman Hall for Opera and Alice Pratt Brown Hall. Available to work nights and weekends as required. Hybrid/remote work opportunities may be possible on a limited basis outside of the academic year following the completion of the probation period. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.”
Hiring Range
This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position, with a proposed salary range of $75,000 - $81,000 annually, depending on qualifications and experience. Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.
Minimum Requirements
Bachelor’s degree
In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience above and beyond what is required may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis.
Four or more (4+) years of experience working in a professional theater organization, university or conservatory music or theater program, or performing arts center
In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education above and beyond what is required may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis
Skills:
Ability to work independently and collaboratively with diverse students, faculty, guest artists, and campus partners
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to liaise across artistic, academic, and administrative teams
Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail, with a demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines
Strong leadership and delegation skills, with a calm, patient approach to problem-solving in fast-paced environments
Solid financial acumen and experience developing, tracking, and reconciling production and departmental budgets
Working knowledge of guest-artist contracting, engagement agreements, and procurement workflows
High level of discretion and judgment in handling sensitive student records and academic information (e.g., FERPA)
Ability to read music and follow musical scores
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and arts-management scheduling software
Knowledge of rehearsal-space safety protocols, incident management, and emergency preparedness
Preferences
Five or more (5+) years of experience, demonstrating progressive growth in responsibilities and leadership
Experience working in an educational environment with student artists
Experience working with ASIMUT or similar arts-management scheduling systems
Experience as a stage manager
Essential Functions
Participates in ongoing strategic planning and engages in short- and long-term production planning for the Opera Department
Develops the comprehensive academic-year master schedule for the Opera Department, aligning departmental production calendars, staging and music rehearsal periods, classes, guest masterclasses, and events with the Shepherd School master calendar, university registrar deadlines, and venue availability
Compiles and analyzes weekly availability, release requests, and rehearsal-call requirements to build, publish, and distribute weekly schedules for opera students, faculty, guest artists, and production personnel
Serves as the primary departmental administrator within the ASIMUT room-booking and scheduling system
Acts as department budget manager, developing budgets and tracking all departmental expenditures for opera productions, classes, and departmental accounts
Executes daily financial transactions and procurement activities; manages guest artist and vendor payments to ensure timely disbursement; processes departmental expense reports; and reconciles credit-card accounts
Oversees the costing and procurement of materials and services for opera productions
Serves as one of the primary operational liaisons for visiting guest artists; oversees the entire artist lifecycle, including drafting and executing engagement contracts, coordinating travel and lodging logistics, responding to hospitality needs, and facilitating timely onboarding and compensation
Works with Marketing and Communications to create performance programs, including sourcing synopses, gathering biographies and photos, and collecting conductor and director notes
Creates and maintains weekly production-meeting agendas
Oversees the management of Opera Department classes in support of the Director of Opera Studies, including required setups in Morrison Theater, Deans Rehearsal Hall, and other instructional spaces
Supports opera and voice department auditions, special events (e.g., masterclasses), and related activities
Fosters a culture of respect within the department, prioritizing the creation of safe and inclusive environments for students. Implements and upholds policies that contribute to a positive and supportive atmosphere
Acts as the primary coordinator between the academic, artistic, and production elements of the department
Serves as the primary administrative contact for students and oversees the creation, distribution, and collection of departmental information and notifications, including handbooks, casting notices, attendance records, and related communications
Manages library archives for all Shepherd School of Music opera productions, including documenting, organizing, and distributing production media, archival photographs, and promotional materials to students, faculty, and Communications
Additional Functions
Provides stage-management support, as needed, for concerts, recitals, or masterclasses when the Company & Stage Manager is unavailable due to opera rehearsals or performances
Provides on-site management support for rentals and special Shepherd School events in Morrison Theater, working closely with the Director of Production for Opera and all members of the Production team
School of Shepherd: https://music.rice.edu
Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits
Rice Mission and Values:

Skills
Agile, Sourcing, Onboarding, Procurement, Contract Drafting

Work arrangement
No