Chief Programs Officer

OPERA America, the national nonprofit service organization for opera, headquartered at the National Opera Center in midtown New York City, seeks a knowledgeable opera devotee to lead and shape the organization’s services that support artists and the artistic work of member organizations.

Reporting to the President/CEO, the Chief Programs Officer (CPO) will ensure that programs align with the organization’s strategic priorities and commitment to gender parity, racial equity, social justice, and access. The CPO works across departments with the President/CEO and other senior staff to inspire organization-wide collaboration and communication, contributing to a supportive environment that encourages growth and success for all employees.

The CPO translates department goals into yearly operating plans that are coordinated with other departments. The CPO promotes teamwork across the Programs department which includes three direct reports (Director of Artistic Operations, Director of Programs and Events, and Director of Grantmaking) and three management staff (Artist Development Manager, Programs Manager, and Creative Consultant). The CPO works collaboratively with members of other departments to ensure successful delivery of the following programs and services:

Programs That Support New Works and Artist Development

New Works Forum

Tobin Director-Designer Prize

Career Blueprints for Singers

Recording Days for Singers

Feedback Auditions

Career Expansion for Artists

Regional Auditions

HBCU Partnerships

OPERA America Onstage

Grants To Professional Company Members and Individual Artists

IDEA Opera Grants

Opera Grants to Women Composers (Discovery and Commissioning)

Opera Grants to Women Stage Directors and Conductors

Repertoire Development Grants

New Works Exploration Grants

Civic Practice Grants

Networks that Include Regular Zoom Meetings, Forums (In Personal and Virtual), and In-Person Meetings at Opera Conference

Arts Administration Network

Technical Production Network

Artistic/Music Directors Network

Performer Development Network

Women’s Opera Network

Racial Justice Opera Network

LGBTQIA+ Network

Electronic Media Forum

General Production Management

Live and Digital Events Management

Annual Conference Logistics

Opera Center Exhibits

Preferred Qualifications

• At least five-year experience as a producer of multiple programs and events from design to completion; thorough understanding of the dynamics of production in the non-profit performing arts.
• Thorough knowledge of the opera literature including the inherited repertoire, new works, and the artists who create and perform them.
• Capacity to serve as a thought leader within the organization.
• Exceptional strategic thinking, planning, and organizational ability.
• Ability to delegate to and manage staff, inspire, and maintain motivation, and encourage collaboration and teamwork among staff with and across departments.
• Creative and collaborative approach to problem solving in a complex organization and field, with appreciation for curiosity and ability to listen to learn.
• Empathetic, with the ability to have difficult conversations and build trust among staff and colleagues with different identities, backgrounds, personalities, and perspectives.
• Sensitivity to the varied needs of different constituencies, include the board, staff, and members.
• Experience with labor agreements, union relationships, and media rights.
• Outstanding written and oral skills, with skill adapting styles to different audiences.