Manager, The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center

REPORTS TO: Vice President & Director, Ryan Opera Center

STATUS: Full-time, Exempt
 

Through artistic excellence coupled with innovative, relevant programming; initiatives to connect with and grow new audiences; engagement with communities to ignite creativity across Chicago; and a modernized Opera House that is the setting for truly great experiences, Lyric is leading the advancement of opera. This collaborative vision will deliver ever more exciting, thought-provoking and inclusive audience and community experiences – while increasing the gravitational pull of our art form, our company, and our city.

The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center (ROC), Lyric’s professional artist-development program, strives to identify and nurture the best emerging artists of the next generation–and to provide them with the highest possible level of experience in training & performance activities and professional enhancement offerings–all in an effort to set the stage so that Ensemble members are in the strongest position to create and take advantage of opportunities for leading successful operatic careers.

The Ryan Opera Center Manager oversees all department administrative functions and supports the program’s operations and collaborations with departments across Lyric.

• Assist in management of all ROC day-to-day operations, encompassing all aspects of scheduling, budget/financial administration, production and music needs for all programs and performances, and auditions.
• Serve as project manager for the execution of  ROC’s annual national auditions, managing every aspect of the application and audition process for 500+ applicants (singers, pianists, conductors, stage directors, stage managers).
• Administer the WFMT Recital Series recordings, including scheduling and other logistics as well as coordinating repertoire lists and recording notes.
• Collect and document feedback from ROC Director, ROC Music Director, and ROC Director of Vocal Studies—as well as Lyric Artistic Leadership—on Ensemble member’s performances, auditions and other appearances. 
• Assist in monitoring progress of Ensemble members, and share advice on how to best fulfill individual professional goals through updates to curriculum and scheduling of training and performance activities.
• Manage logistics and scheduling for all ROC administration, Ensemble, faculty, guest artists, conductors, and production staff. Act as liaison to other departments on all ROC-related matters.
• Coordinate auditions for visiting artist managers and opera company administrators throughout the year.
• Manage communications with colleagues at collaborating organizations on needed music, production, and promotional details.
• Administer all non-union ROC performance and personnel contracts. Implement and track all union contracts as needed.
• Serve as the budget administrator overseeing and tracking the department budgets.
• Process all invoices for payment, and oversee ROC payroll.
• Develop a job description, hire, and oversee the ROC intern.
• Train and onboard ROC-focused colleagues in Development, Marketing, Finance, P&C, and Production.
• As needed, assist with Development’s ROC fundraising efforts. Occasionally produce grant budgets and supporting documentation.
• Assist in creation of content with the Marketing Department on all ROC promotions, including print, digital, website, and social media initiatives.
• Regularly evaluate department operations and recommend updates for improvement, greater efficiency, etc.
• Participate in regular meetings with ROC Administration. Provide administrative oversight and support to ROC Director, ROC Music Director, and ROC Director of Vocal Studies.
• As the business evolves, so may this role. These duties may change as Lyric’s leadership identifies the need at any time.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, preferably in music, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in administration, production (under union contracts), marketing, budgeting and finance all required. Previous experience in working with young artists desired.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal dynamics, and oral/written communications, including the ability to work with a wide range of personalities required.
• Supervisory or team leadership background needed to successfully monitor and evaluate artists and staff.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Suite products is also required; knowledge involving development software, scheduling software, and social media platforms is desired. Experience with YAP Tracker is a plus.
• Broad-based knowledge of music and opera is essential.
• Ability to work and think independently, a motivated self-starter who also works well in a larger team.

• Ability to regularly monitor communications during evenings and weekends.
• Ability to occasionally oversee evening or weekend functions, deployments, or performances.
• Sitting / standing for extended periods of time.
• Ability to operate a computer and to handle other office equipment with or without accommodations.