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Opera Administration Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

BAE Systems

Eng Sr Prin II - Sys

Herndon, VA · On-site

$149K - $254K/yr

This role would be responsible for the architecture, administration, security, migration, and sustainment of enterprise Windows-based server environments and cloud-based storage solutions that ...

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Opera Administration information

See Washington salary details

$36.8K

$84.2K

$126.3K

How much do opera administration jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for opera administration in Washington is $84,175.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,000.00 and $96,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an opera administration?

An Opera Administration job involves managing the business and logistical operations of an opera company or theater. Responsibilities may include budgeting, fundraising, scheduling performances, coordinating with artists and production staff, and handling marketing and public relations. Administrators work to ensure the smooth operation of productions while supporting the artistic vision of the organization. Strong organizational, communication, and financial management skills are essential. This role often serves as a bridge between the artistic and business sides of an opera company.

What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities for someone working in opera administration?

In Opera Administration, your daily tasks often include coordinating rehearsals and performances, managing contracts and schedules for artists, handling budgets, and overseeing ticket sales or marketing initiatives. You’ll frequently collaborate with artistic directors, production staff, and external stakeholders to ensure smooth operations. Administrative staff may also be involved in donor relations, grant writing, and community outreach programs. The role is dynamic and multifaceted, offering the chance to make a direct impact on both the business and creative sides of the opera company.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in opera administration, and why are they important?

To thrive in Opera Administration, you need strong organizational abilities, experience with arts management or nonprofit administration, and a background in event or production coordination. Familiarity with ticketing systems, budgeting software, and tools like Microsoft Office Suite or CRM platforms is often required. Superior communication, attention to detail, multitasking, and diplomacy are key soft skills for working with diverse teams and managing complex schedules. These skills ensure the seamless execution of performances and day-to-day operations, supporting the creative mission of the opera company.

Is arts administration a good career path?

Arts administration, including roles like opera administration, involves managing arts organizations, coordinating events, and overseeing budgets. It requires strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills, often with a background in arts management or related fields. The career can be rewarding for those passionate about the arts and willing to work in a dynamic, often nonprofit environment.

What are the positions in opera administration?

Opera administration includes various positions such as General Director, Artistic Director, Operations Manager, Box Office Manager, Development Director, Education Coordinator, and Administrative Assistant. These roles involve overseeing artistic programming, managing staff, fundraising, marketing, and daily operations within an opera company. Many positions require strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills, often supported by experience in arts management or related fields.

What are popular job titles related to Opera Administration jobs in Washington?

For Opera Administration jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Opera Administration jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Opera Administration jobs in Washington are:

Opera Administration jobs near you
Infographic showing various Opera Administration job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,175 per year, or $40.5 per hour.

Manager of Orchestra Operations & Personnel

Washington, DC • On-site

Washington National Opera
See more jobs at Washington National Operaexternal

$70K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

The Manager of Orchestra Operations & Personnel serves as the primary management representative for the Washington National Opera Orchestra (WNO) and is responsible for the day-to-day administration of orchestra operations and personnel. As the department's lead orchestra administrator, the Manager oversees orchestra personnel management, administration of the American Federation of Musicians (AFM) Collective Bargaining Agreement, orchestra scheduling, musician contracting, payroll administration, budgeting, media services, and serves as management liaison to the Orchestra Committee and AFM Local 161-710.
As a member of the Artistic Planning & Operations department, the Manager collaborates closely with Artistic, Music, Production, Finance, Human Resources, Legal, Artist Services, Development, Marketing, and visiting artistic personnel to ensure the successful planning and execution of WNO productions and special events.
The position also supports broader departmental initiatives and may assume selected artistic operations responsibilities and special projects over time, with responsibilities evolving based on departmental priorities and the successful candidate's experience, interests, and demonstrated performance.
Orchestra Operations & Personnel
  • Administer and interpret the AFM Collective Bargaining Agreement.
  • Serve as primary management liaison to the Orchestra Committee and AFM Local 161-710.
  • Foster productive labor-management relationships and resolve contractual and personnel issues.
  • Manage musician hiring, contracting, tenure processes, leaves of absence, vacancies, substitute musicians, and roster maintenance.
  • Coordinate auditions in collaboration with the Music Director and artistic leadership.
  • Develop and administer orchestra schedules and musician assignments.
  • Resolve personnel matters and facilitate communication between musicians and management.
  • Maintain orchestra personnel records and contractual documentation.
  • Partner with Human Resources and Finance regarding payroll, contracts, and employment matters affecting musicians.
  • Support collective bargaining preparation and implementation.
  • Administer media services, recordings, broadcasts, and electronic media work in accordance with applicable AFM agreements.
  • Partner with conductors, librarians, production staff, and artistic leadership to ensure all orchestra needs are met.
  • Serve as orchestra management representative during rehearsals and performances.

Departmental Operations & Special Projects
  • Support Artistic Planning & Operations initiatives and departmental projects as assigned.
  • Coordinate cross-departmental operational initiatives and special projects.
  • Assist with artist contracting, production logistics, and operational planning, as assigned.
  • Collaborate with members of the Artistic Planning & Operations team to improve departmental systems, workflows, templates, and documentation.
  • Assume additional artistic operations responsibilities over time, consistent with departmental priorities and demonstrated experience.

Budgeting & Financial Administration
  • Develop and manage orchestra operating budgets.
  • Monitor orchestra labor expenses and forecast contractual obligations.
  • Collaborate with Finance on annual budget development and forecasting.
  • Review payroll, invoices, contractual obligations, and financial reporting.
  • Assist with departmental budget administration and financial planning as assigned.

Organizational Collaboration
  • Represent WNO in interactions with orchestra musicians, conductors, guest artists, artistic partners, and visiting companies.
  • Participate in season planning and production meetings.
  • Coordinate with Production, Finance, Human Resources, Legal, Development, Marketing, Community Engagement, and Education to support organizational objectives.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Music, Arts Administration, Performing Arts Management, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
  • Five to seven years of progressively responsible experience in orchestra management, orchestra operations, or performing arts administration.
  • Demonstrated experience administering AFM collective bargaining agreements.
  • Experience managing orchestra payroll, contracts, and budgets.
  • Experience working collaboratively across multiple departments in a performing arts organization.
  • Supervisory experience preferred.

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