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Opera Director Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Reporting to the Director, Sales & Marketing, responsibilities and essential job functions include ... Maintains account, contact, activity and business details within Opera S&C according to Fairmont ...

Director of Group Sales

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$110K - $120K/yr

Reporting to the Director, Sales & Marketing, responsibilities and essential job functions include ... Maintains account, contact, activity and business details within Opera S&C according to Fairmont ...

Reporting to the Director, Sales & Marketing, responsibilities and essential job functions include ... Maintains account, contact, activity and business details within Opera S&C according to Fairmont ...

Director, Clinical Science

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$94K - $128K/yr

OPERA-02, our Phase 3 trial of palazestrant in combination with ribociblib in patients with ... About the Role >>> Director, Clinical Science As the Director, Clinical Sciencereporting to the ...

WHAT YOU WILL BRING Minimum Qualifications: * 1 year experience working in a leadership role and/or directing the work of others. * 1 year experience with POS/cash handling responsibilities in ...

WHAT YOU WILL BRING Minimum Qualifications: * 1 year experience working in a leadership role and/or directing the work of others. * 1 year experience with POS/cash handling responsibilities in ...

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Opera Director information

See California salary details

$16.6K

$72.1K

$167.4K

How much do opera director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for opera director in California is $72,095.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34,273.00 and $97,433.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an opera director do?

An Opera Director is responsible for overseeing the artistic vision and staging of an opera production. They work closely with performers, designers, and conductors to bring the story to life through movement, characterization, and visual elements. Their role includes interpreting the score and libretto, guiding rehearsals, and ensuring cohesion between music and theatrical performance. Ultimately, they shape the overall audience experience by blending music, drama, and stagecraft.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an opera director?

To thrive as an Opera Director, you need a deep understanding of music, dramatic interpretation, and stagecraft, usually supported by formal training in theatre, music, or opera direction. Familiarity with score reading software, stage management systems, and sometimes union regulations is important for coordinating performances and rehearsals. Superior leadership, creativity, communication, and organizational skills help guide teams and bring artistic visions to life. These abilities are crucial for successfully navigating complex productions and ensuring cohesive, compelling performances.

What are the main challenges an opera director faces during a production?

Opera Directors often encounter the challenge of balancing artistic vision with the practical constraints of budgets, casting, and venue limitations. Coordinating large teams—including singers, musicians, designers, and technicians—requires strong leadership and communication throughout the rehearsal process. Successfully resolving creative differences and logistical issues while adhering to deadlines is a key part of the role. The ability to adapt and problem-solve on the fly ensures that both rehearsals and performances run smoothly, ultimately bringing the director’s vision to the stage.

How much does an opera director make?

Opera directors typically earn between $50,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, the size of the production, and the organization. Salaries can vary widely, with those working for major companies or in large markets earning higher wages. Many opera directors also supplement income through freelance work or consulting on multiple productions.

What are popular job titles related to Opera Director jobs in California?

For Opera Director jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in California are hiring for Opera Director jobs?

Cities in California with the most Opera Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Opera Director job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $72,095 per year, or $34.7 per hour.

Temporary Individual and Leadership Giving Associate

SAN FRANCISCO OPERA ASSOCIATION

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$30 - $34/hr

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

PURPOSE: To provide temporary (6-month contract) administrative and project support for the Individual and Leadership Giving areas in the development department as part of the Ring, Monkey King and Accelerator Fund fundraising

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

  • Provides professional administrative support for the Individual and Leadership Giving areas to ensure departmental short- and long-term goals in support of the strategic mission, vision and values of the Opera.
  • Provides general administrative support to the Director of Individual and Leadership Giving.
  • Works with the Individual and Leadership Giving team to administer campaigns, initiatives and projects as assigned, including Producers Circle, Adler Fellow Sponsorship and other annual giving projects.
  • Provides administrative and clerical support to programmatic travel programs, including domestic travel and support of OGD for the San Francisco Opera Board of Directors.
  • Serves as primary Development Staff liaison with the General Director's and Board President's offices in timely coordination of acknowledgment letters and occasional direct-mail campaigns.
  • Coordinates the writing and, as needed, design layout of Individual- and Leadership-related materials, such as correspondences, proposals, project reports and sponsor spotlights.
  • Assists in maintaining accurate and up-to-date records of donor contacts, gift acknowledgments, donor recognition and ongoing patron communications.

SECONDARY FUNCTIONS:

  • Works in partnership with all areas of development to facilitate events and donor cultivation opportunities.
  • Works closely with all areas of development to support individual gifts fundraising.
  • Manages department meetings
  • Manages supplies and office tasks
  • Manages donor analysis projects as assigned.
  • Maintains development records and files as appropriate as well as documenting and archiving action plans and team strategies.
  • Perform other job-related special projects and duties as assigned.

EDUCATION:

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university (preferred) or equivalent work experience.

EXPERIENCE:

  • Minimum two (2) years of related work experience.

PREREQUISITE SKILLS & REQUIREMENTS:

  • Understanding of basic principles and practices of fundraising, customer service and prospect research.
  • Outstanding interpersonal skills including the ability to interact and work collaboratively with staff, patrons, board members and other volunteers in a highly professional, confidential and tactful manner.
  • Ability to set priorities, coordinate multiple projects with tight timelines and meet firm deadlines while maintaining accuracy and a meticulous attention to detail.
  • Ability to communicate logically, consistently and persuasively, both orally and in writing.
  • Ability to respond to complex requests and provide high-level patron services.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office and database navigation
  • Tessitura revenue management system preferred.
  • Knowledge of current internet graphics and desktop publishing applications preferred.
  • Knowledge of opera/performing arts preferred.
  • Ability to take initiative and work independently.
  • Basic knowledge of budgeting and expense management preferred.
  • Ability to occasionally attend evening and weekend events in the Bay Area.
  • Must perform the functions of the position in a safe manner.