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Opera Director Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Assistant Spa Director

Chicago, IL · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Peninsula Chicago is seeking an Assistant Director to join our Spa team to achieve the company ... Knowledge of PMS/Opera and some knowledge in rooms department preferred * Ability to deal with a ...

Assistant Spa Director

Chicago, IL

$70K - $80K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Peninsula Chicago is seeking an Assistant Director to join our Spa team to achieve the company ... Knowledge of PMS/Opera and some knowledge in rooms department preferred * Ability to deal with a ...

Director, Laboratory

Decatur, IL · On-site

$51.87 - $82.99/hr

Position Overview The Director of Laboratory plans, organizes, and directs the administrative and clinical operations of the Core Laboratory departments. This leader is responsible for ensuring ...

Technical Designer

Lincolnwood, IL · On-site

$25 - $34/hr

Associate Director of Technical Design About Ravenswood Studio Inc. Ravenswood Studio is a ... opera, and film. Celebrating 35 years as one of the nation's most talented builders, we fabricate ...

... Ventures, Opera Tech Ventures, SBI Group, Derayah Financial, Unbound, Peak XV, Elefund, and Y ... This role is designed for a Director-level engineering leader who can extend a proven brokerage ...

Associate Director of Technical Design About Ravenswood Studio Inc. Ravenswood Studio is a ... opera, and film. Celebrating 35 years as one of the nation's most talented builders, we fabricate ...

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Showing results 1-20

Opera Director information

See Illinois salary details

$14.9K

$64.6K

$150K

How much do opera director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for opera director in Illinois is $64,603.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30,711.00 and $87,309.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 are popular job titles related to Opera Director jobs in Illinois? For Opera Director jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Opera Director jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Opera Director job openings:
Infographic showing various Opera Director job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,603 per year, or $31.1 per hour.

Assistant Teaching Professor of Opera, Non-Tenure-Track

Roosevelt University

Chicago, IL • On-site

$50K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Posting Details
Position Information
Position Rank
Assistant Professor
Track
Non-Tenure Track
Position Title
Assistant Teaching Professor of Opera, Non-Tenure-Track
Category
Full-Time Faculty
Position Number
Posting Number
F0000273
Location
Chicago
Open Date
06/04/2026
Close Date
Open Until Filled?
Yes
Job Type
Full-Time
Working Hours
Position Summary
The Chicago College of Performing Arts (CCPA) at Roosevelt University invites applications for a full-time, non-tenure-track Assistant Teaching Professor of Opera. This position carries a 24-credit-hour annual teaching load, or equivalent in administrative responsibilities, and is central to the delivery of CCPA's opera curriculum across undergraduate, graduate, and diploma programs. The Assistant Teaching Professor of Opera reports to the Chair of the Music Conservatory. The start date for this position is August 15, 2026.
Job Duties:
Music Direction and Production (40%)
  • Serve as music director for CCPA opera productions, including Undergraduate Opera (Fall) and CCPA Opera (Spring);
  • In consultation with the Program Director of Voice, select and prepare operatic repertoire appropriate to the level and developmental needs of student performers;
  • Coordinate with the Performance Activities Office and Chair of the Music Conservatory to select and hire stage directors, venues, and production staff for Undergraduate Opera and CCPA Opera;
  • Create and oversee all opera rehearsal and production schedules in close consultation with the Performance Activities Office;
  • Lead rehearsals and performances to the highest professional standard, with intentional attention to student learning outcomes across musical preparation, dramatic integration, ensemble collaboration, and professional habit formation.

Applied Instruction and Coaching (30%)Duties may include:
  • Deliver vocal coaching to undergraduate, graduate, and Professional Diploma-Opera students;
  • Teach language skills coursework (Language Skills I-IV) as assigned;
  • Curate and administer the Professional Topics in Opera Seminar for Professional Diploma-Opera students.

Curriculum and Program Development (15%)
  • Contribute to curriculum development and assessment in the opera and vocal arts curricula;
  • Participate in program review, accreditation, and NASM compliance processes;
  • Collaborate with the Associate Dean and Music Conservatory Chair on program planning;
  • Attend and contribute to required departmental and college-wide meetings.

Recruitment and Student Support (15%)
  • Participate in recruitment activities, including auditions, outreach events, and prospective student communications;
  • Support student retention through mentorship, advising, and professional development guidance;
  • Contribute to jury and assessment processes for voice and opera students;
  • Engage with alumni and professional networks to support student career development.

Roosevelt University offers many great benefits. Please review our benefits in further detail by clicking this link: https://rooseveltu.touchpointsonline.com/
The salary for this position is $50,000.
Title IX Contact Information: Federal Title IX policy requires that all colleges and universities make known the contact information for the person responsible for coordinating its efforts to comply with Title IX regulations. At Roosevelt University, the Title IX Coordinator is Natasha Robinson. Her office is located in the Auditorium Building of the Chicago campus, 430 S. Michigan Avenue, AUD 476B. She can be reached at 312-281-3245 or TitleIX@roosevelt.edu.
Do not contact this email address for inquiries about your job application; if you have questions, you may email hrquestions@roosevelt.edu
Special Instructions Summary
Applicants should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three professional references. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Roosevelt University is committed to diversity and encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required
  • Master of Music (MM) in Collaborative Piano, Accompanying, or related field;
  • Minimum of five years of professional experience in opera, including demonstrated experience in music direction;
  • Demonstrated ability to work with collegiate-level singers in the vocal coaching studio and opera rehearsal setting;
  • Demonstrated coaching proficiency in the principal operatic languages: Italian, French, German, and English;
  • Strong collaborative and interpersonal skills;
  • Excellent organizational and communication skills, written and verbal;
  • Ability to demonstrate a commitment to service excellence by embodying Roosevelt's core values, mission, and vision in every aspect of the role.

Years of Experience Required
5
Certification/Licensure Required
Minimum Qualifications
See Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities required.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) in Collaborative Piano, Accompanying, or related field;
  • Significant experience as a music director in a collegiate opera program;
  • Demonstrated experience working with singers across a range of voice types, levels, and repertoire;
  • Active professional engagement in the opera field;
  • Experience supporting international students and diverse student populations.

Equipment Operated
Basic office/classroom equipment (desktop computer, laptop, overhead projector, office copier).
Working Conditions
This position requires evening availability during production periods.
Priority Application Instructions
Departmental Contact Information
Please direct all inquiries to Adam Neiman, Chair of the Music Conservatory, aneiman@roosevelt.edu, (312) 341-3781.