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Opera Director Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

RAVENSWOOD STUDIO

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 ...

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All JobsOpera JobsOpera Director JobsOpera Director Jobs in Chicago, IL

Opera Director information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$17.4K

$75.6K

$175.5K

How much do opera director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for opera director in Chicago, IL is $75,569.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35,924.00 and $102,128.00 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 Chicago, IL?

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

What job categories do people searching Opera Director jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Opera Director jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Opera Director jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Opera Director job openings:

Opera Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Opera Director job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,569 per year, or $36.3 per hour.

Associate, Boards (Guild Board, Chapters, and Ryan Opera Center Board)

Lyric Opera of Chicago

Chicago, IL • On-site

$55K - $60K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

REPORTS TO: Director of Boards
STATUS: Full-time, Non-Exempt
Lyric Opera of Chicago is where the world sings - and where Chicago comes alive.
Under the leadership of General Director, President & CEO John Mangum and Music Director Enrique Mazzola, Lyric stands at the intersection of artistic excellence and civic purpose, harnessing the full power of opera - voice, orchestra, stagecraft, and story - to illuminate the questions, emotions, and experiences that define us as human beings.
Nearly 75 seasons of world-class performances have made Lyric one of the greatest opera companies in the world. What drives us now is what has always driven us: the belief that this art form, at its best, can move people in ways nothing else can. Lyric is also Chicago's partner - in its neighborhoods, its schools, and its communities - through education, engagement, and a relentless commitment to making opera accessible, relevant, and irresistible to everyone. At the heart of that commitment is The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center, which trains the artists who will carry this art form into its future. Every night when the curtain rises, Lyric reminds this city - and the world - why live performance still matters.
Lyric Opera of Chicago doesn't just present opera, it redefines what opera can be. It's where Chicago comes to be moved - come inside.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Demonstrate leadership in accordance with Lyric's mission and vision as they relate to the activities and events of Lyric's Guild Board of Directors, Chapters Executive Board, and Ryan Opera Center Board.
  • Provide concierge-level customer service to board members and manage the day-to-day function of the Guild Board of Directors, Chapters, and Ryan Opera Center Board, including:
    • Maintaining accurate and detailed contact information for Board members in Tessitura, board directory, and digital files, proofing Board listings regularly for programs.
  • Developing relationships with Board members in portfolio, which includes
    • Board engagement
    • Giving
    • Overall organizational participation
  • Track Board engagement, giving, and participation through database and files
  • Prepare, solicit and track annual dues
    • Develop and maintain filing system for member files, activities, events
  • Generate all Board meeting materials and logistics, including:
    • Creation of packets, reports, and agendas
    • Record and transcribe meeting minutes
    • Manage invitations and track responses
    • Prepare and assemble meeting folders
    • Manage seating and vendors such as catering and A/V
  • Alongside the Director of Special Events, provide support for board-related events, especially Ryan Opera Center Gala, Moonlight Social and the All Chapters Social, including:
    • Tracking responses
    • Writing copy
    • Maintaining files
    • Responding to inquiries
  • Assist with implementation of fundraising Galas as needed.
  • As the business evolves, so may this role; these duties may change as Lyric's leadership identifies the need at any time

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:
  • Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university
  • 1+ years experience in Development or related field
  • 1+ years experience working directly with a volunteer board
  • Working knowledge of and comfort working with:
    • Microsoft suite of products
    • CRM expertise (Tessitura a strong plus)
  • Ability to work and think independently, a motivated self-starter who also works well in a larger team

WORK CONDITIONS:
  • Ability and flexibility to oversee evening or weekend functions, deployments, or performances.
  • Sitting or standing for extended periods of time.
  • Ability to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, to handle other office equipment, and to lift up to 25 pounds.

COMPENSATION
Job Classification: Full-time, Non-Exempt
Application Deadline: Friday, August 28, 2026 (5:00pm CT)
Salary is $55,000-$60,000 annually
Lyric Opera offers benefits including health, dental, vision, 403B (no company match), 401(k) with company match, PTO (including sick, vacation, and personal days, and holidays), life/AD&D coverage, opportunities for professional development, and complimentary tickets.
Lyric Opera of Chicago is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, parental status, socio-economic status, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. We strongly encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply.
Need Assistance with Your Application?
Lyric Opera of Chicago is committed to ensuring our employment application process is accessible to everyone. If you require a reasonable accommodation due to a disability to access, complete, or submit an employment application, please contact the People & Culture Department at [email protected]. We will work with you to provide an appropriate reasonable accommodation in accordance with applicable law.

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