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Opera Director Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Lyric Opera of Chicago

Bartender

Chicago, IL · On-site

Concessions Manager STATUS: Part-Time, Non-Exempt, Seasonal Lyric Opera of Chicago is where the world sings -- and where Chicago comes alive. Under the leadership of General Director, President & CEO ...

Lyric Opera of Chicago

Usher

Chicago, IL · On-site

REPORTS TO: House Manager STATUS : Part-time, Non-Exempt, Seasonal Lyric Opera of Chicago is where the world sings -- and where Chicago comes alive. Under the leadership of General Director ...

Lyric Opera of Chicago

Usher

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.55/hr

House Manager STATUS : Part-time, Non-Exempt, Seasonal Lyric Opera of Chicago is where the world sings - and where Chicago comes alive. Under the leadership of General Director, President & CEO John ...

Lyric Opera of Chicago

Usher - Door Scanner

Chicago, IL · On-site

House Manager STATUS: Part-time, Non-Exempt, Seasonal Lyric Opera of Chicago is where the world sings -- and where Chicago comes alive. Under the leadership of General Director, President & CEO John ...

Lyric Opera of Chicago

Usher - Door Scanner

Chicago, IL · On-site

$20.80/hr

House Manager STATUS: Part-time, Non-Exempt, Seasonal Lyric Opera of Chicago is where the world sings - and where Chicago comes alive. Under the leadership of General Director, President & CEO John ...

Lyric Opera of Chicago

Coat Check Attendant

Chicago, IL · On-site

$13.99/hr

House Manager STATUS: Part-Time, Non-Exempt, Seasonal Lyric Opera of Chicago is where the world sings - and where Chicago comes alive. Under the leadership of General Director, President & CEO John ...

Lyric Opera of Chicago

Coat Check Attendant

Chicago, IL · On-site

House Manager STATUS: Part-Time, Non-Exempt, Seasonal Lyric Opera of Chicago is where the world sings -- and where Chicago comes alive. Under the leadership of General Director, President & CEO John ...

Lyric Opera of Chicago

Bartender

Chicago, IL · On-site

$13.99/hr

Concessions Manager STATUS: Part-Time, Non-Exempt, Seasonal Lyric Opera of Chicago is where the world sings - and where Chicago comes alive. Under the leadership of General Director, President & CEO ...

The Peninsula Hotels

Assistant Spa Director

Chicago, IL · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

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 ...

The Peninsula Chicago

Assistant Spa Director

Chicago, IL

$70K - $80K/yr

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 ...

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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 Jul 28, 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Opera Director position, and why are they important?

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 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,569 per year, or $36.3 per hour.
Coordinator, The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center

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

Lyric Opera of Chicago

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

REPORTS TO: Manager, Ryan Opera Center
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.
The Ryan Opera Center (ROC) Coordinator provides support for all department administrative functions as well as program operations and collaborations with departments across Lyric.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Support all Ryan Opera Center (ROC) day-to-day operations, encompassing scheduling, financial administration, production and music needs for all programs and performances.
  • Assist with management of all aspects of ROC scheduling for Ensemble and administration and create schedule drafts for ROC summer season.
  • Assist with ROC annual auditions for Ensemble positions (singers, pianist, conductor, stage director, stage manager), including the application process for 600+ applicants. Assist in maintaining list of prospective candidates and serve as primary contact for applicants.
  • Provide logistical support for all ROC activities, including internal and external communications.
  • Assist with WFMT recital series logistics, including repertoire lists and recording edit notes.
  • Support Ensemble auditions for visiting artist managers and opera company administrators throughout the season.
  • Maintain and update Ensemble promotional materials (bios, resumes, etc.) and other ROC promotional materials throughout the year.
  • Draft ROC payroll for manager approval, process all ROC invoices for payment, and maintain records of all department budgets.
  • Monitor fulfillment of all union and non-union contracts.
  • Provide administrative support to ROC Director, ROC Music Director, ROC Director of Vocal Studies, and ROC Manager as well as to Ensemble members.
  • 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, preferably in music or arts administration, or equivalent experience.
  • Minimum of 2 years’ experience in administrative, scheduling, and financial procedures is required. Internship experience is applicable.
  • Strong organizational, interpersonal dynamics, and oral/written communications, including the ability to work with a wide range of personalities, is required.
  • Broad-based knowledge of music and opera is essential.
  • Experience in production (under union contracts), marketing, and budgeting is preferred.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Suite products is required; knowledge involving development software, scheduling software, and social media platforms is desired. Experience with YAPTracker is a plus.
  • Ability to work and think independently and proactively, adjust priorities quickly, meet deadlines, and work collaboratively on a small administrative team.

WORK CONDITIONS
  • Ability to occasionally work evening or weekend events including Sunday in the Park with Lyric, Final Auditions, and Rising Stars in Concert. Other periodic evening or weekend activities throughout the year will be communicated ahead of time.

COMPENSATION
Job Classification: Full-time, Non-Exempt 
Application Deadline: Sunday, August 9, 2026 (5:00pm CT)
Salary is $42,000-$45,000 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.

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