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Opera Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lyric Opera of Chicago

Director of Boards

Chicago, IL · On-site

$100K - $110K/yr

Chief Development Officer STATUS: Full-time, Exempt 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

Director of Boards

Chicago, IL · On-site

Chief Development Officer STATUS: Full-time, Exempt Lyric Opera of Chicago is where the world sings -- and where Chicago comes alive. Under the leadership of General Director, President & CEO John ...

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Opera Philadelphia

Philanthropy Officer

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

$115K - $140K/yr

Support OP's 5-year Opera, But Different Campaign * Applies best practice in moves management and collaborates within the philanthropy team to develop strategies for annual and campaign support.

University of Rochester

Stage Hand- Opera

Rochester, NY

$17 - $22.10/hr

As Scheduled Department: 300950 ESM Opera Work Shift: UR - Day (United States of America) Range: UR URG 102 H Compensation Range: $17.00 - $22.10 The referenced pay range represents the minimum and ...

The Metropolitan Opera

Cleaner

New York, NY

$23.59/hr

Building Services is responsible for ensuring a clean environment for all Met Opera employees and patrons. Primary Responsibilities: * Completing a daily routine of assigned cleaning duties including ...

The Metropolitan Opera

Publicist

New York, NY

$75K - $80K/yr

The Metropolitan Opera is looking for a dynamic Publicist to join the Press team. The ideal candidate will be a culturally voracious, proactive storyteller with experience placing compelling stories ...

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How much do opera jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for opera in the United States is $17.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by opera singers when preparing for a new role?

Opera singers often encounter challenges such as mastering complex vocal scores in foreign languages, adapting to varying stage directions, and balancing intensive rehearsal schedules. Learning to interpret a character both musically and dramatically requires significant preparation and research. Additionally, singers must maintain vocal health amidst demanding performance periods, and collaborate closely with conductors, directors, and fellow cast members to ensure a cohesive production.

What is an opera singer?

An opera singer is a professionally trained vocalist who performs in operas, which are dramatic stage works combining singing, orchestral music, and sometimes dance. Opera singers use powerful vocal techniques to project their voices over an orchestra without amplification. They often sing in multiple languages and must convey deep emotion and character through their performance. Training for opera singing typically involves years of vocal study and language learning, in addition to acting and stage movement. Opera singers perform in opera houses and may also participate in concerts and recitals.

What is the difference between Opera vs Stage Manager?

AspectOperaStage Manager
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in music, theater, or related field; specialized training in opera productionRequires a background in theater, production, or stage management; often a degree or experience in theater arts
Work EnvironmentOperas, theaters, concert halls; often involves working with performers and production teamsTheater or performance venues; coordinating rehearsals, performances, and technical aspects
Industry UsageCommonly used in classical music and opera companiesUsed across theater, musical productions, and live performances

Opera professionals focus on singing, musical direction, and production of operatic performances, while Stage Managers coordinate all aspects of live performances, including rehearsals and technical operations. Both roles require strong organizational skills but differ in their specific responsibilities and industry focus.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Opera Singer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Opera Singer, you need advanced vocal technique, musical literacy, and typically formal training such as a degree in vocal performance. Familiarity with languages (especially Italian, German, and French), stagecraft, and music notation software is also important. Exceptional emotional expression, stage presence, and strong collaborative skills set standout performers apart. These abilities are crucial for delivering compelling performances, mastering complex roles, and building a successful career in the competitive world of opera.

What Are Different Careers in Opera?

Opera careers include a variety of positions in and around an opera house. The opera singer is the most well-known position, but other roles involve helping manage the production, playing in the orchestra, marketing, casting, and producing materials for fundraising events. Most operatic roles involve a significant amount of coordination with other employees, particularly during performances, and you may start the planning process up to a year ahead of time. Office-based positions frequently use ticket and donor data to analyze trends, direct other employees to keep everything on-time, and purchase advertisements. Depending on your role, you may coordinate with non-profit companies or oversee interns.

More about Opera jobs
What cities are hiring for Opera jobs? Cities with the most Opera job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Opera jobs? The most popular types of Opera jobs are:
What states have the most Opera jobs? States with the most job openings for Opera jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Opera jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Opera jobs are:
Opera jobs near you
Infographic showing various Opera job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,284 per year, or $17.4 per hour.
Director of Boards

Director of Boards

Lyric Opera of Chicago

Chicago, IL • On-site

$100K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

REPORTS TO: Chief Development Officer
STATUS: Full-time, 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 Director of Boards oversees the operations, governance, and engagement of Lyric's six volunteer boards, ensuring alignment with the organization's mission and strategic goals. This role serves as a key liaison to board leadership, manages board-related meetings, events, communications, and budgets, and collaborates across departments to support fundraising and volunteer engagement.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Demonstrate leadership in accordance with Lyric's mission and vision.
  • Oversee activities and meeting agendas for six Lyric boards: Board of Directors, Women's Board, Ryan Opera Center Board, Guild Board, Chapters' Executive Board, and Lyric Young Professionals, following best board governance practice.
  • Manage staff members who directly support each board with parallel systems.
  • Act as a primary staff liaison for the Women's Board President and oversee all Women's Board meetings and special projects.
  • Partner with Philanthropy Officers as needed to ensure individual board members' giving.
  • In collaboration with the Director of Special Events, work with board presidents and individual event chairs to achieve special event fundraising goals.
  • Oversee planning for all Volunteer Board meetings and committee meetings as well as all board-related events and projects.
  • Coordinate Board of Directors and Women's Board trips.
  • Coordinate communication between the boards office, the Office of the General Director, and the Office of the Music Director as it relates to the General Director and/or the Music Director's involvement in board-related activities.
  • Work with Artistic, Technical, and Production departments to produce meetings and events in the opera house according to Lyric's policies and collective bargaining agreements.
  • Manage expense budgets for six Lyric boards.

As the business evolves, so may this role; these duties may change as Lyric's leadership identifies the need.
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:
  • Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university.
  • 5+ years' experience in Development or related field.
  • 3+ years' experience working directly with a volunteer board.
  • 3+ years' experience managing staff.
  • Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills, strong project-management and organizational competencies, and a demonstrated track record of success in solicitation of donors are required.
  • Working knowledge 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:
  • Must be available to attend regular evening and weekend performances and events.

COMPENSATION:
Job Classification: Full-time, Exempt
Salary Range: $100,000-$110,000 annually
Application Deadline: Tuesday, July 7, 2026 (5:00pm CT)
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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