Director of the Opera Conservatory (Chautauqua Opera Company & Conservatory)/Seasonal Employment

About the Opportunity

Chautauqua Institution seeks a Director who will help shape the model for the next chapter of the Opera Conservatory (OC). The Director of the Opera Conservatory will step into this leadership role during a moment of transition, exploration, and opportunity, building upon the 44-year legacy created by the late Marlena Malas, and charting a program for the future. This position involves full-time on-site work from June through August. The Director will report to the Director of Performing & Visual Arts (PAVA) Schools and the Artistic Director of the School of Music. The director will oversee all Conservatory faculty, staff, and programming.

In partnership with the Director of PAVA Schools and the Vice President of PAVA, the Director will determine the shape of the Opera Conservatory program. At this juncture, possibilities include lengthening or shortening the length of the program, experimenting with a number of students and faculty, and determining what is offered in terms of programming and curriculum. This work will also be done in consultation with the Artistic Director of the School of Music and the Artistic and General Director of Chautauqua Opera Company. Determining the shape and scope of the Opera Conservatory will be the primary work of the Director, in consultation with key stakeholders and leadership at Chautauqua Institution.

About Your Work

• Work closely with the Director of PAVA Schools regarding budget, faculty, students, scheduling, and contracting.

• Responsible for conceiving, developing, and implementing the artistic vision and focus of the Chautauqua Opera Conservatory in conjunction with the Artistic Director of the School of Music and Director of PAVA Schools.

• Serve as an eminent educator within their field, possessing a wealth of knowledge, experience, and professional connections to draw upon in leading the Opera Conservatory.

• Run the program at the highest level, and everyone will receive an enriching experience through curricular and programming oversight. Ensure that each student receives lessons/coaching and is involved in at least one major project.

• Conceive, develop, and implement the artistic vision and focus of the Opera Conservatory.

• Oversee the Associate Director/Faculty, determine curriculum, and schedule with the Director of PAVA Schools.

• Uphold and deepen the values of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility within the OC.

• Collaborate with Associate Director on SOD Branding and Marketing (website, photos).

• Provide artistic guidance for all budgeting (to include capital and operational) for the OC.

• Explore and identify avenues for increased revenue and fundraising  in consultation with the Director of PAVA Schools and the Vice President of Performing and Visual Arts.
• Support fundraising efforts for OC in coordination with the Office of Advancement. Serve as public spokesperson for OC.
• Provide leadership in choosing the following season’s faculty and guest artists.
• Responsible for the programming the productions for each season.
• Teach private lessons to a full studio each summer in the capacity of an instructor.
• Attend all public masterclasses and teach, as needed.
• Identify, recruit, and hire faculty and advise on the dismissal of artistic faculty.
• Oversee the audition process for the OC and review video auditions.
• Collaborate with the Associate Director to cultivate relationships with alumni and other directors/teachers.
• Coordinate artistic efforts of OC with other program areas within CHQ.

About You

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Education or related field.

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in the field, specifically in education or professional training settings.
• Experience leading teams and completing projects on time and on budget.
• Demonstrated experience with and commitment to working with diverse populations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• A candidate should love collaboration and highly regard canonical works and contemporary music.
• Should possess strong relationships with other educators, professionals, and academic institutions.
• A demonstrable and active commitment to IDEA, with an artistic integrity and dignity ethos for all involved.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• A strong industry presence, including social media
• Serves as a model of integrity, honesty, dedication, and a genuine spirit.

About Your Work Schedule, Location, Housing, and Travel

The Director will live on-site (housing provided by CI in the summer) and work full-time in Chautauqua for the summer season. The Director will be expected to meet deadlines, respond to e-mails promptly, and make best efforts to be available for key meetings. CI understands and celebrates that the Director will have professional commitments in the fall, winter, and spring. During the summer season, the Director will be fully available for all business, artistic, and educational matters and will not make professional commitments outside of the OC.

About Chautauqua Institution

Chautauqua Institution is a not-for-profit global convener of dialogue on the most significant issues of the day through engagement across four pillars of the arts, education, religion, and recreation. The Chautauqua community is located on the shores of Chautauqua Lake in southwestern New York State and comes alive each summer with a unique mix of visual and performing arts, lectures, interfaith worship/programs, and recreational activities. Chautauqua Institution owns and operates Chautauqua Hotel Company, a comprehensive hotel, food & beverage, conferencing, and events organization. The Institution’s office in Washington, DC, is strategically located to play an ongoing role in the nation's cultural conversations.

About Chautauqua's School of Music and Opera Company and Conservatory

Chautauqua Institution’s School of Music (SOM) is well known for the top-level training provided for the next generation of musicians. The SOM consists of four programs: the Conducting Fellowship, Instrumental, Opera Conservatory and Piano. Each summer we enroll around 125 musicians from across the globe to study in our school, with the core emphasis being on performance, private instruction, master classes and chamber music.

Since 2021, Chautauqua’s Opera Company and Opera Conservatory have been unified under one moniker and have collaborated. As both entities evolve within this structure, we will see continued collaboration, from programming in consultation with one another to offering combined master classes to each conservatory singer being involved
in one Opera Company workshop annually.

The Opera Conservatory is a five-week program with about 20 students attending on full scholarship. Private instruction, recitals, and masterclasses are core to the program, and the Conservatory engages top faculty and coaching staff from around the country. The Conservatory produces two operas each summer. The first opera is performed in McKnight Hall with a small instrumental ensemble and piano, full costumes, props, and lighting. The second opera is performed in the 4,000-seat Chautauqua Amphitheater with the Music School Festival Orchestra, with full staging, costumes, and props.

Total Rewards for Our Talent

Compensation for this position starts at $24,000 ($2,400/week), and with demonstrated experience and qualifications, candidates may earn up to $30,000 ($3,000/week).

About the Referral Program

Chautauqua Institution’s Referral Bonus Program is a talent solution to recruit, develop, and retain a diverse workforce that encompasses all the skills and experience necessary to deliver on our goals and objectives. Chautauqua Institution will provide a $500 referral bonus (less taxes) for active employees referring a new candidate who is hired and remains employed for at least 90-days from the first physical date of work. In the case of seasonal positions working less than 6-months, the new candidate must remain actively employed for at least 30-days from the first physical date of work and until the closing date of the season. The closing date of the season is the last Sunday in August.

Discovering Your Chautauqua Experience

Our talent will engage with our mission, vision, and diverse communities in countless ways, and you are invited to immerse yourself in our programming as a gateway to this experience. Employees will receive a traditional Chautauqua gate pass, free of cost, which provides access to many of our programs at the Amphitheater. In addition to a traditional gate pass, employees and their families will receive full access to our current and historical programs online at CHQ Assembly.   

Our Commitment to IDEA

Chautauqua Institution values Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) as a priority in our strategic plan, 150 Forward. One of our five core values is “The dignity and contributions of all people.” We are committed to creating conditions in which everyone feels that they can engage as full and valued participants in the Chautauqua experience. The Institution is an equal opportunity employer committed to equitable and inclusive hiring practices and applicants will not be discriminated against based on any status protected under federal, state, or local law. We especially welcome applications from those who can demonstrate experience, engagement, and professional expertise in IDEA.

Joining Our Talent Community

Chautauqua Institution aims to identify a Director by August 2024. Finalists for the position will visit Chautauqua in June and July. Ideally, the Director will transition into OC leadership after the applications open on September 1, 2024. Qualified candidates must submit a cover letter (not to exceed two pages), resume and/or CV, two or more professional references, and a link to any supporting materials (e.g. website). Join our talent community online at CHQ.org/employment. You are encouraged to learn more about Chautauqua Institution at CHQ.org and view the 150 Forward Strategic Plan at 150fwd.CHQ.org.