VP of Operations and Artistic

Now in its 50th season, Opera Philadelphia stands at the forefront of innovation, redefining opera for our time. As the region’s premier opera producer and one of the country’s most influential companies, Opera Philadelphia continues to expand and transform as a vibrant hub for operatic experiences, connecting audiences and artists in ways that give voice to the present, reimagine the past, and shape the future of the art form for generations to come.

Founded as a regional company focused on traditional productions in a single venue, Opera Philadelphia has evolved into an internationally celebrated trailblazer in contemporary opera. Praised by The New York Timesas a "hotbed of operatic innovation," the company remains committed to 21st-century opera while actively performing in its original home at the historic Academy of Music. Opera Philadelphia also creates interdisciplinary experiences in diverse spaces across the city—from immersive performances at the Barnes Foundation and the Philadelphia Museum of Art to pop-up cabaret shows in converted garages, and free outdoor screenings on Independence Mall for tens of thousands of Philadelphians.

Reports to:                              General Director and President

Direct Reports:                       Director of Production, Director of Artistic Administration, Director of Music and Chorus, Director of Guest Services, Director of Marketing

Important Staff

Relationships:                         General Director & President; Chief Development Officer, Vice President of Community Initiatives; VP of Administration & Human Resources, PR Consultant, Finance Consultant

Central Role:                           This position provides management of Opera Philadelphia’s overall day-to-day operations and artistic functions, working closely with the General Director to implement strategic plans and ensure efficient execution across all departments, including managing teams, optimizing processes, and driving overall operational excellence to achieve company goals.

Summary:                            The Vice President of Operations and Artistic plays a vital leadership role at Opera Philadelphia, overseeing both the operational backbone and the strategic planning that supports the company’s artistic vision. In close partnership with the General Director, this position helps shape and implement artistic plans while ensuring the organization’s internal systems, resources, and teams are aligned to support creative goals. The VP leads cross-functional coordination across departments—including artistic planning, production, and administration—to ensure seamless integration of day-to-day operations with long-term artistic strategy. They identify opportunities for innovation, remove operational barriers, and promote a culture of accountability and collaboration

Operations:

Provides day-to-day leadership in support of the organization’s strategic plan, mission, core values, and objectives

Partners with the General Director to carry out Opera’s vision and strategy

Intentionally leads with a focus on advancing diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging practices

A senior leader for the organization and has oversight of major functions and departments within Marketing and Communications, Guest Services, Leadership Development and Equity, and Community Engagement & Volunteer Management.

Works closely with Finance, Community Initatives, Human Resources & Administration, and Development.

Collaborates with Administration & Human Resources to implement systems and processes for staff rollout

Works with the Leadership Team to develop and implement plans for the operational infrastructure of systems, processes, and employees to achieve business goals.

Creates, implements and rolls out plans, internal infrastructures, reporting systems and policies all designed to foster growth, funding, community impact, internal operations and efficiencies within Opera Philadelphia.

Manages the finance function within the organization

Provides organizational budget oversight in collaboration with the Finance Consultant

Works with the General Director and Leadership Team to establish annual, quarterly, and monthly strategic priorities and facilitates workflows

Supports internal culture and engagement activities

Artistic:

Works closely with the General Director and the artistic planning team (Music Director, Managing Director, Artistic Advisors, Artistic Administrator, and Production Director) to create each season’s artistic plan, including the choice of production titles (new or existing), casts, resources, and venues. Adheres to the company’s artistic vision, including the commitment to creating new works, energizing artists, and forming genuine partnerships.

Creates the artistic and production expense budget for the artistic plans. Works closely with the CFO to clearly communicate the budget to the finance committee and board as necessary for approvals.

Direct Oversight and Mangement of the Artistic, Production and Music departments.

Implements the approved artistic plans, including negotiating directly or overseeing all artistic and production contracts necessary to hire all artists and production staff, secure venues and equipment, and create or continue partnerships, including co-producers and unions. Insures high production standards, exceptional artistic quality and unwavering personal and professional integrity

Works closely and collaboratively with the Music Director.

Supports the needs of other company departments, providing information about the artistic plan necessary for promotion, marketing, educational and fundraising activities.

Serves as a member of the executive management team, working collectively to review and implement company policies as they pertain to human resources, facilities, and safety.

Serves as an executive representative for Opera Philadelphia to the community and the field

Lead and manage all union negotiaitions including prep and front line negotiations

Experience & Attributes

Leadership & Expertise: At least 7 years of experience in a senior role within a successful classical music organization, preferably opera or orchestra.

Staff Management: Demonstrated track record in managing staff at varying levels.

Board of Directors Interface: Experience working with and hand communicating to members of the board of directors, including oversight of board committees, volunteers, and cross-functional staff.

Strategic Planning & Budgeting: Experience in helping to shape short- and long-term organizational planning and developing budgets that align with strategic priorities.

Communication Skills: Exceptional written and oral communication abilities, including experience presenting to boards and stakeholders.

Relationship Management: Strong interpersonal skills with a talent for inspiring staff, volunteers, and donors to build lasting relationships.

Team Leadership: Experience hiring, managing, mentoring, and evaluating staff to achieve goals.

Financial Acumen: Strong experience with budget creation, tracking, and financial reporting, ensuring transparency and accountability.

Passion For & Knowledge of Opera: A deep appreciation for music and the performing arts, with a commitment to artistic risk-taking.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

A bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience

A minimum of 7-10 years of experience in progressively responsible leadership positions, which includes work in all functional areas preferably within a major cultural institution, nonprofit organization, educational institution, or other environment of similar complexity.

Demonstrated ability to provide management oversight, leadership, and direction with at least five years of significant supervisory experience, including experience creating and managing a budget. A strong record of recruiting and developing exceptional people and fostering a transparent work environment where collegiality is a key to success.

Skill at goal setting and measuring success, and agility in addressing alternate program directions to meet goals when necessary. Experience in developing, implementing, and monitoring strategic plans.

Ability and willingness to travel domestically as necessary.

Opera Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. We are committed to the principle of anti-racism and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All hiring decisions are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications. We do not discriminate in our process based on race, color, religion or belief, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or family status. Opera Philadelphia strongly encourages individuals from historically marginalized communities to apply.