LA Opera is seeking a highly organized and collaborative Manager, Artistic and Production Operations to oversee the administration of a variety of performers and personnel, including chorus, dancers, supernumeraries, child performers, studio teachers, and intimacy and fight directors. 

This position plays a key role in ensuring artists have what they need to do their best work—from contracts and schedules to payroll and day-to-day communications and logistics. This role partners closely with artistic and administrative teams to create a seamless and supportive experience for artists and other personnel at the heart of our work. 

Reporting to the Director, Artistic Operations, this role is primarily administrative and operations-focused, responsible for managing the systems, processes, and details that support artists and productions. Success in this position involves exceptional organizational and time management skills, skill in interpreting and applying collective bargaining agreements, and the ability to consistently produce high-quality, accurate, timely work. 

Strong candidates will be detail-driven, highly reliable, and people-centered, with a demonstrated ability to manage complex administrative workflows, solve problems proactively, and support artists in a fast-paced performing arts environment.  

This full-time position is based at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in downtown Los Angeles. LA Opera currently offers hybrid work flexibility, with the option to work remotely up to two days per week in many weeks. The role requires some evening and weekend hours in addition to regular office hours during production periods. 

The anticipated starting salary range is $74,000 to $83,000 annually. This position is eligible for LA Opera’s comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance; life and long-term disability coverage; a 403(b) retirement plan with employer match; cell phone stipend; Employee Assistance Program; subsidized parking or public transit reimbursement; and complimentary and discounted performance tickets. 

Keys areas of responsibility:

• Serve as the primary administrator for chorus, dancers, supernumeraries, child performers, studio teachers, intimacy directors, and fight directors  
• Oversee the full lifecycle of artist and employee engagement for relevant groups, including contracting, onboarding, scheduling, payroll, and ongoing communication and support  
• Support casting processes for ensemble performers, in collaboration with artistic leadership  
• Develop and manage budgets for relevant groups and ensure accurate, timely payroll  
• Maintain comprehensive and accurate records of artist activity, attendance, contracts, and production history  
• Act as a liaison with AGMA (the union representing choristers and dancers) and ensure compliance with collective bargaining agreements, California labor laws, and regulations related to child performers  
• Serve performance duty approximately once a month (i.e. be the artistic management point of contact during performances to help provide support and problem solve as needs arise with artists) 

Key Qualifications:

• Experience in performing arts production, stage management, or artist/production operations (opera or other music experience preferred)  
• Experience working in a union-represented environment preferred (familiarity with AGMA a plus)  
• Exceptional organizational and project management skills, with strong attention to detail and demonstrated record of timely and high-quality work 
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a collaborative and service-oriented mindset  
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (especially Excel and Outlook) and ability to quickly learn new systems  
• High emotional intelligence and discretion in handling sensitive or confidential information  
• Commitment to fostering a respectful and inclusive environment for artists and other colleagues 

To apply: 
Please apply here.  If you don’t meet all the criteria listed above but you believe you have what it takes to excel in this role, we encourage you to apply and tell us about yourself in your cover letter.  

About LA Opera: 
LA Opera (LAO) is a mission-driven, non-profit organization that plays a significant role in the cultural life of Southern California. Hundreds of LAO employees and artists help bring to life world-class opera that preserves, promotes, and advances the art form while embodying the diversity, pioneering spirit and artistic sensibility unique to Los Angeles. 

Our productions are experienced by more than 100,000 audience members each year at our home at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in downtown Los Angeles. We reach many more through our community and school programs and Off Grand performances in venues across Los Angeles. 

LA Opera is an equal opportunity employer, and we do not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any legally protected categories. Individuals of identities that are underrepresented in arts administration are especially encouraged to apply.