Job Listing

San Francisco Opera

Music Planning Associate & Opera Librarian

Company: San Francisco Opera

Company Location: San Francisco, CA

Job Location: On Site/In Person

Job Type: Full Time

Date Posted: June 5, 2026

Network(s): Artistic Administration; Other

DESCRIPTION

PURPOSE: To operate and maintain the San Francisco Opera Music Library for the use and support of the company; to provide accurate production materials including scores, libretti, audio/visual resources, and source materials; to assist Music Planning Manager with supertitle operations, cuts, editions, and with any other means of support as needed.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Under direction of the Music Planning Manager, assist with research pertaining to cuts, editions, and banda, as well as other music administration projects as needed.
Under direction of the Music Planning Manager, create supertitle scripts and cueing scores.
Undertake detailed score preparation and editing projects for company use.
Coordinate Company keyboard needs.
Oversee, maintain, and administer a growing music library collection, both physical and digital, including piano/vocal scores, art song collections, vocal excerpts, reference and research books, audio/visual materials, and supertitle scripts and cueing scores.
Acquire, create, distribute, and track production materials for the company, including audio/visual materials, scores, and libretti of current and upcoming productions.
Maintain a digital/online catalogue of all above-mentioned materials for use of the company.
Work with Archives Department to maintain archival audio/video collection of SFO performances and rehearsals.
Maintain stock of music-related office supplies such as score-quality paper and binding materials.
Make audio/visual materials, including AppleTV units, available for artists and staff.
Maintain library materials of all descriptions; repair and bind materials, re-file them each day; keep inventory.
Assist company members and visiting artists in locating requested materials. Track materials taken out of the library.
Work with Archives Department to continue digitizing SFO CDs, DVDs, study vocal scores, and library catalogue; including reel-to-reel, BETA, cassette and DAT audio recordings; libretti; word-for-word translations and other reference materials.
Assist other departments with selection of musical clips.
Serve as Supertitle Caller for up to 4 productions per year, for an additional per-service fee.

SECONDARY FUNCTIONS:

Handle calls and visits from staff and general public.
Initiate and maintain professional relationships with other libraries and librarians for purposes of lending, borrowing and interlibrary loan agreements.
Perform other work-related duties as assigned.

EDUCATION:

Bachelor’s degree in music highly preferred, Master’s desirable, or other applicable work experience.

EXPERIENCE:

Minimum of three (3) years professional experience in the classical music field.

PREREQUISITE SKILLS & REQUIREMENTS:

Extensive knowledge of operatic literature essential.
Meticulous attention to detail and accuracy in daily work.
Basic working knowledge of Italian, French, and German (other languages and fluency desirable).
Ability to read music with a base knowledge of music theory.
Working familiarity with library-related and music fields desirable.
Knowledge of or ability to learn Sibelius music writing program for transposition requirements.
Ability to utilize electric binder.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
Ability to work independently; prioritize tasks; and exercise good judgment and initiative.
Ability to manage multiple, competing priorities successfully.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, rapidly changing environment.
Outstanding interpersonal skills including the ability to interact with all staff in a professional, confidential and tactful manner.
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
Must perform the functions of the position in a safe manner.