Director of Artistic Administration
DESCRIPTION
The Director of Artistic Administration leads the Artistic Administration department and is responsible for long-range artistic planning and overall departmental strategy to ensure that artistic planning is achievable, financially responsible, and well-communicated across our organization.
This role also oversees the Hart Institute for Women Conductors and vocal competitions, ensuring that these programs are aligned with the company’s artistic goals, properly resourced, and executed at a high institutional standard.
This position is an annual, full-time exempt position and works closely with the General Director and CEO, Music Director, Chorus Director and Head of Music, Artistic Administrator, Company Manager, Director of Production, as well as additional external and internal stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities:
Artistic Planning & Season Execution
Manage the season planning calendar across multiple years, coordinating repertoire, casting, conductor, and director decisions with the General Director and Music Director
Maintain long-range casting grids and availability tracking for principal artists, conductors, directors, and creative teams
Support the General Director in co-production planning with partner houses, including scheduling alignment, artistic personnel coordination, and partner communications
Oversee scheduling of rehearsals, coachings, and music calls in coordination with the Director of Production, the Music Department, and union requirements
Artist Contracting & Casting Administration
Negotiate, draft, and administer all principal artist, conductor, director, designer (artistic), and creative team agreements within approved budget parameters
Manage relationships with artist managers and agencies; serve as TDO’s primary administrative point of contact for the international artist community
Administer AGMA compliance for principal artists, chorus, and dancers as applicable; maintain working knowledge of all relevant collective bargaining agreements.
Track engagement budgets, fee benchmarking, and currency/tax considerations for international artists
Company Management
Oversee the Company Management functions: artist travel, housing, ground transportation, hospitality, per diems, visas and work authorization (O-1 petitions), and artist services
Set the standard for artist experience at TDO, ensuring the company’s reputation as a destination house where world-class artists want to return
Manage the Company Management budget and vendor relationships
Budget & Administration
Build and manage the Artistic department budget, including artist fees, artistic programs, company management costs, and provide regular forecasting to the Accounting and Finance team and General Director and CEO
Identify cost efficiencies through scheduling, casting strategy, and co-production structures without compromising artistic quality
Maintain artistic databases, contract management systems, and institutional records
Leadership & Collaboration
Lead, develop, and mentor the Artistic Administration and Company Management teams; foster a culture of discretion, hospitality, and precision
Maintain a close, dotted-line working partnership with the Music Department (Chorus Director & Head of Music Staff and their team) to align casting, scheduling, music staffing, and rehearsal planning across the artistic enterprise
Serve as a key liaison between Artistic and Production, Marketing/Communications (artist availability for press, events, donor engagements), and Development (artist participation in cultivation activities)
Represent the Artistic department in cross-departmental planning, including the Hart Institute for Women Conductors and education/community programming as needed
As The Dallas Opera grows, so may this role. Other duties may be assigned.
Qualifications:
7+ years of progressive experience in artistic administration at a professional opera company or comparable performing arts institution
Demonstrated expertise in artist contracting and negotiation, including familiarity with AGMA and AFM agreements and international artist engagement
Deep knowledge of operatic repertoire, voice types, and the international artist landscape
Demonstrated experience managing complex multimillion-dollar budgets, balancing artistic and financial priorities
Exceptional organizational rigor, discretion, and judgment; comfort managing confidential negotiations and sensitive artist relationships
Strong leadership skills with experience managing teams across multiple functions
Fluency in additional languages (Spanish, German, Italian, or French) a plus, reflecting TDO’s international partnerships
Desired Start Date: August 31, 2026
BENEFITS
Pay Range: $90,000 - $110,000 Annual
Comprehensive benefits package designed to support the well-being and long-term success of our employees including medical, dental, and vision insurance, paid parental leave, dedicated PTO and sick leave, 403b retirement savings plan with employer matching, complimentary tickets to performances, and personalized professional development opportunities.
HOW TO APPLY
See yourself at the opera! The Dallas Opera values diversity in the workplace and is committed to creating an equitable and inclusive work environment where employees are treated with dignity and respect.
To apply, please send a cover letter and résumé to recruitment@dallasopera.org, using the subject line “Director of Artistic Administration.” Please send Word or PDF file only. No phone calls, please.
Application Deadline: August 25, 2026
Application Email/Link: recruitment@dallasopera.org
JOB CONTACT
Sara Newman, Human Resources Administrator