General & Artistic Director
DESCRIPTION
THE COMPANY: Shreveport Opera is seventy-five years old, and the only professional opera company in northwest Louisiana. It is a small, but important opera company for the region. It boasts a long history of producing wonderful mainstage operas, a 24 year full- season residency program, and is continually recognized as a company who endeavors to provide leading roles for its resident artists. It is also known for being among a handful of opera companies that operates with no debt in the last 15 years. We are a company that takes great pride in all that we do to make Northwest Louisiana a better place to live. Shreveport Opera owns, and manages a residence in Shreveport specifically dedicated to the housing of their Resident Artists.
BASIC FUNCTION: The General & Artistic Director is responsible for the leadership and execution of all production/artistic, administrative, development, marketing, and public relations activities of Shreveport Opera. The execution of these various activities shall be the responsibility of the General & Artistic Director by achieving personally, or delegating these key activities to a small but dedicated administrative team.
REPORTS DIRECTLY TO: The President of Shreveport Opera Board
POSITION REQUIREMENTS: The current General Director will be departing in September of 2025, the candidate accepting the position will act as the Executive director for one season, the most important quality of the candidate for this position is a passion to succeed in a leadership position with Shreveport Opera. This is a position where the right candidate will be hands on, and wear many hats. They should also have a finger on the pulse of the younger generation of the arts community, with an understanding of the social and artistic needs of the younger community at large. The candidate should be artistically adventurous, while understanding the importance of financial limitations facing the opera world in general. They should be equally understanding of the older generation, and their needs as it pertains to the opera company that they have supported for many, many years. Responsibilities include; artistic/production, administration, finance, development, marketing, and Board relations; Oversee and manage the maintenance of the residence where the resident artists live. Leadership experience with either a regionally or nationally recognized opera company is preferred. A proven track record as an effective manager and leader; a personable and charismatic communicator who is able to present complex issues in straightforward and compelling ways. Must possess the outward and inward charm, as well as intellectual capacity to motivate and retain the interest of Board members, volunteers, and community and corporate leaders.
SUPERVISORY SKILLS: Must possess the ability to work and motivate effectively with a small but dedicated team in order to achieve excellence within Shreveport Opera. Will have both direct and indirect supervisory responsibilities for the small, but dedicated staff. Will have the authority to hire, evaluate performance, discipline, and discharge staff members, as well as enforce human resource policies.
EXTERNAL CONTACTS: With the Board, will be responsible for initiating, developing, and maintaining community relationships with civic leaders, government officials, corporate leaders, and community volunteers across the Ark-LA- TEX. Will also have the responsibility for being proactive in communicating with the officers and Board members of Shreveport Opera.
CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION: Will have complete access to all records pertaining to the operations activities of Shreveport Opera, including financial, Board lists, development records, fundraising/solicitation, and strategic plans of Shreveport Opera.
KEY ACTIVITIES:
Administrative
1. Will have the responsibility for the execution of all budgeting/financial matters through other staff members and/or at the direction of the Board.
2. Will have the responsibility for the execution of administrative, development, marketing and special events matters in coordination with other staff members.
Artistic
3. Will have the responsibility for the execution of all artistic/production matters relating to all productions and events of Shreveport Opera. The implementation of artistic/production matters will be a direct responsibility of the General & Artistic Director. All hiring of performers, crew, orchestra and the production team is the responsibility of the General & Artistic Director, as well as obtaining props, renting costumes, securing orchestra parts, scenic elements, and other artistic duties as deemed necessary.
Resident Artist Program:
Shreveport Opera Xpress (SOX), our artist in residence program, is the core of Shreveport Opera in the community. The General & Artistic Director is responsible for auditioning, contracting, retaining, managing, rehearsing and preparing our resident artists for any and all performances they will be engaged in while in Shreveport. He/She/They are also responsible for the acquisition or creation of all in-school operas and concerts.
General
4. Will work closely with key executives of other local and regional arts groups in order to collaborate and coordinate activities and future plans.
5. Will strive to promote Shreveport Opera in the greater opera community both regionally, and nationally.
6. Manage the maintenance and safety needs for the Artists in Residence House. Ensuring a safe and well maintained home for our Resident Artists.
7. Will strive to promote and develop a new young & diverse patron base through innovative opera-related activities and productions.
8. Continue to build collaborations with Centenary College & Bossier Parish Community College.
9. Other duties as deemed necessary.
To apply: Send resume to: HR@shreveportopera.org
SALARY RANGE: 50000 - 70000
Desired Start Date: August 1, 2024
BENEFITS
Pay Range: $50,000 - $70,000 Annual
Health Insurance, Simple IRA, Generous PTO
HOW TO APPLY
Please submit resume to HR@shreveportopera.org
If applicant is attending the Opera America conference, interviews can be scheduled June 4- June 6, 2024 in Los Angeles.
Application Email/Link: HR@shreveportopera.org
JOB CONTACT
saiken@shreveportopera.org