Careers at Opera San Jose
Open Positions
Opera San José is an opera company located in the heart of Silicon Valley. Maintaining a resident company of artists, OSJ presents four mainstage productions annually in San Jose’s historic California Theatre, while regularly broadcasting fully-produced productions from its state-of-the-art Heiman Digital Media Studio. Entering its 40th season, OSJ specializes in role debuts, serving as an artistic incubator for established and emerging artists alike, producing world-class operatic performances for diverse audiences throughout the Bay Area and around the globe.
Operations Associate
Development Operations & Annual Giving Manager
Development Operations & Annual Giving Manager
Development Operations & Annual Giving Manager
About the Opportunity
Are you an independent, detail-oriented team player with the ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and partners? Do you want to inspire real, meaningful change within the Bay via the world of performing arts? Join Opera San José’s Development team, where you will play a vital role in ensuring that Opera San José raises over $3 million annually.
About the Organization
Now entering its 41st season, Opera San José is one of the leading cultural institutions in Silicon Valley. It is distinctive in maintaining a Resident Company of artists, with onsite Scenic and Costume shops, two apartment complexes for artist housing, and a local scenic warehouse. With a $5.5M budget, Opera San José’s mission and commitment is to incubate talent and innovation across the field.
Position Overview
The Development Operations & Annual Giving Manager provides critical tactical and strategic support to the entire development team, primarily focusing on gift and data management operations, reporting, donor stewardship and interdepartmental communications. You will provide specific support to the Director of Development while maintaining the development communications calendar in collaboration with our OSJ’s marketing team. This position creates annual giving strategy that integrates into OSJ’s development goals and crafts stewardship plans to retain donors. You will serve as a critical partner on the events team, assisting with invitations, registration, on-site execution, and reporting. Ultimately, this position plays a vital role in nearly every facet of the team, providing the unique ability to create incredible impact across the organization.
Team Overview
While reporting to and partnering closely with the DoD, you will also collaborate closely with the Major Gifts Officer to inspire success. You will join a passionate, experienced team driving incredible results with tangible impact. Together, this team inspires more than $3 million in annual contributed income from thousands of individual and institutional partners. Celebrating dual passions for the performing arts and an exceptional experience for OSJ constituents, this team elevates the OSJ brand by empowering philanthropic investment from community partners, thereby ensuring transformational impact for and by Silicon Valley.
Key Responsibilities
Annual Fund campaign management, stewardship & strategy: -50%
- Oversee the management of our Annual Fund giving campaigns, focusing on donations under $5,000, utilizing integrated strategies such as direct mail, email, and appeals tied to subscriptions/tickets.
- Collaborate closely with the Director of Development to devise effective Annual Fund fundraising strategies to enhance donor acquisition and retention, foster deeper donor engagement, and expand our base of individual donor support.
- Formulate and execute an annual cultivation and communications plan for Annual Fund donors, leveraging data insights and storytelling techniques to enhance donor relationships.
- Craft compelling content for Annual Fund collateral, solicitation letters, email appeals, acknowledgment letters, and digital platforms (including email, website, and social media).
- Manage the production of the annual Fund printed and digital materials for both mail and online campaigns, liaising with graphic design teams and external vendors as necessary.
- Utilize data analytics to pinpoint target audience segments for fundraising appeals, ensuring a targeted and effective approach.
- Foster collaboration with various departments, including marketing, front of house, box office, and artistic teams, to ensure a cohesive and patron-centered approach to communication, solicitation efforts, and patron interactions. Insure individual donor benefits fulfillment, including accurate recognition.
- Increase touchpoints and engagement opportunities for Annual Fund donors, particularly $500-2,499 donors.
Manage Data Tracking and Reporting -30%
- Serve as the Tessitura Power User and expert for the Development department
- Generate multiple reporting channels, serving as a data expert for the team:
- Weekly reports, utilized in partnership with the DoD to maintain accurate projections
- Acknowledgment reports for letters requiring merges and printing on a weekly basis.
- Donor research reports for frontline fundraisers using internet resources as well as Tessitura
- Establish campaigns in Tess for appropriate fiscal years and ensure all campaigns are linked to the correct general ledger accounts
- Build and maintain all appeals in Tess, including all events with proper promotions and source codes
- Manages donor listings for all mainstage programs.
Events- 10%
- Participate at all signature events and assist at donor/volunteer events as needed.
- Assist with Donor Lounge logistics and management.
- Attend multiple on-site events both in the evenings and on weekends as necessary
- Provide on-site support with check-in, necessary reports, and logistic support
- Assist with event reconciliation, RSVP, and preparation
- Oversee the promotion (mail, email, and onsite) and registration for the donor travel program
Prospect Research- 10%
- Conduct thorough research to identify and qualify potential individual and legacy donors. Assist with grant strategy for foundations and support corporate outreach.
Preferred Experience & Skills
- BA Degree and 3+ years experience, or at least 5 years prior experience working in the non-profit sector
- Working knowledge and use of CRM database systems
- Strong customer service experience
- Exceptional attention to detail and follow-through
- Demonstrated ability to problem solve and manage multiple tasks simultaneously
- Outstanding verbal and written communication skills
- Demonstrated success working collaboratively and cooperatively with others as part
of a team - Maintain confidentiality
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Applications
Compensation
Opera San José offers competitive wages for its industry and location. This position is classified as full-time exempt with a salary range of $75,000 to $85,000, depending on expertise and experience. This position is eligible for company benefits, including 15 days of vacation, generous sick and holiday time, 403b savings with a 3% match, employer-sponsored health plans with a shared premium, and pre-tax flexible spending accounts. Professional development opportunities are available and encouraged for all employees. Benefits may change from time to time as Management determines
Work Location & Schedule
This position has the flexibility to work a hybrid schedule with work being done both remotely and on-site at Opera San José’s offices at 2149 Paragon Drive, San Jose, CA, and on performance days, at the California Theatre Box Office at 345 S 1st Street, San Jose CA. Regular business hours are Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm with evening and weekend work during seasonal high-volume periods. There are 24 performances annually, which are evenings or weekend matinees. Travel around the Bay Area for additional donor events will also be expected. The ideal candidate for this role must live or be willing to live in the San Jose/Bay Area.
Company Culture
Opera San José, in desiring a more equitable world, is committed to fostering equity in our art form. Opera in the twenty-first century can and should demonstrate today’s values of equity and inclusion. We believe in building, fostering and sustaining a company that reflects, celebrates and serves the diverse communities of the Bay Area. Opera San José cultivates a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork and respect among all employees. We are firmly committed to maintaining a work atmosphere in which people of diverse backgrounds may grow personally and professionally.
Opera San José is an equal opportunity employer. It is our strong belief that equal opportunity for all employees is central to the continuing success of our organization. We will not discriminate against an employee or applicant for employment because of race, religion, gender, national origin, ethnicity, age, physical disabilities, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, or veteran status in hiring, promoting, training, benefits, recommendations, rate of pay or other forms of compensation. Opportunity is provided to all employees based on qualifications and job requirements.
To Apply:
Please visit submit your cover letter and resume. If you have questions about the position feel free to email careers@operasj.org.
Operations Associate
About the Opportunity
Are you an independent, detail-oriented team player with excellent customer service skills? Do you want to inspire real, meaningful change within the Bay via the world of performing arts? Join Opera San José’s team, where you will play a vital role in ensuring that Opera San José raises over $3 million annually.
About the Organization
Now entering its 41st season, Opera San José is one of the leading cultural institutions in Silicon Valley. It is distinctive in maintaining a Resident Company of artists, with onsite Scenic and Costume shops, two apartment complexes for artist housing, and a local scenic warehouse. With a $5.5M budget, Opera San José’s mission and commitment is to incubate talent and innovation across the field.
Position Overview
Opera San José is in search of a proactive and detail-oriented Operations Associate to join our team, responsible for supporting various facets of our organization. Primarily focused on Development Support (50%), this role involves managing gift coding, entry, and acknowledgments, alongside assisting in audits and providing essential event support. Additionally, the Associate will dedicate time to Patron Services (15%), Executive and Board Support (15%), and Office Management/Administrative Support (20%), covering tasks ranging from VIP ticketing services to board meeting logistics and office supply management. This multifaceted position requires strong organizational skills, a commitment to excellence, and the ability to thrive in a dynamic environment where attention to detail is paramount.
Key Responsibilities
Development Support- 50%
- Manage accurate coding, entry, and acknowledgment process for all gifts (outright, stock, DAF, GIK, etc.) and event contributions/ticket sales.
- Manage data entry and maintenance for the development department (constituent research, contact information, plan steps) and leverage our database in service of overall departmental goals
- Assist the Finance Department with annual audit, finding various batches and pledge letters for auditors
- Prepares letters and corresponding envelopes weekly and oversees volunteers to process to mail
- Participate at all signature events and assist at donor/volunteer events as needed.
- Attend multiple on-site events both in the evenings and on weekends as necessary
- Provide on-site support with check-in, necessary reports, and logistic support
- Assist with event reconciliation, RSVP, and preparation ensuring all auction and event sales are entered into Tessitura, track and process event RSVPs, and maintain, update, and produce guest lists.
Patron Services- 15%
- Support the Patron Services Team during high volume times, including but not limited to performance days, the weeks leading up to opening and subscription renewal season.
- Manage VIP ticketing services for major donors and institutional funders, including:
- ticket exchanges and house seat procurement
- subscription ticketing requests, documenting upgrade/change requests in Tessitura, and partnering with the box office to fulfill requests
Executive and Board Support- 15%
- Help schedule and send invites for meetings of the full Board of Directors and various Board Committee meetings.
- Coordinate Board meeting logistics, including venue, setup, and equipment needs.
- Serve as point of contact for Board members on logistical matters.
- Maintain board files and materials, including meeting minutes, rosters and annual conflict of interest forms
Office Management and Administrative Support -20%
- Maintain Operations Manager manual with bi-annual updates, documenting policies and procedures
- Collect mail and distribute to staff; send office mail.
- Keep administrative, development, and communications files organized and up to date.
- Maintain office supplies and equipment, working with appropriate vendors.
- Other Duties as assigned
Preferred Experience & Skills
- BA Degree, or at least 2 years prior relevant work experience
- Strong customer service experience
- Exceptional attention to detail and follow-through
- Demonstrated ability to problem solve and manage multiple tasks simultaneously
- Outstanding verbal and written communication skills
- Demonstrated success working collaboratively and cooperatively with others as part
of a team - Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Applications
Compensation
Opera San José offers competitive wages for its industry and location. This position is classified as full-time non-exempt with a range of $23-$30 per hour, depending on expertise and experience. This position is eligible for company benefits, including 15 days of vacation, generous sick and holiday time, 403b savings with a 3% match, employer-sponsored health plans with a shared premium, and pre-tax flexible spending accounts. Professional development opportunities are available and encouraged for all employees. Benefits may change from time to time as Management determines
Work Location & Schedule
This position has some flexibility to work a hybrid schedule with work being done both remotely and on-site at Opera San José’s offices at 2149 Paragon Drive, San Jose, CA, and on performance days, at the California Theatre Box Office at 345 S 1st Street, San Jose CA. Regular business hours are Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm with evening and weekend work during seasonal high-volume periods. There are 24 performances annually, which are evenings or weekend matinees. Travel around the Bay Area for additional donor events will also be expected. The ideal candidate for this role must live or be willing to live in the San Jose/Bay Area.
Company Culture
Opera San José, in desiring a more equitable world, is committed to fostering equity in our art form. Opera in the twenty-first century can and should demonstrate today’s values of equity and inclusion. We believe in building, fostering and sustaining a company that reflects, celebrates and serves the diverse communities of the Bay Area. Opera San José cultivates a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork and respect among all employees. We are firmly committed to maintaining a work atmosphere in which people of diverse backgrounds may grow personally and professionally.
Opera San José is an equal opportunity employer. It is our strong belief that equal opportunity for all employees is central to the continuing success of our organization. We will not discriminate against an employee or applicant for employment because of race, religion, gender, national origin, ethnicity, age, physical disabilities, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, or veteran status in hiring, promoting, training, benefits, recommendations, rate of pay or other forms of compensation. Opportunity is provided to all employees based on qualifications and job requirements.
To Apply:
Please submit your cover letter and resume. If you have questions about the position feel free to email careers@operasj.org.
Master Carpenter
Reporting to the Technical Director, the Master Carpenter is a member of the theatrical scenery production team. This position works closely with the Scene Shop Supervisor and other craftspeople.
Now entering its 39th season, Opera San José is one of the leading cultural institutions in Silicon Valley and is distinctive in maintaining a Resident Company of artists, with onsite Scenic and Costume shops, as well as a local scenic warehouse. With a $6M budget, Opera San José’s mission and commitment is to incubate talent and innovation across the field.
Responsibilities
- In coordination with the Technical Director and Scene Shop Supervisor, construct scenery per design specifications
- Ensure scenery meets all safety and mobility standards
- Provide hands-on advanced carpentry skills, and from time to time supervise crews of carpenters
- Construct special projects for outside customers
- Assist during load-ins and load-outs
Ideal Skills & Experience Sought
- 3+ years experience as Carpenter or 1+ year experience as Master Carpenter of a 5+million scenery construction company
- Experience effectively leading multiple IATSE crews of up to 16 people in total
- Knowledge of current OSHA & Cal-OSHA standards and a strong proclivity for shop safety
- Ability to train inexperienced crew on proper/safe tool use of all shop tools
- Good organizational skills and multi-step task retention
- Basic knowledge of electrical and shop tool repair
- Eye for detail
- Adept at troubleshooting and providing solutions
- Positive attitude and ability to fit well into the current production team
- Experience assisting the charge painter with simple painting when absolutely necessary
- Desire and experience traveling to manage scenery installations and removals of set rental and contract projects
Minimum Requirements for Consideration
- 2 years of technical theater college or professional theater construction experience
- Ability to lead a crew of 4 or more
- Valid driver’s license and driving record which passes insurance company check of DMV records.
- Ability to drive a 26’ box truck
- Read and build from design and technical drawings
- Able to collaborate and effectively communicate with colleagues
- Safely use standard carpentry tools: table saw, miter saw, jig saw, grinder, sander, etc.
- MIG welding experience
- Self-motivated
- Scenery load-in and load-out experience inside a theater
- Forklift operation
- Comfortable on a 16’ ladder or 32’ personnel lift such as a Genie lift
Compensation
Opera San José offers competitive wages for its industry and location. This position is classified as full-time non-exempt with an hourly wage range of $30.00 to $32.50 depending on expertise and experience. This position would be eligible for company benefits, which currently include paid time off, medical/dental/vision insurance plans, flexible spending accounts for medical costs and dependent care, and a pre-tax savings program. Benefits may change from time to time as Management determines.
Work Location & Schedule
Work is required primarily on-site in order to interface with team members and artists. The principal work location is Opera San José’s Scene Shop at 2245 Paragon Drive, San Jose CA, and the California Theatre in downtown San Jose when in production. Regular business hours are Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm with evening and weekend work during in-theater load-ins, tech rehearsals, and performances. The ideal candidate for this role must live or be willing to live in the San Jose Bay Area.
Physical Expectations
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In order to ensure a healthy and safe work environment, Opera San José is requiring all employees to be fully vaccinated, including subsequent boosters, and provide proof of their COVID-19 vaccine status before their start date. Employees who cannot receive the vaccine because of a disability/medical condition or sincerely held religious belief may request an exemption to this requirement.
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Ability to lift 50 pounds safely.
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Ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time.
Company Culture
Opera San José, in desiring a more equitable world, is committed to fostering equity in our art form. Opera in the twenty-first century can and should demonstrate today’s values of equity and inclusion. We believe in building, fostering and sustaining a company that reflects, celebrates, and serves the diverse communities of the Bay Area. Opera San José cultivates a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork and respect among all employees. We are firmly committed to maintaining a work atmosphere in which people of diverse backgrounds may grow personally and professionally.
Opera San José is an equal opportunity employer. It is our strong belief that equal opportunity for all employees is central to the continuing success of our organization. We will not discriminate against an employee or applicant for employment because of race, religion, gender, national origin, ethnicity, age, physical disabilities, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, or veteran status in hiring, promoting, training, benefits, recommendations, rate of pay or other forms of compensation. Opportunity is provided to all employees based on qualifications and job requirements.
To Apply
Interested applicants should submit a resume to careers@operasj.org. Please include “Master Carpenter” in the subject line of your email.
Technical Director
Reports to:Managing Director of Artistic & Production
Status: Exempt, Full Time, Regular
Supervises: Assistant Technical Director, IATSE Stage and Carpentry crews, Scenic Artist, Scene Shop Supervisor, Props Master Contract Hires (such as Master Electrician)
Works With: Costume Director, Production Manager, Artistic & Music Ops Manager
Job Summary:
The Technical Director is responsible for the professional execution of all technical production issues. This entails, as appropriate, technical direction of all production elements and the day-to- day management of stage labor and crews.
Representative Examples of Work Performed:
Accomplish the objectives of Opera San José
- Support the Company’s mission to make OSJ indispensable to the public through transformational opera experiences and broad service which captures the hearts and minds of our communities.
- Strive to create a culture that emphasizes quality, continuous improvement, and high performance.
Technical Director
- Functions as Technical Director for all OSJ programming.
- Supervises the IATSE carpentry crew building new productions and/or elements for events and supervises IATSE stage crew installing and running OSJ programming. This includes drafting build plans as necessary.
- Attends all onstage rehearsals and note sessions. Compiles work notes for onstage work sessions. Covers all onstage performances with Managing Director of Artistic & Production.
- Works with other departments to coordinate technical requirements for events in the Heiman Digital Studio and other venues.
- As needed, conducts searches for appropriate rental scenery for OSJ productions with Managing Director of Artistic & Production and examines rental possibilities for practicality of space and crew requirements.
- Manages the relationship with IATSE personnel and advises in the negotiation of the union agreement.
- Drafts ground plans & sections into Vectorworks or AutoCAD for designers and stage management to use.
- Maintains current Ground plans for OSJ rental productions.
- Coordinates trucking for all rentals (including scenery, costumes, lighting and video).
- Ensures a clean, healthy, and safe scene shop, including overseeing the repair and maintenance of scene shop tools and equipment, to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations.
- Responsibility for safety of all audience, cast, and crews throughout all phases of scenery construction, installation, and use.
- Solicits and executes build-for-hire projects.
Scheduling and Budgeting
- In coordination with the Production Manager, creates onstage crew schedules for OSJ productions.
- Assists Managing Director of Artistic & Production in establishing technical budgets for OSJ productions.
- Creates cost estimates for new and/or adapted productions.
- Executes IATSE crew and painter payroll.
Facilities Management
- Manage the process of building maintenance and improvements between vendors and staff.
- Works with CFO regarding the budget and usage of resources for the Facilities.
- Prepares the Facilities for outside rentals.
Community Engagement Activities
- May be called upon to represent OSJ to the auxiliary groups and the general public on technical and design issues as needed.
- Conducts facility tours and participates in media interviews as requested by the marketing and development departments.
Management retains the option to change or add to the duties of the position at any time.
Working Conditions: The work is a mixture of sedentary (sitting at a desk using a computer, phone, and other office equipment) and physical natures (in the theatre, standing for work days of 10 to 12 and sometimes up to 16 hours). Work will require attendance at performances and other Company events. While much of the work occurs in relation to a long-term plan, will be required to be flexible to changing priorities and additional projects that can require extended hours. Employee must have the skills necessary to manage multiple deadlines.
Performance Measures:
The following are key items that will be utilized to evaluate performance of the work:
- Both public and critical (local, national, international) response to a production.
- Achievement of the goals of adhering to department budget and the artistic aspirations of the Company.
- The maintenance of technical staff to meet the technical demands of OSJ’s artistic goals.
- The ability to function as a productive member of the full time OSJ staff.
Personal Characteristics
- A mission-driven individual with a belief in and commitment to Opera San Jose’s mission, artistic vision and values.
- A good listener and strategist; comfortable receiving input from many sources, and able to analyze and formulate disparate information into a sound, well-organized plan.
- A forward-thinker, able to anticipate possible outcomes, needs or conflicts, and strategize solutions
- A flexible and creative individual who can find alternative ways to reach objectives when barriers arise
- A team builder – confident and competent, with strong skills in management and leadership; one who understands the subtleties of motivating and directing a diverse group of personalities with different work styles.
Minimum Qualifications
- MA or MFA in technical theatre/design
- Three to five years of experience in a professional performing arts company
- Ability to collaborate with staff, professional colleagues, and supporters.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (including; Word, Excel, Outlook, and Power Point) and either AutoCAD or VectorWorks or similar drafting software.
- Must have the ability to lift 50 pounds.
- Valid Driver’s License.
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