Careers at Opera San Jose

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.

Patron Services Assistant

Opera San José is seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Patron Services Assistant to join our team. This part-time role involves working approximately 10 hours a week, 2 days a week, with additional hours during performances. The primary responsibilities include working in the box office and providing exceptional support to our patrons. This role is essential to ensuring a positive and seamless experience for all who attend our performances and events.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist with box office operations, including ticket sales, exchanges, and will-call.
• Provide excellent customer service to patrons via phone, email, and in-person.
• Support patrons with inquiries about performances, seating, and accessibility options.
• Process ticket orders, subscriptions, and donations using box office software.
• Handle cash, checks, and credit card transactions accurately and securely.
• Resolve patron issues or concerns promptly and professionally.
• Assist with the preparation and distribution of tickets and other materials for performances and events.
• Maintain accurate records of sales, transactions, and patron interactions.
• Support the Box Office Manager with administrative tasks as needed.
• Work additional hours during performances, including evenings and weekends.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent; some college coursework preferred.
• Previous experience in customer service, retail, or a similar role.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with computers and familiarity with box office or ticketing software is a plus.
• Attention to detail and excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to handle cash and financial transactions accurately.
• A passion for the arts and a commitment to providing outstanding service to patrons.

Working Conditions:

• This position requires working in the administrative office and at performance venues.
• Must be able to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, especially during performances. For a list of performance dates please visit https://www.operasj.org/events

Compensation

This part-time position is classified as non-exempt and will be paid $20/ hour. 

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 complete submit your resume at operaj.org/careers