Manager of Artistic Operations

National Lutheran Choir

Job Description

Title: MANAGER OF ARTISTIC OPERATIONS

Salary range: $70,000 - $78,000

Reports to: Artistic Director

The National Lutheran Choir is an award-winning choral arts organization now in its 40th year with a mission to “celebrate, invigorate, and expand sacred choral music, bringing inspiration and meaning to people of diverse faiths and backgrounds.”  For more information visit www.nlca.com

Position Summary:  The National Lutheran Choir (NLC) seeks a Manager of Artistic Operations whose primary responsibility is to implement concerts, tours, recordings, and other projects for a world class performing arts organization.  A highly skilled administrator, the incumbent will manage budgeting, scheduling, contracting, licensing, and production of a 4-program, multi-concert subscription concert series; tours, auditions, and retreats for a 75-member choral ensemble; audio and visual recording initiatives and live streams; and other projects as they arise.  The position oversees the organization’s 1,000-title music library and provides ensemble management for the singing members.  The National Lutheran Choir is staffed by a small, highly collaborative team. The person in this position will work closely with the Artistic Director, Executive Director, and others.

Responsibilities:

Artistic Administration (60%)

• With the Artistic Director, develop, maintain, and communicate the artistic schedule for current and future seasons, including rehearsals, performances, tours, retreats, and recording sessions.
• Research and budget accurately for artistic activities, providing critical information for planning and execution; monitor costs and adapt as necessary to stay within budget.
• With Artistic Director and Executive Director, identify and plan choir tours. Take the lead on securing reservations for transportation, accommodations, and meals; develop detailed itineraries and schedules to coordinate travel, rehearsals, performances, meals, and downtime.
• Secure venues for artistic activities, contracting for the various spaces and services to support the artistic product (dressing rooms, warm-up spaces, green rooms, etc.) 
• Interface between the Artistic Director and venue technical staff to implement artistic vision (i.e., screens, lighting, spoken word audio, etc.) 
• Engage guest artists, audio engineers, video technicians, producers and others who collaborate with the ensemble; provide clear and ongoing communication with contractors, from first invitation to final payment.
• Schedule and oversee annual choir auditions and retreats; including securing spaces for these activities, communicating schedules, and providing hospitality for participants.
• Oversee the licensing, contracting and payment for the use of copyrighted text and music in NLC performances, print programs, live streams, and albums.
• Assist in assembling and proofing concert programs, liner notes, livestream titles before they are sent to graphic designers.
• Work with the Director of Education and Outreach and other staff to coordinate scheduling and implement consistent practices within the organization.

Ensemble Management (30%)

• Collect and execute the annual “covenant” with volunteer singers that records approved absences and conflicts.
• Issue seasonal contracts for section leaders, assistant conductor, and collaborative pianist.
• Develop and disseminate the roster of choir members known as “the Compendium” and ensure that internal systems (Gmail distribution lists, internal CRM, have up-to-date information).

• Take and maintain weekly singer attendance records. 

• Provide regular communication with singers by monitoring and updating the singer website portal; produce the weekly Tuning Fork e-News; manage announcements during rehearsals; use periodic text messages to convey time sensitive information 

• Support the singer volunteers in  the maintenance and distribution of wardrobe items; ensure wardrobe inventory is maintained at appropriate levels and order new wardrobe items as needed.

Music Library Oversight (10%)

• Purchase and catalog new music. 
• Distribute and collect music to/from all singers. 
• Maintain library database and monitor loans and returns of choral scores.
• Ensure physical library space is orderly and scores are shelved and re-shelved in a timely fashion.
• Engage choir members and other volunteers to assist with library tasks.

Skills, Abilities and Qualifications

• Degree or advanced degree in music, arts administration, or the performing arts desired, with special consideration given to those with sacred choral music knowledge and experience.
• Highly detail-oriented work style with a commitment to accuracy; project management experience a plus.
• Capacity to manage multiple projects and translate emerging ideas in real outcomes.
• Professional, engaging, and diplomatic demeanor; strong people skills.
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team.
• Attendance at local concerts and travel when the Choir is on tour are required. 

To apply: Please submit a cover letter and resume detailing your relevant experience to [email protected]

Applications will be reviewed starting March 15, 2026.  

The National Lutheran Choir is a hybrid work environment.  Medical benefits and 403(b) available.