Artistic Operations Manager

About the Choral Arts Society of Washington

The Choral Arts Society of Washington (Choral Arts) is a Grammy Award–winning symphonic chorus dedicated to reawakening the human capacity for awe through the power of choral music. Founded in 1965 and now led by Artistic Director Marie Bucoy-Calavan, Choral Arts is celebrated for its world-class sound, cultural diplomacy, and community-building both at home and abroad.

Based in Washington, DC, the 130-voice Symphonic Chorus regularly performs with the National Symphony Orchestra, including the annual PBS broadcast of A Capitol Fourth, and has appeared with leading ensembles such as the Los Angeles Philharmonic, London Symphony Orchestra, and The Philadelphia Orchestra. Through international tours, embassy partnerships, and collaborations with composers, musicians, and cultural institutions worldwide, Choral Arts continues to unite audiences and transcend boundaries with the transformative power of the human voice.

Position Summary

Choral Arts seeks a highly detail-oriented and organized Artistic Operations Manager to join our dedicated team. This trusted artistic and production partner will collaborate closely with the Artistic Director, Chorus Manager, administrative staff, and key partners across the region to produce Choral Arts’ annual performance season, including rehearsals, performances, and events. The ideal candidate is a creative, detail-focused, and highly organized professional with proven success in producing large-scale classical performances, preferably with experience working with symphonic choruses.

The Artistic Operations Manager plays a crucial role in the smooth execution of artistic projects and productions within our organization, aligning with Choral Arts’ mission and objectives. Responsible for a wide range of tasks, from managing logistics to facilitating collaborations, ensuring that our performances run efficiently and without issues. This is an exciting chance to make a direct impact on one of Washington, DC’s leading choral organizations.

Key Responsibilities:

Artistic Operations & Production Management

• Serve as lead production manager for all performances, rehearsals, tours, recordings, commissions, and special artistic projects.
• Collaborate with the Artistic Director to develop and maintain rehearsal, production, and performance schedules aligned with artistic vision and organizational goals.
• Run and facilitate production meetings to coordinate logistics, communicate expectations, and proactively resolve challenges.
• Prepare detailed stage plots, lighting schematics, and technical documentation to ensure efficient and effective use of performance spaces.
• Execute backstage and production cues during rehearsals and performances to ensure seamless transitions and adherence to artistic direction.

Stage Management & Logistics

• Oversee all aspects of stage management, including personnel coordination, performer placement, movement, and technical execution.
• Coordinate rehearsal and performance logistics in collaboration with the Artistic Director and Chorus Manager to ensure adequate coverage and smooth operations.
• Serve as the primary liaison with venues, managing bookings, contracts, insurance requirements, security coordination, and on-site logistics.
• Negotiate and manage contracts with artists, vendors, venues, and production partners.
• Coordinate instrument, equipment, and production rentals as required.

Artist, Orchestra & Guest Management

• Facilitate all logistics for guest artists and ensembles, including contracts, payments, travel, accommodations, and hospitality.
• Hire orchestra musicians and instrumentalists, working with orchestra contractors when required, and liaise with contractors to obtain concert cost estimates.
• Under the direction of the Artistic Director and Chorus Manager, ensure the operational needs of all performing ensembles are met, including:
• Rehearsal space coordination
• Roster and personnel management
• Volunteer chorus management
• Performance and rehearsal materials for conductors, soloists, orchestra, and chorus
• Hiring and scheduling rehearsal accompanists
• Audition logistics and support
• Supervise and manage the summer artistic intern.

Budgeting, Financial & Administrative Oversight

• In coordination with the Director of Business Operations, prepare, manage, and track production and artistic operations budgets across the fiscal year.
• Maintain accurate records and monitor all fiscal activity related to artistic and production functions (excluding staff salaries).
• Track timesheets and coordinate payment for the Assistant Conductor and applicable artistic personnel.
• Ensure all required royalties, licenses, and permissions are properly reported and paid to appropriate agencies.

Collaborations, Touring & External Partnerships

• Coordinate production logistics for performances involving outside organizations, including contracts, schedules, performance materials, travel, and technical requirements.
• Work closely with external partners and presenting organizations to facilitate collaborative projects and initiatives.
• Oversee logistics for touring, commissions, and recording projects, including contracts, schedules, personnel, and production coordination.

Media, Documentation & Archival Management

• Edit rehearsal and performance videos for archival, documentation, and promotional use.
• Maintain organizational performance archives, including print, audio, and video materials.
• Organize, manage, and maintain the choral and orchestral music library and related databases.
• Provide accurate artist, repertoire, and performance information for concert programs and publications.

General Responsibilities

• Collaborate closely with artistic and administrative leadership to support the organization’s mission and artistic excellence.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the overall success and growth of the organization.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Arts Administration, Music, Theater, Production Management, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of professional experience in artistic operations, production management, or performing arts administration.
• Demonstrated experience managing live performances, including stage management, technical coordination, and backstage execution.
• Proven ability to negotiate and manage contracts with artists, vendors, venues, and external partners.
• Experience working with musicians, conductors, guest artists, and artistic leadership in a collaborative environment.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple productions and deadlines simultaneously.
• Experience preparing and managing production budgets and tracking expenses.
• Working knowledge of performance licensing, royalties, and rights administration.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with choral and/or orchestral organizations.
• Familiarity with orchestra contractors and union environments (e.g., AFM), or the ability to learn quickly.
• Experience coordinating touring, recordings, or commissioned works.
• Technical knowledge of stage plots, lighting schematics, and production documentation.
• Experience supervising interns or staff.
• Proficiency with video editing for rehearsal or archival purposes.
• Experience managing music libraries, performance archives, or production databases.

Additional Attributes

• High level of professionalism, discretion, and attention to detail.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as required by performance schedules.
• Calm, solutions-oriented approach in high-pressure, live-performance environments.
• Strong commitment to artistic excellence, collaboration, and organizational mission.

Benefits at Choral Arts

Choral Arts offers a benefits package that includes health insurance with prescription drug, dental, and vision plans substantially underwritten by the organization, as well as a voluntary retirement plan with employer match; vacation, sick, and personal leave; and short-term and long-term disability and life insurance. 

Work Environment and Physical Requirements of the Job

• Completion of a satisfactory criminal background check before the start of employment.
• The Artistic Operations Manager is a full-time, exempt position with regular office hours from Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., plus one Tuesday evening or Saturday per month to support one regular weekly rehearsal.
• This role is hybrid eligible, with an expected minimum of 3 days per week in the office.
• Additional evening and weekend work will be required to support rehearsals, performances, events, and other activities.

The Choral Arts Society of Washington is an Equal Opportunity Employer.