EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Title: Director of Education and Community Engagement 

Reports to: General Director

Classification: Full-time

Salary Range: $38,000-$42,000 commensurate with experience, plus benefits (health and dental insurance, paid time off, time off for all federal holidays, flexible work schedule)

Opera Roanoke’s Mission: 

Opera Roanoke fosters a wider appreciation of opera in western Virginia by offering compelling performances of engaging productions and programs. An enterprising and resourceful multi-disciplinary organization, Opera Roanoke is a vital component of the cultural life in Roanoke, Virginia’s Blue Ridge and beyond.

Summary: 

Opera Roanoke is seeking a Director of Education and Community Engagement to create and maintain consistent and growth-oriented educational programming within the community. The ideal candidate will have 2-3 years of experience in opera education and will be willing to build the organization’s education programs from the ground-up.  Opera Roanoke is a 47-year old organization with an annual budget of approximately $400,000. 

Core Duties: 

• Work with teachers, students, and schools to develop opera-related curriculum and materials that meet SOL Standards and state-approved academic guidelines.
• Develop and maintain a network of relationships that will result in substantial access to schools, with emphasis in under-served or low-income communities.
• Network in the educational community to enhance Opera Roanoke’s relationship with school boards, school administrators, and teachers, as well as furthering relationships and collaborations in the community’s multicultural organizations.
• Foster partnerships with other arts organizations and community groups through programming that offers opportunities for all people to access and engage in the art form of opera.
• Build relationships with diverse communities to develop specific, targeted programming to promote the art form of opera through engagement and education.
• Management and implementation of all programs and events related to education. 
• Work closely with the General Director to recruit regional college students for the Young Artist Program and plan programs for those Young Artists. 

Ideal Experience: 

• 2-3 years related educational experience either within a school system or within the education department at another performing arts related organization.
• Demonstrated willingness to further the opera art form and is capable of speaking intelligently about the art form to varying groups of people. 
• Has demonstrated ability to guide programs from conception to implementation and management.
• Has demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with all collaborative partners.
• Is passionate about the power of the arts to change the lives of children and adults.
• Is sensitive to the needs of individuals and groups from a variety of backgrounds and beliefs.
• Understands the complexity of financial planning and adhering to budgets.
• Has strong project and program management skills.
• Possesses computer literacy and experience with Microsoft Office and Google programs.
• Knows how to work independently and as part of a team to accomplish goals.

Opera Roanoke is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace and we are an equal opportunity employer.  Opera Roanoke will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on race, ethnicity, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law. We are committed to eliminating barriers to access and equity and see a diverse workforce as a key step toward this goal. We encourage candidates who identify as BIPOC, LGBTQ+, otherwise-abled, and other underrepresented identities to apply. All applications will receive consideration for employment.

To apply:

Send cover letter and resume to manager@operaroanoke.org. 

No phone calls, please.

The volunteers of Opera Roanoke are an essential part of the company’s success. Volunteer opportunities exist in the following areas:

• Box Office Assistance ahead of and during performance weekends
• Special Events and Projects 
• Mailings
• Helping to distribute promotional materials
• Picking up artists from airport or train station
• Hosting an artist in your home during productions – generally 1-2 weeks

If interested, email Operations Manager, Katie Hylton at khylton@operaroanoke.org or call (540) 224-1257.