"Director of Opera Program and Voice Ensembles"

Job Summary

In alignment with CIM’s Mission, Vision and Institutional Learning Goals, the Director of Opera Program and Voice Ensembles develops a compelling vision; designs relevant curriculum and programming; collaborates with and engages leading faculty, guest artists, and crews; and ensures operational excellence within budgetary parameters for CIM Opera Theatre (CIMOT) and other Voice Ensembles, including Vocal Chamber Music and Academy Choirs. In addition to ensuring a learning environment that empowers CIM’s students to perform at their highest levels while preparing them for the next stage in their vocal development, studies, and/or careers, the Director develops a public profile for CIMOT and other Voice Ensembles that reinforces CIM’s reputation as a center of musical excellence in Northeast Ohio and attracts diverse audiences.

An excellent communicator, the Director may be a stage director, vocal coach, singer, conductor, and/or other professional with extensive experience in and knowledge of opera, first and foremost, and other types of voice ensembles and performance pathways secondarily. The Director will participate in productions and performances and teach instructional activities commensurate with their area(s) of expertise and otherwise identify and engage other faculty and artists to fulfill directing and teaching roles that fall outside their area(s) of expertise.

The Director is expected to be in residence at CIM during the academic year but may accept outside engagements that advance their career and enhance CIM’s reputation, subject to approval and provided that such engagements do not conflict with their CIM duties. While away from CIM, the Director is expected to remain reasonably available and in contact.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Consulting with and giving due consideration to the input and expertise of relevant faculty and staff, the Director plans and delivers Opera Program and Voice Ensembles seasons that are educationally meaningful for students and compelling for audiences, including: Select productions and repertoire. Develop and work within approved budgets. Lead hearings and auditions for Opera Program and Voice Ensembles. Allocate roles and parts, encouraging a deliberative and collaborative process that includes the other members of the creative team. Communicate regularly with voice faculty to ensure programming and assignments support healthy vocal and artistic development. As capacity allows, pursue collaborations with other CIM programs and external partners to expand the impact of CIMOT and other Voice Ensembles. Work with the Marketing Department to promote performances and activities.
• Commensurate with Director’s area of expertise, direct, conduct and/or coach productions and performances, and teach relevant coursework. Participate actively in the Dean’s Council and all meetings, committees, and donor and institutional events appropriate to the role.
• Serve as a mentor and resource for students as they pursue top-echelon careers in voice. Consult with the President, Provost and Dean on the direction of CIMOT and other Voice Ensembles to ensure the CIM standard and continuous program development.

Education, Experience and Qualifications

• Master’s in opera, conducting, piano, or voice, or demonstrated relevant experience.
• A track record of at least 10 years of distinguished achievements in opera, primarily, and/or voice ensembles, secondarily, with major collegiate and/or professional programs or companies.
• Possessing a network of successful artists, directors, coaches, conductors, crew and staff in the Opera and classical music field to leverage for the benefit of CIMOT and other Voice Ensembles.
• An extensive knowledge of a diverse and dynamic repertoire that can inspire and connect with students and audiences from a variety of backgrounds.
• Familiarity with various pedagogical approaches and an ability to apply them to each student’s unique needs and goals.

Personal Attributes

• Collaborative spirit and fosters dialogue among colleagues.
• Curious, creative, and imaginative in one’s own artistry and aspirations for CIM.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; responsive to all stakeholders.
• Dependable management skills with an ability to keep complex schedules moving and meet academic and performance deadlines.
• Eager to solve problems and find compromises and solutions to honest disagreements.
• Able to take steps to build a more diverse and equitable future of classical music.

Competencies

• Adaptability - Adapts to change, open to new ideas and responsibilities Decision Making - Able to reach decisions, take thoughtful approach when considering options, seeks input from others, makes difficult decisions Innovation - Creative, offers new ideas, risk taker, amenable to change Quality - Strives to eliminate errors, accurate work is a priority, seeks opportunities to improve product/services Teamwork - Accountable to team, works to meet established deliverables, appreciates view of team members, respectful

Direct reports

Direct reports may include faculty and/or faculty coordinators working in the Opera Program and Voice Ensembles, along with relevant staff and/or external partners.