Music Administrator

Job Highlights

The Music Administrator manages administrative responsibilities for the orchestra, chorus, dancers, and supers, including contract administration, payroll, communication, and the implementation of their applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements. They manage the departments’ musical instruments and equipment. Please include your cover letter with your application.

Join Us!

We are looking for talented, passionate, dedicated people who are eager to make contributions to our community and our mission.

Concerned you do not meet every single requirement listed? Apply! We know that some people are less likely to apply for a job if they don’t think they meet 100% of the requirements. At HGO, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. So, if you’re excited about this position but your experience doesn’t align perfectly, we encourage you to apply! You may be just the right candidate for this position or another role at HGO.

About the Houston Grand Opera

The mission of HGO is to enrich our diverse community through the art of opera. We do so by creating, curating, exploring, and producing outstanding experiences centered around the human voice. HGO has received a Tony Award, two Grammy Awards, and three Emmy Awards – we are the only opera company in the world to win all three honors.

Our strategic focus is two-fold: creating profoundly enriching experiences for our diverse audiences and clearly defining and positively promoting the HGO brand.

We are passionate about building and sustaining an inclusive and equitable working environment for all company members. We believe every team member enriches our diversity by exposing a broad range of ways to understand and engage our community and discover, design, and deliver enriching experiences.

Compensation and Benefits

The starting salary for a candidate who meets the minimum requirements of the position is $45,000.00. We offer robust benefits to full-time employees, including:

Comprehensive and affordable health benefits, including medical, dental, and vision insurance; a high-deductible healthcare plan with an employer-funded health savings account; a flexible savings account; an employee assistance program; and employer-paid life, short-term disability, and long-term disability insurance
Generous paid time off including vacation, wellness, parental leave, and scheduled and flexible holidays
403b retirement plan with employer match
Flexible work schedule
Hybrid work environment
Professional development fund and opportunities
Discounted parking in the Theater District garage and nearby lots plus easy access to Metro transportation
Free tickets to our mainstage and community productions and events
Essential Duties

Manages contracting of the following groups: orchestra, in collaboration with the Orchestra Personnel Manager; adult chorus and children chorus, in collaboration with the Chorus Director and Childrens Chorus Director, respectively; dancers, supers, child wranglers, and light walkers, in collaboration with the Associate Director of Artistic Planning; and supertitle callers in collaboration with the Dramaturg
Prepares, processes, and administers payroll for all contracted groups, and provides Payroll Summaries to all artists and personnel as required
Organizes the audition process for orchestra, adult chorus, children’s chorus, dancers, and supers
Communicates regularly with the Orchestra Personnel Manager to ensure seamless orchestra management including, but not limited to, hiring and contracting, rehearsal logistics, monitoring of rehearsals, personnel issues, schedule changes and reminders, and auditions;
Communicates regularly with the chorus, dancers, and supers regarding rehearsal logistics, production announcements, and reminders;
Oversees orchestra and chorus rehearsal room set-ups and signage
Creates, distributes, and updates all Offstage Music & Conducting assignments in consultation with the Head of Music Staff and Director of Artistic Planning
Arranges purchase and/or rental of musical instruments as needed for all productions and HGO events. Schedules keyboard-instrument tuning, transportation, and maintenance
Acts as liaison between members of the orchestra/chorus/dancers/supers and Artistic Administration staff on all matters relating to: union contract administration, processing of time off requests, coordination/implementation of assignments, resolution of payroll-related concerns, and performance improvement/disciplinary issues
Serves on pit duty on a rotating basis, and is on call for all artistic services, stage rehearsals, and events
Keeps music administrative sections of Production Info sheets up to date
Provides accurate Orchestra, Chorus, Dancer, Super, and Music Staff listings for inclusion in the Cues program and HGO website
Maintains a comprehensive understanding of the union contracts governing the artists which they contract, including HGOs AGMA CBA, AFM CBA, and Integrated Media Agreement
Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Candidate should possess a bachelor’s degree in Music or equivalent professional experience; Three plus years of administrative experience in a performing arts organization is preferred. Candidate must have a broad knowledge of classical music, classical instruments, and operatic repertoire. Proficiency with MS Excel and Word essential. Knowledge or experience with ArtsVision is preferable. Strong interpersonal and writing skills, diplomacy and discretion, excellent organization, and follow-through are required. Previous experience in personnel, payroll, and contract administration, and experience with the administration of union contracts is helpful.

Special Job Characteristics

Requires a team player who can maintain calm and deliver results in a fast-paced environment. Skilled in working and collaborating with a variety of personalities. Will have to maintain a demanding and flexible work schedule during production periods. Weeknights and weekend hours are required. Requires the ability to set up and break down large orchestra and chorus chair setups, as well as move and transport keyboard instruments.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those we consider important for an employee to successfully perform essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Equal Opportunity

Houston Grand Opera is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at HGO are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws or regulations. HGO will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics. HGO encourages applicants of all ages.

Workplace Safety

HGO employees must comply with HGO’s Workplace Safety Protocols, including our COVID-19 Vaccination Policy. If an offer of employment is extended, applicants will provide HGO with proof of vaccination against COVID-19 or a fully supported petition for exemption due to a qualifying disability or sincerely held religious belief.