Lehrer Vocal Institute Manager

About the role

The Lehrer Vocal Institute Manager (LVIM) plays a key role in the Academy’s Artistic Operations Department in the long-term planning and execution of the Lehrer Vocal Institute (LVI) within the annual summer festival. In collaboration with the Vice President of Artistic Planning, the LVIM works closely with the Director of Production, LVI Production Manager, and Manager of Artistic Operations to ensure smooth planning, operations, and information flow. This position reports to the Vice President of Artistic Planning (VPAP).

Responsibilities

• Serve as primary support to VPAP and LVI Co-Directors throughout the planning process of the LVI curriculum
• Lead regular LVI planning meetings, organize agendas and track timeline and process of deliverables
• Aid with and attend annual LVI audition tour as on-site administrator
• Collaborate with VPAP and CFO to assist with preparation and tracking of LVI budget and ensure budget stays within the approved scope
• Serve as primary festival scheduler for all vocal events (opera, masterclasses, studio classes, rehearsals, coachings, etc.) within ArtsVision database in coordination with Artistic Operations Manager and production team
• Produce LVI public events in conjunction with production team and provide necessary administrative support for masterclasses, performances, etc.
• Prepare and distribute pre-summer materials for teaching artists and fellows; maintain teaching artist and student website portals
• Manage Directing Fellow program, including scheduling of weekly director and teaching artist check-ins to ensure pedagogical arc
• Identify and secure auxiliary opera chorus members and supernumeraries, if applicable
• Prepare and execute contracts for LVI teaching artists and guest artists
• Manage LVI operations including set-up of summer office and teaching artist studios; partner with Director of Production to ensure accurate planning of piano needs
• Hire and supervise summer LVI Coordinator
• Ensure timely creation and accuracy of artistic content in vocal programs, including texts and translations
• Prepare and execute contracts for LVI teaching artists and guest artists
• Work with VPAP and Sing! Artistic Director to integrate the Sing! program with the LVI curriculum

Requirements

• Artistic Administration
• Marketing and Communications: proof all artistic collateral of vocal-related items including festival programs and recruitment materials
• Student Services: communicate programming, scheduling, and assignments to students
• Finance and Administration: provide information for timely processing of invoices, contracts, and reimbursements

Candidate Profile

The Music Academy of the West seeks to hire candidates who thrive in a collaborative, highly communicative workplace. Our administration collectively informs and agrees upon the organization’s expectations for teamwork, including a positive, goal-oriented environment that positions every employee for success. The ideal candidate will demonstrate some, if not all, of the following:

• Local candidate preferred
• Familiarity with and enthusiasm for operatic and song repertoire
• Experience in arts administration
• Experience with ArtsVision, or similar scheduling software
• Experience managing timelines, budgets and teams
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong critical thinking, strategic planning, and problem-solving skills
• Superior organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work on a team and adapt to changing work priorities
• Positive and professional demeanor

Compensation And Benefits

This is a non-exempt, part-time position. Compensation is $30 per hour. This part time year round position is not eligible for benefits except as required by law including paid sick time. Housing is provided for in-person work during the summer festival for non-local candidates.

About The Music Academy Of The West

The mission of the Music Academy of the West is to educate musicians through intensive study with exceptional teachers and transformative performance opportunities, while broadening access to musical experiences for the Santa Barbara community. The Music Academy is an equal opportunity employer. We aim to create a diverse and inclusive work environment and we value each employee’s unique experiences and perspectives. As part of its annual Summer Music Festival & School, the Academy presents the Fellowship Institute, which trains up to 150 fellows ages 18–34, alongside the High School Intensive, a two-week program for gifted musicians ages 14–18. The Festival showcases more than 100 performances and events, including masterclasses, competitions, and a fully staged opera. Year-round programs include Sing!, a youth choir that performs with local, national, and international partners; and the Mariposa Concert Series, featuring Academy-affiliated artists. The 80th Anniversary of the Summer Music Festival & School will take place June 16–August 7, 2027. The complete performance lineup will be unveiled in early 2027.