Vice President, Artistic Planning

REPORTS TO: Chief Artistic Officer STATUS: Full Time, Exempt Lyric Opera of Chicago is where the world sings — and where Chicago comes alive. Under the leadership of General Director, President & CEO John Mangum and Music Director Enrique Mazzola, Lyric stands at the intersection of artistic excellence and civic purpose, harnessing the full power of opera — voice, orchestra, stagecraft, and story — to illuminate the questions, emotions, and experiences that define us as human beings. Nearly 75 seasons of world-class performances have made Lyric one of the greatest opera companies in the world. What drives us now is what has always driven us: the belief that this art form, at its best, can move people in ways nothing else can. Lyric is also Chicago’s partner — in its neighborhoods, its schools, and its communities — through education, engagement, and a relentless commitment to making opera accessible, relevant, and irresistible to everyone. At the heart of that commitment is The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center, which trains the artists who will carry this art form into its future. Every night when the curtain rises, Lyric reminds this city — and the world — why live performance still matters. Lyric Opera of Chicago doesn’t just present opera, it redefines what opera can be. It’s where Chicago comes to be moved — come inside. Lyric Opera of Chicago is seeking an experienced artistic administrator to lead its Artistic Planning department for a wide range of productions and special projects, including for the Main Stage (operas, concerts, recitals), Education and Engagement projects, Musicals, and digital work. This role is responsible for all artistic planning and administration for the entire company, including but not limited to casting, contracting, budgets, production planning and programming, and serving as a member of Lyric’s senior leadership team. The ideal candidate will bring strong knowledge of casting, opera and concert repertoire, a background in artistic administration, excellent organizational and communication skills, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion in casting and planning. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Demonstrate leadership in accordance with Lyric’s mission and visionProvide casting, contracting and production planning leadership and assistance in support of Lyric’s lines of business, including main stage opera and concerts, Education and Engagement, the Ryan Opera Center (ROC), Musicals, and other Lyric productionsSpecific responsibilities include: Casting Propose casting choices & set casting for all mainstage projects (including but not limited to Opera Productions, Concerts – Classical and Pops, Movies, Recitals and other Lyric productions) with General Director, Music Director and Chief Artistic OfficerLead casting meetings and all casting discussionsLead any in-season casting changes in collaboration with the General Director, Music Director and Chief Artistic OfficerSecure conductor and / or director approval on casting when neededParticipate in ROC selection and set their main stage and understudy assignments in collaboration with the ROC leadership and Chief Artistic OfficerAudition chorus roles and understudies with Head of Music and Chorus DirectorLead all local and out-of-town auditions for the main stageBe a resource to the Manager of Artistic Planning for the Musicals casting processBe a resource to the Manager of Artistic Planning for the Education and Engagement casting process Contracting Contract main stage leading and featured roles, concert and recital artists, conductors, directors, associate directors, and choreographersOversee the contracting of all artists under the Manager of Artistic Planning’s purview, including supporting roles, understudies, chorus bit roles, children, speaking roles, and other artists as assignedBe a resource for the Musicals contract negotiationsBe a resource for the Education and Engagement contract negotiationsDelegate or take on artist contracting as is deemed necessary Production Planning Participate in the production planning process with the General Director, Chief Artistic Officer, and Chief Financial and Operating Officer, and prepare all future scenario planning documentsCollaborate on future season planning calendars with the Vice President of Artistic Operations & Administration and Vice President of Tech and ProductionIn collaboration with the Chief Artistic Officer and Manager of Artistic Operations, track all future Artistic projectsPlan artists and repertoire for Millennium Park Concert, multi-artist galas, and season announcement events with the General Director, Music Director, Chief Artistic Officer, and other company stakeholdersOffer advice on repertoire choices to the General Director, Music Director and Chief Artistic OfficerOffer advice on music matters to the General Director, Music Director, Chief Artistic Officer and Head of Music Managerial Member of Senior Management Team collaborating on strategic decisions for the companySupervise Manager of Artistic Planning and any Casting Consultant, overseeing all casting, contracting, and scoutingManage participation of the Manager of Artistic Planning and any Casting Consultants in the casting and contracting processResponsible for the financial oversight of Artistic Planning, including preparing all Artistic Planning budgets and managing season expenses in collaboration with the Manager of Artistic PlanningMaintain communication with Music Director’s management on all their internal and external schedulesAct as the internal contact on main stage opera casting information, ensuring internal stakeholders are kept updated on artist late arrivals, casting changes, and any other artistic changesServe as Manager On Duty for select main stage performancesServe as the management representative for select Musicals performance shiftsServe as management representative on regular chorus bi-annual and probationary auditions Administration Review all marketing materials to ensure artist listings and profiles are correct and adhere to Collective Bargaining Agreements. This includes but is not limited to production programs, season brochures, and other marketing materials. Generate season timings, opera overviews, and artist name pronunciation guideApprove the bow sheet in collaboration with the General Director and Chief Artistic OfficerPrepare AGMA Schedule C proposals and be a resource during AGMA negotiations General Research artists for potential considerationTravel to see artists in performance and hear auditions nationally and internationallyNetwork with counterpart artistic administrators and artist managersAttend rehearsals to monitor progress, facilitate resolution of artist service/satisfaction issues, and identify and escalate any artistic quality issues or emerging problemsBuild relationships with conductors, directors, and singers and offer general support to artistsBe involved in public speaking engagements on behalf of Artistic to promote artists, the season, and the companyAdvise ROC members on audition repertoire and artist managersMentor next generation of artistic administrators As the business evolves, so may this role. These duties may change as Lyric’s leadership identifies the need at any time. KEY RELATIONSHIPS Internal Frequent interaction with General Director, Chief Artistic Officer, Artistic Operations and Production DepartmentsRegular interaction with Music Director, Casting Consultant, Head of Music, Chorus Director, music staff, production staff, Senior Management Team, Ryan Opera Center, Office of Deputy GD/Music Director, Marketing Department, and FinanceRegular interaction with singers, conductors, and directors in seasonIntermittent interaction with conductors and directors out of seasonIntermittent interaction with Education and Engagement, Development, IT, Facilities Departments and Board members External Frequent interaction with artist managers and artistsRegular interaction with artistic administration at other opera companiesIntermittent interaction with local peer organizations KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS: Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university (in a relevant field)More than 10 years of artistic administrative experience with 5+ years of managerial experience. Artist management experience is a suitable alternativeHighly advanced knowledge of operatic repertoire and voicesExcellent judgment and analytical abilitiesTraining and significant experience in opera contract negotiationsWorking knowledge of and comfort working with:Microsoft suite of products, Google ApplicationsOutstanding communication skills with the ability to work with a variety of colleagues from performers to managementAbility to work and think independently, a motivated self-starter who also works well in a larger team WORK CONDITIONS: Ability to work evening or weekend performances, rehearsals, and functionsSitting for extended periods of timeAbility to operate a computer and to handle other office equipment COMPENSATION: Job Classification: Full-time, Exempt Application Deadline: Friday, September 11, 2026 (5:00pm CT) Salary range is $160,000-$170,000 annually Lyric Opera offers benefits including health, dental, vision, 403B (no company match), 401(k) with company match, PTO (including sick, vacation, and personal days, and holidays), life/AD&D coverage, opportunities for professional development, and complimentary tickets. Lyric Opera of Chicago is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, parental status, socio-economic status, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. We strongly encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply. Need Assistance with Your Application? Lyric Opera of Chicago is committed to ensuring our employment application process is accessible to everyone. If you require a reasonable accommodation due to a disability to access, complete, or submit an employment application, please contact the People & Culture Department at hr@lyricopera.org. We will work with you to provide an appropriate reasonable accommodation in accordance with applicable law. 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