Houston Grand Opera

Job Highlights

The Audience Education and Communications Manager leverages their knowledge of opera to support the Director of Communications in strengthening Houston Grand Opera’s (HGO) brand and raising its visibility to ensure it is recognized as one of the most highly acclaimed opera companies in the United States. This person plays an important role in telling the story of the organization through the media, publications, public speaking, and public relations, as well as supporting all internal and external communications efforts of the Marketing department. The Audience Education and Communications Manager drives all internal and external education of all facets of the operas and productions programmed by HGO, to deepen the interest and passion of our attendees, donors, and partners. This person will work across the organization as the communications partner on a variety of strategic initiatives.

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

This is a new and exciting position. We are committed to offering a compensation package that will fairly reflect the final candidate’s experience, knowledge, and skills. 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
• 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

Key Responsibilities

• Serve cross-departmental role of subject matter expert on HGO’s repertoire providing insights on each production and all creative forces involved.
• Develop curriculum, presentations, and in-person deliverables for programs intended to educate and deeply engage audiences, including Opera Unwrapped, Opera Insights, in-venue exhibits, etc.
• Ensure internal and external parties (PR firm, creative agency) are well-versed in HGO programming by developing and executing custom learning sessions and facilitating conversations with directors, the Artistic department, etc.
• Collaborate with staff archivists to organize and maintain files that include resources and research needed to execute educational programs and serve as an information hub for employees throughout the season.
• Develop open communication and collaboration with the Artistic and Production teams to ensure an in-depth understanding of each opera and production. Attend rehearsals, meetings, and operas as required.
• Develop and source synopses and “quick start guides” for operas in each mainstage season.
• Collaborate with the Audiences department to develop compelling, accurate, and opera-minded marketing materials, including brainstorming creative concepts, advising on marketing strategies, developing copy, etc.
• Support the Director of Communications with copywriting, copyediting, and proofreading cross-organization copy, particularly from the lens of artistic accuracy.
• Participate in the ideation and development of original content intended to engage our audiences including original articles, speeches, promotional copy, blogs, etc.
• Support efforts to maintain to date catalogue of biographies and headshots for all cast, creatives, creators, etc., and ensure presentation on the website and in publications is accurate.
• Assist the Director of Communication in developing narratives and positive brand stories for media and public relations outreach. Participate in planning sessions and interact with media and PR agencies as required.
• Play an integral role in utilizing new media like social media platforms, YouTube, and Apple Music Classical to engage audiences with an emphasis on maximizing brand enhancement and reach (playlists, podcasts, pitching collaborations, developing content).

Qualifications

Must have 3-5 years of experience; a bachelor’s degree in dramaturgy, arts management, or arts administration is a plus. Dedicated writing experience is required, writing samples will be requested. Night and weekend hours are required.

Other Skills and Abilities

Must be able to communicate and collaborate effectively with colleagues, board members, and a variety of community constituents. Must be a highly motivated self-starter with excellent time-management skills, superior organizational and communication skills, and the ability to independently solve problems. High priority to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. The successful candidate should have a collaborative spirit, provide great attention to detail in all aspects of the job, and remain calm and responsive in dealing with others.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is continuously required to sit, talk, and hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 20 pounds and occasionally lift/or move up to 30 pounds.

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.

Houston Grand Opera

Job Title: Guest Experience Coordinator

Job Highlights

The Guest Experience Coordinator will collaborate with the Director of Patron Experience and Guest Experience Manager to ensure the customer experience is memorable. Develop plans and support training/policies to ensure the elimination or reduction of hassle factors. Continually seek to improve and innovate for the benefit of our customers by reacting to feedback and collaborating with partners internally and externally.

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 $42,000. 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 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.

Key Responsibilities

• Work with Guest Experience Manager to manage the front of house team (including liaison of a House Manager, Assistant House Manager, and team of Guest Services Representatives) by communicating policies and procedures to ensure that HGO customers have the best experience possible during events.
• As requested, serve as the organization’s customer service lead at events, dealing with any escalated issues and making decisions as needed.
• Schedule all front of house staff for performances including Guest Services. EMTs, and police officers. Ensure all parties are knowledgeable about their responsibilities and the elements particular to each event. Help create a welcoming and inspiring environment for these parties on event nights.
• Process invoices and payroll for all front of house staff including timely and accurate approval of timesheets and invoices.
• Support Guest Experience Manager, Human Resources and partners in recruiting and hiring staff.
• Support training for those who interact with HGO customers, including part-time and contract staff, internal colleagues, and external partners. Execute process for auditing operations, providing actionable feedback, and reinforcing desired performance.
• Assist the Guest Experience Manager in efforts to create a memorable, share-worthy, and entertaining experience for guests.
• Communicate with Houston First, Levy, and other building partners to ensure all are informed of HGO needs and plan for circumstances related to each performance.
• Work with the Guest Experience Manager to create post-event recaps that track the overall experience, capturing data from the day, best practices, opportunities for improvement and issues that need immediate resolution. Ensure recaps are appropriately distributed and appropriate actions are taken in a timely manner.
• Lead inventory management efforts for Opera Cues, our event program.
• Assist Customer Care Center in answering customer inquiries and finding solutions for feedback we receive via surveys, staff feedback, etc.
• Provide activation and event support to entire Audiences team when needed, including efforts to expand to new audiences, sell tickets, or deliver on Subscriber benefits.
• Provide Administrative support to the Patron Experience team as requested including data entry, report generation, inventory, organizing, accounting tasks, and other office management duties as requested.
• Additional responsibilities as assigned by the Chief Marketing and Experience Officer, Director of Patron Experience and Guest Experience Manager.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• 1-3 years of experience in guest services, event services, hospitality or relevant field required.
• Proficient in the use of computers to include knowledge of Microsoft Office software.
• Experience managing part-time and contract staff a plus.
• Experience working in a theater, concert hall, or similar venue a plus.
• Must be available to work a flexible work schedule to include nights and weekends.

Other Skills and Abilities

Must be a highly motivated and meticulous self-starter with ability to balance numerous tasks and deadlines within a brisk day-to-day pace. Must be able to communicate effectively at all levels. Must be a team player and creative thinker. Must be flexible and able to manage their schedule and prioritize workflow.

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.

The Guest Experience Coordinator will need to be able to stand for long periods of time and lift up to 25 lbs. Coordinator positions also require sitting for long periods of time, repeating the same movements, and use of their hands to handle, control, or feel objects and tools. It is important for Coordinators to be able to see details of objects that are less than 20 (twenty) inches away, communicate clearly so listeners can understand, and understand the speech of another person.

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.

Houston Grand Opera

Job Title: Manager of Digital Content

Apply at https://www.houstongrandopera.org/employment-and-auditions/

About the Houston Grand Opera:

We believe in the power of bringing people together and building community through presenting world-class art – for all. We encourage you to leave everything you know about opera behind to be swept away by the beauty and heartache of the human story through amazing music and voice. Join our award-winning opera company to have the opportunity to enrich the lives of our community.

Commitment to Equity, Access and Belonging

Houston Grand Opera creates profoundly enriching experiences for our diverse audiences and clearly defines and positively promotes the HGO brand. We have intentionally created an inclusive culture where everyone has a seat at the table. This allows us to leverage the diverse experience of our talented and amazing artists and professionals who support Houston Grand Opera. Through honest and supportive discussion, our Equity, Access and Belonging committee makes recommendations to our executive leadership on operations and fulfilling our mission and strategic focus. The result is award winning opera that is available to every Houstonian and beyond.

Why Join Us

Houston Grand Opera offers employees the opportunity to be a part of a world-renowned opera house, work in the beautiful Wortham Theater in downtown Houston, and enrich our beautiful city on the bayou through art and community outreach. We offer full -time employees:

• Competitive and comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Employer-paid life, short term disability and long-term disability insurance
• Generous paid time off
• Flexible paid holidays that employees can tailor to their personal life
• 403b retirement plan
• Flexible work schedule including remote work when possible
• Complimentary opera tickets
• Competitive pay based on experience

SUMMARY

Oversee the digital and social media platforms and strategy for the organization ensuring consistent brand presentation, appropriate message prioritization, accurate information and delivery on revenue and engagement goals.

Develop process for gathering content ideas from across the organization and work with Director of Marketing to prioritize, deploy appropriate resources for capture/creation and showcase through digital and social mediums.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support the organization’s brand marketing efforts and strategic priorities with compelling storytelling and content generation. Effort will require collaboration with various departments including artistic, community and learning, philanthropy, ticket sales/service and others. Content should be strategically developed for cross-platform utilization.
• Manage website ensuring navigation is customer-friendly and all information is presented intuitively. Dedicated effort should be given to maintaining up-to-date and accurate information while working with departments across the organization to proofread and update. Research, write and edit content for web pages as

needed.

• Manage outside web developers and digital agencies, internal and external Tessitura resources, and other stakeholders to ensure proper functionality of website; troubleshoot any obstacles with vendors and the internal team
• Content strategy and digital channels should be maximized for revenue generation, including purchasing paths and e-commerce solutions on the website and digital and social activities that generate new leads, ticket sales, and renewals.
• Social media strategy should include tactics for growing audiences and generating engagement from followers. Demonstrate understanding of unique audiences and opportunities per platform. Create, maintain and communicate the calendar of activity. Personally contribute to coverage and content as needed.
• Videography strategy should include capturing footage and packaging appropriately to reach goals. Ensure quality-control in all elements including lighting, sound, graphics, etc. Develop process for pre-production meetings to ensure all variables and objectives have been established. Support video needs throughout organization, including liaising with freelance or agency videographers when needed. Provide guidance for organizational efforts that include videography including production livestreams.
• Use all mediums to better understand and serve our audience and customer base. Provide appropriate customer service and conversational interaction with audience.
• Support marketing teams with input on SEO/SEM, database and email marketing, and paid social media and display advertising campaigns. Develop strategy for entire organization including community and learning, special events, production and artistic, and philanthropy
• Provide consistent analysis of audience behaviors and content performance. Deploy strategies to reach annual goals and make organizational impact. Implement and monitor analytics for all digital efforts
• Regularly bring innovative, new digital marketing methods, channels, and ideas to the table to solve organizational and customer challenges and generate new revenue. Serve as quality control and best practices manager for digital assets across the organization.
• Based on specific skillset, personally contribute to content creation when needed by shooting/producing videos, providing live social media coverage, capture photographs, design artwork/graphics or write/edit content.
• Collaboration with various departments (IT, Finance) to ensure platforms are complying with appropriate regulations.
• Supervise team members including Social Media Coordinator and Videographer. Provide mentorship and guidance. Develop procedures that assist with prioritizing, scheduling, and meeting deadlines.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree with 5+ years of relevant experience required, staff management experience a plus.
• Must be proficient in Google Marketing Platform, including Google Analytics, Google Tag Manager, Google My Business, and Google Ads. Certifications are a plus. Experience with an e-commerce brand or non-profit organization with online payment collection is ideal.
• Must have some knowledge in website CMS platforms and website management, along with CRM (customer relationship management) database integration. Tessitura experience is ideal.
• Understands website metrics and best practices for search engine optimization, campaign marketing and paid advertising, website user and customer experience. Project management skills are a must.
• Deep knowledge of a wide variety of social media platforms and activities, including an understanding of how to engage, listen and monitor communities in each. Knowledge and understanding of paid vs. organic social media and content strategies.
• Must be available to work some nights and weekends.

SPECIAL JOB CHARACTERISTICS

Must thrive in a fast-paced group setting, be highly organized and efficiency-driven. Self-motivator with analytical problem-solving abilities; confident, experienced decision maker. Detail-oriented individual with attention to process; sound judgment abilities; successful customer service professional; ability to manage up, down and laterally; high level of personal and professional ethics.

PARKING REQUIREMENTS: Downtown parking may require fees.

Houston Grand Opera is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breast-feeding and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin or ancestry, age, mental or physical disability (including medical condition), military or veteran status, political preference, marital status, citizenship, genetic information, or other status protected by law or regulation.

HGO employees are required to comply with HGO’s Workplace Safety Protocols, including our COVID-19 Vaccination Policy, that are in place at the time of service when an offer of employment is made. If an offer of employment is extended, applicants will immediately 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.

Houston Grand Opera