Coordinator, The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center

REPORTS TO: Manager, Ryan Opera Center
STATUS: Full-time, Non-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.

The Ryan Opera Center (ROC) Coordinator provides support for all department administrative functions as well as program operations and collaborations with departments across Lyric.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support all Ryan Opera Center (ROC) day-to-day operations, encompassing scheduling, financial administration, production and music needs for all programs and performances.
• Assist with management of all aspects of ROC scheduling for Ensemble and administration and create schedule drafts for ROC summer season.
• Assist with ROC annual auditions for Ensemble positions (singers, pianist, conductor, stage director, stage manager), including the application process for 600+ applicants. Assist in maintaining list of prospective candidates and serve as primary contact for applicants.
• Provide logistical support for all ROC activities, including internal and external communications.
• Assist with WFMT recital series logistics, including repertoire lists and recording edit notes.
• Support Ensemble auditions for visiting artist managers and opera company administrators throughout the season.
• Maintain and update Ensemble promotional materials (bios, resumes, etc.) and other ROC promotional materials throughout the year.
• Draft ROC payroll for manager approval, process all ROC invoices for payment, and maintain records of all department budgets.
• Monitor fulfillment of all union and non-union contracts.
• Provide administrative support to ROC Director, ROC Music Director, ROC Director of Vocal Studies, and ROC Manager as well as to Ensemble members.
• As the business evolves, so may this role. These duties may change as Lyric’s leadership identifies the need at any time.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, preferably in music or arts administration, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in administrative, scheduling, and financial procedures is required. Internship experience is applicable.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal dynamics, and oral/written communications, including the ability to work with a wide range of personalities, is required.
• Broad-based knowledge of music and opera is essential.
• Experience in production (under union contracts), marketing, and budgeting is preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Suite products is required; knowledge involving development software, scheduling software, and social media platforms is desired. Experience with YAPTracker is a plus.
• Ability to work and think independently and proactively, adjust priorities quickly, meet deadlines, and work collaboratively on a small administrative team.

WORK CONDITIONS

• Ability to occasionally work evening or weekend events including Sunday in the Park with Lyric , Final Auditions, and Rising Stars in Concert . Other periodic evening or weekend activities throughout the year will be communicated ahead of time.

COMPENSATION

Job Classification: Full-time, Non-Exempt 

Application Deadline: Sunday, August 9, 2026 (5:00pm CT)

Salary is $42,000-$45,000 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  View email address on lyricopera.applytojob.com . We will work with you to provide an appropriate reasonable accommodation in accordance with applicable law.