Artistic Assistant

Position Summary

Opera Theatre of Saint Louis is seeking a highly organized and collaborative Artistic Assistant to provide essential administrative, operational, and financial support to the Artistic Department. This role helps coordinate artistic activities, personnel processes, department operations, artist services, data management, financial tracking, and cross-departmental communication. Working closely with the Associate Director of Artistic Operations, Director of Artistic Administration, Company Manager, Finance team, Marketing team, and other internal partners, the Artistic Assistant supports the smooth execution of artistic planning and department priorities through strong attention to detail, clear communication, and proactive problem solving.

Duties & Responsibilities

Essential Duties

• Provide administrative and operational support for artistic activities, personnel, schedules, and departmental priorities.

• Manage and maintain artistic duty schedules, ensuring timely updates and communication under the direction of Artistic leadership.

• Support payroll and personnel hiring processes, including visa application processing for artists.

• Serve as a liaison between Artistic Operations, Finance, Marketing, and other internal stakeholders to support effective communication and process execution.

• Partner with the Company Manager to support artist services and related administrative needs.

• Support the review, proofreading, and coordination of artistic and marketing materials to ensure accuracy, consistency, and alignment across departments.

• Reconcile, track, and monitor departmental expenses on a monthly basis; maintain accurate records; and support budget tracking, invoice processing, and payment follow-up.

• Partner with the Associate Director of Artistic Operations to maintain ArtsVision records, contract information, templates, and operational data.

• Maintain project templates, forms, and operational resources to support consistency and efficiency across digital organizational tools, including ArtsVision, Asana, and Microsoft Office Suite.

• Provide on-site artistic support during performances, rehearsals, auditions, and special events as part of assigned Artistic Duty responsibilities.

• Support the planning and execution of auditions, including serving as an audition monitor as requested.

• Coordinate project and meeting logistics, including scheduling, agenda development, preparation of materials, documentation, and follow-up communication.

• Track special project timelines, action items, and deliverables to support successful execution.

• Assist with initiatives that foster a culture of equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging.

Secondary Responsibilities

• Participate in evening and weekend obligations during key times of the year.

• Attend staff, department, and artistic operations meetings as requested.

• Participate in organization events as requested.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Skills, Experience, Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university or equivalent work experience.

• Two to three years of experience in arts administration, nonprofit administration, operations support, project coordination, or a related field.

• Appreciation for opera, classical music, or the performing arts.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and a willingness to learn new systems and technologies.

• Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and details with accuracy.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships and work effectively with diverse stakeholders.

• Proactive, solution-oriented approach with sound judgment, follow-through, and the ability to anticipate needs.

• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively as part of a highly collaborative team.

• Curiosity, adaptability, and willingness to learn new skills and take on new responsibilities.

• Positive, professional, and service-oriented attitude.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Enjoys supporting artists, artistic planning, and creative teams through thoughtful administrative coordination.

• Brings accuracy, discretion, and follow-through to detailed operational and financial work.

• Communicates clearly and warmly with colleagues, artists, and cross-departmental partners.

• Thrives in a fast-paced, seasonal arts environment where priorities may shift.

• Is energized by contributing to a mission-driven performing arts organization.

Compensation

• Compensation: $47,000-$50,000

• Status: Full-time, non-exempt

• Opera Theatre has a flexible work policy which allows for some hybrid remote work and asynchronous schedule arrangements, depending on position and other factors.

• Robust benefits package including health insurance, open PTO policy, 401k match, and more.

Apply

Applicants for the position are asked to submit a resume along with a cover letter that describes their interest in the position and outlines their relevant experience and qualifications.

About Opera Theatre of Saint Louis

Opera Theatre of Saint Louis (OTSL) is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization known for innovative productions featuring outstanding young artists. The company offers a festival opera season each spring which attracts ticket buyers from zip codes throughout the metropolitan area, as well as visitors from nearly 50 states and multiple countries. As of 2026, OTSL has presented 45 world premieres, which may be the highest percentage of new work in the repertory of any American company. In addition to the spring Festival Season, OTSL operates year-round education and community programs serving nearly 17,000 local children and adults. Opera Theatre of Saint Louis has a year-round artistic and administrative staff of approximately 45, which grows to nearly 500 during the Festival Season. Several hundred volunteer members of the Opera Theatre Guild provide support for all aspects of Opera Theatre's work and advocate for the company throughout the greater St. Louis community. The company's annual budget size is approximately $13 million; contributed revenue represents more than 50% of budget.

At Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, we value equity, diversity, and mutual respect. We strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, women, people with disabilities, and others who have been historically excluded to apply. Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative of our community. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. OTSL will not discriminate against employees or applicants on the basis of race, color, religion or belief; national, social, or ethnic origin; age; sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression; physical, mental, or sensory disability; family or parental status; genetic information or characteristics; protected veteran status; or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law. OTSL will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.

If you need assistance or accommodation in completing an application, interviewing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please contact (314) 963-4233 or tbennett@opera-stl.org.