Job Opportunities

Administrative Associate
The Academy of Vocal Arts is seeking an enthusiastic and dynamic candidate to join its team as Administrative Associate. The Administrative Associate is a central component of the staff and is involved in all the “moving parts” of the Academy. This is a great opportunity for an entry-level candidate looking to gain varied experience in the non-profit arts sector.  

Compensation:
$32,000 – $35,000 plus benefits

Responsibilities and Duties

• Provide a welcoming atmosphere as a “first point of contact” for all incoming visitors to AVA, presenting a professional image.
• Answer and screen all incoming phone calls into the organization; assess importance, take messages and direct calls where necessary, and respond to inquiries with as much information as possible before passing calls to other staff members.
• Answer the doorbell allowing people access into the building following security protocol, ensuring that outside vocal students find their teachers, locate staff and faculty members as necessary.
• Arrange and train work study for coverage for front desk during absent times – lunch, appointments, vacation, etc. and coordinate with Dean of Students
• Coordinate and receive mail and packages, updating USPS staff members as to mail hold dates. Contact package recipients.
• Act as Box Office Associate, assisting the Director of Patron Engagement with processing single ticket and subscription sales, exchanges, and monitoring the wait list for performances.
• Monitor front office space and keep it tidy, preparing the space for events as necessary.
• Assist with scheduling meetings as necessary.
• Work with the Dean of Students and staff members to coordinate an after-hours schedule.
• Collaborate and assist all departments with administrative tasks as needed.
• Lock up and secure the building at the end of the day with awareness of late workers and marking them on the white board.
• Order office supplies and household supplies in conjunction with Finance Office.
• Maintain organization of supply room and replenish supplies, as needed.
• Contact IT provider and Momentum as point person for computer and phone issues.

Required Qualifications

• This position requires strong attention to detail. The ideal candidate will be motivated and able to work both independently and as part of the team, when required. A good sense of self-direction and ability to manage priorities and tasks when faced with varying deadlines. The ideal candidate will also have strong time management skills.
• This position requires working with a variety of personality types across the entire organization. The ideal candidate will have an upbeat, positive personality, good sense of judgment, and self-confidence.
• Willingness and eagerness to learn. A sense of curiosity and a good sense of humor.
• Experience with ticketing database Tessitura preferred but not required.
• Knowledge of classical music and opera preferred but not required.

To apply, send your resume and cover letter to opportunities@avaopera.org.

The Academy of Vocal Arts (AVA) is an internationally renowned institution that trains young artists as opera soloists. Ava is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Costume Designer
The Academy of Vocal Arts is currently accepting resumes and portfolios for the position of Costume Designer for our upcoming 2025–26 season, which features three operas.

Compensation: $3,500 – $4,500 per production based on skill level and experience

• Le nozze di Figaro, opening November 8, 2025
  Staging begins October 13, 2025.
  
  
• I Capuleti e i Montecchi, opening February 28, 2026
  Staging begins February 2, 2026.
  
  
• Falstaff, opening April 18, 2026
  Staging begins March 23, 2026.

Costume Designer Responsibilities and Duties:

• Collaborate with the director, set designer, producer, costume shop supervisor, hair and makeup artist, and wardrobe showrunner to understand the vision and requirements for costumes based on the overall artistic concept for each production.
• Conduct research on historical periods, styles, and cultural fashions relevant to each production.
• Sketch costume designs and create detailed illustrations.
• Select and purchase appropriate accessories for each costume.
• Coordinate with the Costume Shop Supervisor and help arrange for the rental or purchase of costumes from other costume rental shops, ensuring timely pick-up, delivery, and prompt return to minimize rental costs. (Please note: due to limited costume shop space and labor, costumes for each production will be pulled from in-house stock, rented or purchased.)
• Administer budgets and timelines for costume development and production in collaboration with the Artistic Director and Production Manager.
• Work with the costume shop supervisor to maintain an inventory of costumes.
• Attend fittings, rehearsals, and meetings to identify costume-related needs and make necessary adjustments.
• Coordinate with the wigs and makeup artist to ensure a cohesive visual representation of characters.
• Knowledge of opera is preferable but not required.

Work Hours: Work hours may fluctuate and could encompass evenings and weekends, depending on the schedule of each production.

Application Due Date: August 1, 2025.

To apply, please send your resume, cover letter, and costume design portfolio to opportunities@avaopera.org. 

The Academy of Vocal Arts (AVA) is an internationally renowned institution that trains young artists as opera soloists. Ava is an Equal Opportunity Employer.