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Executive Director

Anchoragechamber, Juneau, AK, United States


Our Mission: Anchorage Opera is a center of artistic creation, innovation and education through the presentation of opera and related events encouraging public collaboration and community engagement for the people of the State of Alaska.

Our Vision: Enrich. Inspire. Educate. Collaborate. Build community…one note at a time.

Job Title: Executive Director

Status: Full-time

FLSA Classification: Exempt

Reports to: Board of Directors

The Anchorage Opera Company (AO) is currently seeking a dynamic Executive Director who will serve as a strong visionary leader working in partnership with the Board of Directors to develop goals and strategies consistent with the vision, mission and values of AO. This position oversees all programs to ensure staffing and the financial capacity necessary to accomplish goals established by the Board of Directors and contributes to overall community culture.

A successful candidate should demonstrate strong leadership; a collaborative working style; interpersonal and supervisory skills; keen business acumen; excellent judgment and instincts; a strong work ethic; a positive outlook; sensitivity to seasonal artistic programs; a regard for strong community and cross‑sector partnerships, including knowledge of Alaska nonprofit funding and relationship dynamics; and a bias for action.

The ideal candidate MUST be comfortable leading in a diverse, dynamic organization and serving as the public face of AO.

BUDGET & FINANCE

Secure and steward diverse funding sources, including grants, private and corporate donors; oversee the preparation of grant applications and ensure accurate reporting, compliance, and tracking of all grant expenditures and outcomes

Lead the collective work of the full AO staff and contracted team to assure AO continues to operate a fiscally responsible annual budget with transparency

In conjunction with the Board of Directors, facilitate the creation and implementation of annual budgets, goals and objectives

Present reports on financial planning, status, anticipated problems and alternatives

Establish appropriate accountability measures to achieve revenue targets in AO’s box office and fundraising activities

Responsible for fiscal management that generally anticipates operating within the approved budget, ensuring maximum resource utilization, and maintenance of the organization in a positive financial position

OPERATIONS & PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

Manage day‑to‑day operations of the organization ensuring that all facets of the organization efficiently and effectively fulfill the mission of AO

Translate plans into operational actions with measurable results and clear accountability

Engage external organizations and communities to understand significant developments and trends in performing arts

Support the promotion, growth, and purpose of the Anchorage Opera Young Artist Program

COMMUNICATIONS & PUBLIC RELATIONS

Serve as a visible ambassador for AO, promoting its programs, impact, and goals to maintain a strong, positive public image

Establish and leverage strong, collaborative relationships with community organizations; educational entities; investors and donors; other performing arts organizations; and key partners essential to advancing AOs mission

Lead engagement with Alaska‑specific funding sources, including state and municipal programs, private foundations, and any other entity supporting arts and culture

Establish a deliberate, comprehensive advocacy program that identifies key issues, opportunities and stakeholders

HUMAN RESOURCES

Determine staffing and capacity needs of AO including full‑ and part‑time employees, contracted labor, and volunteers

Manage employee relations including recruitment, professional development, evaluation, corrective action, and compliance

Encourage staff and volunteer development and education

Maintain a climate which attracts, keeps, and motivates a diverse staff

Provide inspirational leadership and direction, developing leaders within the organization

BOARD RELATIONS

Support cultivation of a strong, diverse, inclusive and highly engaged Board

Leverage Board support to meet with and cultivate donor relationships

Assist the Board in strategic planning and advise on issues affecting AO’s mission

Ensure effective board relations through regular communication

GENERAL SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

Understand and support AO’s purpose, vision and values

Minimum three (3) years of leadership experience

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Demonstrated ability to prepare and administer budgets

Successful development and fundraising experience

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Strong relationship‑building and collaboration skills

Ability to manage competing priorities under pressure

Resilient, energetic, collaborative, and flexible leadership style

PREFERRED SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

Background in opera, theatre, symphony, or performing arts

Prior executive leadership within Anchorage‑area nonprofits

Experience with Alaska’s leadership in nonprofit and funding ecosystem

Established relationships with Alaska‑based funders including the Rasmuson Foundation, Atwood Foundation, and/or corporations and ANCs

Experience rebuilding or scaling organizational infrastructure

Master’s degree, or additional academic or professional certifications, in a related field

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

$67,500 - $80,000, commensurate with experience

Anchorage Opera observes state and federal holidays

120 hours annually of paid time off with sick leave

The Anchorage Opera Company is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, changes in marital status, pregnancy, and parenthood.

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