Executive Director

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

Location: Anchorage, Alaska

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

NOTES: Any description of work is a picture of the major responsibilities of a position at a given point in time. Jobs are dynamic, and assignments/priorities may change. The primary purpose of this description is to outline and communicate key tasks and expectations for the position. This description does not imply or create a contractual relationship. The Anchorage Opera Company is an at-will employer.

HOW TO APPLY

• Qualified applicants may send their cover letter and resume to the board chair: kathleen.mcardle.mba@gmail.com

• Application review will begin on May 1, 2026. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. 

If you have any questions, please reach out to: info@anchorageopera.org

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.