CAREERS AT CALGARY OPERA

Since 2006, the McPhee Program has served as a bridge between academic training and the professional world of opera, offering experience and practical skills necessary to succeed as a self-employed artist. 

Each season, we welcome up to eight McPhee Artists for a minimum of 22 weeks, most often for two consecutive seasons of training and performance. 

As a member of a four-person artistic staff team, the MADP Manager reports to the Artistic Director and works collaboratively with the General Director & CEO, and Operations, Production, Development, and Marketing teams. They oversee MADP faculty, instructors, and other subject matter experts. They also work with and lend support to collaborators, partners, and community organizations to increase Calgary Opera’s civic value. 

The field of opera in Canada has experienced seismic shifts in recent years. Calgary Opera welcomes applications from artists who may be interested in balancing this role with fulfillment of other professional obligations and/or artists who may be interested in shifting the focus of their career from artistic production and/or performance to professional training. The MADP Manager role requires residency in Calgary on a seasonal basis, at minimum for the duration of the McPhee Artist contract periods. 

A Flexible, Audience-Centric Approach 

Calgary Opera’s most important work brings together McPhee Artists, audiences, donors, participants, and members of the public for events, performances, and programming. To do that well, most public activities are scheduled on weekday evenings, Saturdays, and Sundays. Generally, regular employees are expected to work an eight-hour day (8) for 40 hours per week. The MADP Manager has a unique set of responsibilities that requires a balance of administrative and artist- and audience-serving work. To manage these competing demands, we offer a flexible approach to when and where work happens. This includes: 

• Start and end times that differ from 9 AM and 5 PM, respectively 

• Swapping weekday work for weekend work 

• Working from home or other remote location with stable internet connection 

Compensation & Benefits 

Annual salary based on expertise and experience, in the range of $62,000–$66,000

Paid time off comprised of vacation, observed holidays, flex days, and lieu time

Supplemental health & wellness benefits 

RRSP with employer match 

Responsibilities 

McPhee Artist Development Program 

• Develop and implement a vision for MADP that aligns with Calgary Opera’s strategic priorities and operational capacities 

• Design, implement, and schedule annual curriculum with a balance of group and individual activity including, but not limited to: 

• Performance opportunities including roles, masterclasses, Opera special events, and external performances & events 

• Audition opportunities and support for artists seeking management 

• Musical, language, stagecraft, and career lessons, coachings, classes, and workshops 

• Preparation of audition materials and other elements for artist marketing purposes 

• Regular assessment with an emphasis on cultivating artists' capacity for self-assessment 

• Lead program recruitment, auditions, selection, and seasonal offers in collaboration with Artistic Director 

• Engage and oversee faculty, staff, guest coaches, and instructors 

• Ensure adherence to CAEA collective bargaining agreement 

• Provide program information for marketing and fundraising purposes, including support for institutional grant applications and reports 

• Support creation of program budgets in collaboration with Artistic Director and Company Manager 

Organizational Stewardship & Strategy 

• Collaborate with Artistic Director and members of the music staff to ensure artistic needs of the McPhee program and company are met 

• Support musical excellence across the full range of Calgary Opera programming, provide regular feedback to the Artistic Director 

• Serve as a coach for MADP participants 

• Work collaboratively with the Company Manager on logistical and administrative matters related to MADP 

Relationship Management & Partnerships 

• Establish and maintain productive working relationships with: 

• Leadership Team and other staff members, providing resources and information that support their roles and the success of the organization 

• Artist training program directors, university and conservatory faculty and administrators, subject matter experts from across North America, and other key stakeholders 

• MADP program donors 

• Cultivate a professional network that contributes to the MADP and company’s success 

• Professionally and positively represent Calgary Opera in the public sphere 

Ideal Attributes & Qualifications 

• Minimum of 5 years’ relevant experience in the field of opera, which may include leadership of professional training programs and/or experience as a conductor, singer, coach, or stage director 

• Demonstrates artistic planning know-how and has a successful track record of program and event planning and delivery 

• Extensive professional network in opera and the performing arts 

• Demonstrates curiosity, honesty, integrity, respect and commitment to discretion and confidentiality

• Demonstrates excellent communication skills (written, verbal, and listening) 

• A self-starter who thrives in a collaborative, inclusive, and innovative work environment 

• Offers a solution-oriented mindset, excellent time management skills, and the ability to manage competing priorities 

• Team player with the ability to inspire and motivate artists, staff, and volunteers 

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office software 

• Knowledge of financial management 

• Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and applicants with a valid work permit are eligible to apply 

• Employment may be contingent upon completion of satisfactory background check 

About These Qualifications 

Studies have shown that marginalized communities such as women, LGBTQIA+ and people of color often believe they must meet every qualification before applying. Calgary Opera is dedicated to building an inclusive, diverse, and equitable workplace that fosters a sense of belonging and supports a culture of learning, so if you’re excited about this role and your experience doesn’t include every qualification, we encourage you to apply. 

An Inclusive and Respectful Organization 

Diversity brings a wealth of perspectives, experience, and expertise to our organization, and in turn, increases our relevance and our capacity to build community. We work every day to cultivate an inclusive and respectful environment by welcoming colleagues and members of the public with different backgrounds and capabilities, treating everyone with dignity and fairness, and maintaining a workplace that is free of harassment, discrimination, and violence. We courageously and compassionately challenge biases and assumptions. We strive to foster a sense of belonging in everyone we engage, and work to hold audiences, program participants, and event attendees to the same standards. For support and accommodations during the application and interview process, please contact us at Employment@CalgaryOpera.com. 

About Calgary Opera 

Calgary Opera was founded in 1972 and is one of Canada’s most innovative and ambitious professional opera companies. We are the largest opera company in the Prairies and take pride in being a pillar of the arts community in Southern Alberta. We acknowledge that we come together to create music and tell stories on land known by the Blackfoot name Moh-kíns-tsis, which we also call Calgary. This land is on the traditional territories of the Blackfoot Confederacy (Siksika, Piikani, and Kainai First Nations), the Stoney Nakoda (Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Goodstoney First Nations), and the Tsuut’ina First Nations, as well as the Otipemisiwak Métis Government of the Métis Nation within Alberta Districts 5 and 6. We honour this land and all those who share it in a spirit of peace, friendship, and respect.