Connect our community with great live music.

Join our team and help support unforgettable musical experiences for our community at a 501(c3) non-profit organization that values excellence, integrity, trust, and communication.

OPEN POSITIONS

Director of Patron Services Technical Director

About Utah Symphony | Utah Opera

Utah Symphony | Utah Opera (USUO) connects Utah communities through great live music, serving as the premier provider of the orchestral and operatic art forms in the Intermountain West. The Utah Symphony, which performs at Salt Lake City’s Abravanel Hall and is led by Music Director Thierry Fischer, is one of the most engaged orchestras in the nation. In addition to numerous regional and domestic tours, it has embarked on seven international tours and performed at Carnegie Hall in 2016 coinciding with the orchestra’s 75th anniversary celebrations. Since 1978, Utah Opera has provided Utah’s citizens with distinguished productions at the historic Janet Quinney Lawson Capitol Theatre that showcase emerging and established artists, celebrate traditional works, and champion the American operatic tradition. USUO reaches 450,000 residents annually in Utah and the Intermountain region through its performances and educational programs, which serve more than 155,000 students annually. USUO produces four full operas and more than 175 symphony performances in each season throughout Utah and an annual summer festival – the Deer Valley® Music Festival – in Park City, Utah.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Utah Symphony | Utah Opera (USUO) is committed to connecting our community through the performance of great live music. In service of that goal and to create an incredible place to work, USUO prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability, genetics, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964

Utah Symphony | Utah Opera is in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 which maintains that no person in the United States shall, on the ground of race, color, or national origin, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance. If you have questions concerning USUO’s compliance with Title VI, please contact the office of the President & CEO.

National Alliance for Audition Support

Utah Symphony | Utah Opera is proud to be a partner in the National Alliance for Audition Support (NAAS), an unprecedented national initiative to increase diversity in American orchestras. The Alliance does so by offering Black and Latinx musicians a customized combination of mentoring, audition preparation, financial support, and audition previews. NAAS is a partnership between the Sphinx Organization, League of American Orchestras, New World Symphony, and over 100 orchestras across the nation and is funded by a generous grant from the Mellon Foundation and contributions from the member orchestras. Learn more at www.auditionalliance.org.

Benefits & Perks at Utah Symphony | Utah Opera

Benefits: Full-time staff receive health coverage (USUO pays 100%), 401(k) contribution plan, and paid time-off and holidays.

Free Tickets: Staff receive complimentary and discounted tickets to Utah Symphony and Utah Opera performances.

Work that Matters: Music touches lives for good and enriches our community. Be part of an organization that brings beauty and happiness to the lives of people all over the state.

The staff supports USUO’s mission to connect the community through great live music by doing everything from promotion and fundraising to artistic planning and operations. View and apply for open positions below.

Open Positions

Director of Patron Services

JOB OVERVIEW:

The Director of Patron Services is a key strategic leader in the Utah Symphony | Utah Opera (USUO) Marketing, Communications, and Patron Services department. Reporting to the Vice President of Marketing & Communications and working in close partnership with the Director of Marketing, this role oversees all elements of ticket sales and customer service operations. This energetic, positive director will develop and execute data-driven, comprehensive, and integrated strategies to drive ticket sales, broaden audience reach, and deepen patron engagement across the broad, statewide communities USUO serves. The Director of Patron Services monitors key performance indicators, working with the department’s leadership to create and manage ticket revenue budgets, and creating strategy-focused initiatives in line with long-term organizational goals.

The Director of Patron Services collaborates closely with the Vice President of Marketing & Communications, along with leaders in Development, Operations, Finance, and IT to ensure excellence in internal and external communication, season planning, sales, data tracking, and financial accountability. This director is a key player in other vital relationships, including artist managers, venue and presenting partners, USUO Trustees and VIPs, and other stakeholders in the community.

This position directly supervises the Patron Services Manager and Sales & Engagement Manager, and provides oversight and leadership to talented Patron Services Specialists and Associates responsible for ticketing operations, group sales, outbound phone campaigns, patron engagement, and customer service. This departmental leader also works in close coordination with team members responsible for developing marketing campaigns and creating advertising assets and other public-facing communications.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

Direct all aspects of Utah Symphony | Utah Opera ticket sales and customer service operations, ensuring an outstanding patron experience and a continued trajectory of growth in sold ticket volume and revenue.
Lead, supervise, motivate, and mentor Patron Services staff, fostering a culture of excellence and stimulating professional growth. Establish clear performance goals and expectations, both for the Patron Services office and for individual staff members.Collaborate with senior leadership to set ticket sales projections and monitor pacing toward goals.
Participate in campaign planning meetings and review marketing assets and other public-facing communications, with an eye toward clarity and patron experience.
Develop pricing strategies and seat scaling to increase sold capacity at USUO venues and maximize ticket revenue. Identify opportunities for new ticketing initiatives, promotions, or packaging to expand audience reach and drive sales.
Share ticket sales reports and actionable insights with the Marketing, Communications, & Patron Services team. Propose adjustments for marketing/PR exposure as needed to meet sales goals.
Develop high-level, long-term patron engagement strategies that move USUO patrons up the loyalty ladder—from single-ticket buyers, to multi-ticket buyers, to subscribers, to donors.
Together with Sales & Engagement Manager, oversee outbound campaigns, supporting the development of strategies to reach revenue goals and cultivate strong relationships with patrons.
Track and report on key metrics for audience development including total sales revenue, venue capacity utilization, new-to-file ticket buyers, audience retention, average paid ticket price, and revenue per available seat.
Provide ticketing and revenue reports for finance department, guest artist managers, venue partners, and other stakeholders as needed. Manage post-performance revenue reconciliations.
Coordinate with IT and ticketing software vendors to implement new functionality, updates, and integrations, with the goals of improving user experience and increasing sales; troubleshoot technical issues on ticketing platforms when needed.
Build and manage USUO’s performance season in the ticketing and CRM system (Tessitura), including event creation, subscription packages and renewals, seating charts, pricing zones, and seat holds.
Uphold a standard of concierge service for USUO patrons; ensure that patron interactions are timely, friendly, and helpful—building customer affinity for the organization and strengthening relationships with the communities USUO serves. Handle escalated patron interactions when necessary.
Set, follow, and execute USUO’s employee ticketing policy and ensure appropriate and strategic distribution of complimentary tickets.
Collaborate cross-departmentally to support ticketing and customer service needs across the organization.
Act as the primary liaison for ArtTix and the Salt Lake County arts consortium.
Research and implement innovative ideas and best practices related to ticket sales, operations, and customer service; cultivate relationships with colleagues at peer organizations across the country to collect sales data, stay informed on industry standards, and explore new opportunities.
Oversee ticketing operations at events, in rotation with other Patron Services leadership.
Other duties as needed and assigned.

DESIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SKILLS:

Bachelor’s degree in sales, management, or a related field.
5-10 years of progressive leadership roles in sales or customer service, preferably in a performing arts or cultural organization; proven experience exceeding earned revenue goals, building positive customer relationships, and leading high-achieving teams.
Minimum of three years’ supervisory experience, with the ability and enthusiasm to lead, mentor, empower, and challenge professional staff, including both full-time and part-time team members.
Thorough understanding of pricing strategies, sales metrics, and tracking tools, especially pertaining to the performing arts.
Competency with Tessitura ticketing and CRM system highly preferred.
Strong interpersonal and customer service skills; team-oriented, flexible, positive, and personable attitude, with a willingness to learn, innovate, and continually strive for excellence.
Ability to foster a spirit of collaboration and teamwork across the Marketing, Communications, and Patron Services department and with USUO departments.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a sharp eye for detail.
Ability to prioritize, problem solve, work under pressure, and meet deadlines; comfortable training and delegating to other team members as needed in order to maximize efficiency.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
Flexibility to work evening and weekend events to oversee ticketing operations, in rotation with other Patron Services leadership.
Knowledgeable and passionate about symphonic music and opera; dedication to USUO’s mission is a must.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to twist, bend, reach, and lift up to 30 pounds
Prolonged periods of remaining stationary and working on a computer.

SALARY RANGE:

$65,000-$75,000, plus excellent benefits.

TO APPLY:

Please apply online. Application materials should include a submit cover letter and résumé. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.

Apply Online

Technical Director

JOB OVERVIEW

Under the supervision of the Director of Production, the Utah Symphony Utah Opera (USUO) Technical Director (TD) is the point person for ensuring the highest levels of professionalism, safety, and organization are met in all USUO opera productions and activities of the Utah Opera Scenic Studios. This individual must maintain a focused balance between technical expertise and interpersonal leadership skills. We expect a highly competent and proactive individual capable of overseeing all technical aspects of productions including scenic construction, load-ins and load-outs, lighting, sound, and stage machinery, to ensure artistic visions are realized safely and within budget. The TD has the privilege, pride, and responsibility of managing an exciting team of individuals and a space capable of building, storing, and renting beautiful sets for opera production.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE

Supervise Technical Department staff, including Prop Master, Scenic Charge Artist, Head Carpenter/Shop Foreman, and IATSE staff.
Prepare and draft all technical drawings for productions, construction, and rentals.
Prepare, coordinate, and supervise all personnel, stagehands, equipment and services related to physical production.
Prepare and supervise the load-in/load-out of all sets and props, and technical aspects of rehearsal and run of show in performance venues.
Adapt and adjust sets as needed.
Manage rehearsals and run of show.
Serve as USUO’s opera representative with IATSE; manage crew calls, approve payrolls, assist in contract negotiations, and ensure contract adherence.
Develop, advise on, and track budgets for all technical department activities.
Supervise all activities of the scenic studio, including inventory, improvements, maintenance of the equipment, and the safety of its employees.
Assist and advise Director of Production in promoting, negotiating, and managing contracts for scenery rentals.
Supervise the scheduling and load-in/out of scenery rentals.
Serve as or assign show tech on scenery rentals, ensuring partners and spaces are capable of hosting and managing USUO-owned properties.
Advise on and analyze future build projects, rebuilds, and stock inventory.
Shop vehicle maintenance including fork lift and pickup truck.
Consult and assist symphony operations teams on USUO productions, Summer Festival and events.
Other duties or special projects as assigned.

DESIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SKILLS

MFA in theater or related field and 5 years’ progressive experience.
Proficient in AutoCAD, VCarve or CNC programming equivalent; knowledge of additional drafting tools desired.
Experience and/or working knowledge of theatrical safety protocols and systems. Understanding of rigging, carpentry, props, electrics, and sound.
Highly developed organizational skills and attention to detail.
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to lead teams effectively.
Proven ability to collaborate with artistic staff and colleagues.
Ability to work nights and weekends as needed for productions.
Self-motivated with excellent time management and the ability to prioritize.
Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook).

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Remain stationary for long periods of time and stand occasionally.
Ability to climb ladders and work at heights.
Frequent lifting, bending, stooping, crawling, balancing, and twisting.
Ability to safely operate hand and power tools.
Reliable transportation and valid driver’s license required.
Ability to safely drive USUO vehicles, including a box truck.
Occasional need to travel on company business to different locations.
Ability to move up to 50 pounds.

SALARY RANGE:

Pay begins at $80,000-$85,000/year

TO APPLY:

Please apply online. Application materials should include a submit cover letter and résumé. Applications with a cover letter will be prioritized.

Apply Online