Director of Operations & Events

TO APPLY: Submit your application at https://merola.bamboohr.com/careers/26

Exempt, Full-Time

Reports to the Executive Director

Summary

The Director of Operations & Events is a senior leadership role that serves as a strategic thought partner to the Executive Director and senior team, ensuring the Merola Opera Program operates efficiently, effectively, and in alignment with its mission and strategic goals. This position is responsible for the organization’s core administrative and operational systems, oversees the successful delivery of Merola’s programs and events, and drives revenue for the Annual Gala and select events through ticket/table sales, sponsorships, and in-kind support.

The Director of Operations & Events supervises the Artist Services & Programs Manager and plays a key role in operationalizing Merola’s artistic and programmatic vision, particularly during the summer festival season. The role also serves as a key liaison with the San Francisco Opera Center, San Francisco Conservatory of Music, and other venues and partners, ensuring seamless coordination with production and artistic teams. Balancing big-picture strategy with hands-on execution, this leader manages complex logistics, develops systems, and builds strong relationships with stakeholders.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Operations & Administration

• Oversee all organizational systems, processes, and policies to ensure efficiency, compliance, and alignment with strategic priorities.
• Work closely with the senior team to ensure program, marketing, and development goals are aligned with operational capacity.
• Manage office operations, IT systems, and vendor relationships, ensuring secure and effective infrastructure.
• Lead HR operations, including benefits administration, onboarding, compliance, and policy updates.
• Serve as liaison to Merola’s fractional financial operations firm, ensuring smooth communication and coordination of budgeting, reporting, and forecasting.
• Lead the annual budgeting process in collaboration with the Executive Director, Treasurer, Finance Committee, and senior team.
• Develop and enforce Merola’s financial controls, policies, and standard operating procedures in collaboration with the Executive Director, ensuring compliance with all legal, regulatory, and internal requirements.
• Maintain and organize Merola’s Finance, HR, Operations, and Administration files, ensuring accurate, secure, and up-to-date records in accordance with organizational policies.
• Manages cash flow forecasts and all banking and financial institution relationships, in collaboration with fractional financial operations firm.
• Support the annual audit and 990 process in collaboration with fractional financial operations firm, including coordinating with the Audit Committee, gathering and providing required documentation, ensuring timely submission of all materials, and maintaining proper records of completed filings.
• Manage contracts, insurance, workers’ comp, and risk management processes.
• Assist with processing paperwork related to development gifts, particularly legacy gifts from bequests, including documentation, tracking, and coordination with the fractional CFO and development team.
• Provide operational support for board activities, including preparing reports, presentations, and materials and board and committee meeting logistics.
• Support financial reporting for foundations, corporations, and other institutional funders, ensuring accuracy and timely submission in partnership with development and finance teams.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and increase impact through strategic operational decisions.

Event Management & Leadership

• Oversee the planning, logistics, and operational delivery of all Merola events, including public performances, member events, Signature Events, and fundraising events.
• Serve as the primary liaison to external event partners, vendors, venues, talent, caterers, and production teams, ensuring smooth communication and execution.
• Develop event budgets and manage vendor contracts, ensuring high-quality, on-time, and on-budget delivery.
• Serve as lead on Merola’s Annual Benefit Gala, including:
  • leading revenue strategies for the event, including ticket and table sales, individual, corporate, and institutional sponsorships, signature events, and in-kind donations.
  • Collaborating with team and Board to create sales strategies and sponsorship packages.
  • Build and maintain sponsor relationships, ensuring fulfillment of benefits and recognition.
  • Act as the primary liaison with event chairs and committees, facilitating regular updates, timelines, and ensuring all planning aligns with event goals.

Programs & Festival Operations

• Oversee operational delivery of the Merola summer festival in partnership with the Artist Services & Programs Manager and San Francisco Opera Center.
• Serve as a primary liaison with San Francisco Opera Center, San Francisco Conservatory of Music, and other key venues and partners to coordinate scheduling, production needs, and artist services.
• Supervise the Artist Services & Programs Manager, ensuring effective execution of artist housing, travel, auditions, and on-site needs.
• Serve as primary on-site lead and contact for Merola events and performances, liaising with venue and production staff.
• Oversee the operations of Merola’s granting programs, including Career Grants.
• Develop and oversee data-driven evaluation and impact measurement efforts to demonstrate Merola’s programmatic success and inform future planning.
• Develop and execute programs that deepen relationships with Merola alumni, fostering a sense of community and engagement.
• Build strong relationships with artistic leadership and production teams at partner organizations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in arts administration, nonprofit management, business, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• 7+ years of progressive leadership experience in nonprofit or arts administration, with demonstrated success in operations, program delivery, and event revenue generation.
• Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, vendor management, and contract negotiation.
• Proven track record in gala/event revenue — ticket sales, sponsorships, and in-kind donations.
• Experience supervising staff and building collaborative, high-performing teams.
• Excellent ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize effectively, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively, with a proactive approach to problem-solving and a commitment to organizational success.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as required for events and performances.
• Knowledge of opera/classical music preferred.

To learn more about the Merola Opera Program and its impact, please visit www.merola.org

Salary & Benefits: $120,000-$130,000/annually. Merola offers generous benefits that include medical, dental, and vision insurance, FSA, 401(k) match, paid vacation, paid sick time, and paid holidays.

MEROLA OPERA PROGRAM IS AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER COMMITTED TO DIVERSITY OF STAFF