Executive Assistant to the General Director, Washington National Opera

About the Washington National Opera

Founded in 1956 as a modest but intrepid ensemble known as the Opera Society of Washington, Washington National Opera (WNO) is today one of America’s largest opera companies. Under the leadership of General Director Timothy O’Leary and Artistic Director Francesca Zambello, WNO draws inspiration from a rich legacy built on the values of artistic excellence, engagement with a broad community, and a thriving future for opera and its audiences. As an artistic affiliate of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, WNO performs fall and spring seasons in the 2,200-seat Kennedy Center Opera House. WNO also offers performances on Millennium Stage and at other venues at the Center and throughout the city, and offers training, educational, and social impact programs year-round.

WNO Mission Statement: Washington National Opera, as a leader in opera and a flagship of the Kennedy Center, seeks to inspire, connect, and enrich our community, shape the future of opera, and illuminate the American and human experience. We tell timeless stories with programming that excites, entertains, engages, and educates. We are committed to diversity and balance – presenting classic, contemporary, and American works – to broad local, national, and international audiences.

WNO Core Values: Integrity, Excellence, Inclusivity, Innovation, Joy

At the Kennedy Center, we strive to foster belonging and empowerment at work. We are able to advance our mission because of our committed and passionate employees. We are fortunate to be able to leverage their diverse perspectives, life experiences and skills to inform how our workplace can be a safe, transparent, and replenishing community. The Kennedy Center is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant based on race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related condition, or any other basis protected by law.

Job Description

As the day-to-day delegate and partner to the General Director and the Stategy & Governance Manager of the Washington National Opera, the successful candidate will possess the ability to work independently and, in many cases, act as a representative of the General Director to key stakeholders, including trustees, major donors, staff leadership, political and community leaders, and key artists. The Executive Assistant will perform a variety of administrative functions to facilitate the fulfillment of the broad administrative and operational functions of WNO, to include the day-to-day management of the General Director’s work and the governance function of WNO’s Board of Trustees.

This Executive Assistant will be a person who consistently exercises sound judgment, and who demonstrates exceptional attention to detail and outstanding communication skills -- especially writing skills – in order to play an important role in maintaining and strengthening relationships and business processes that are central to the success of WNO. The Executive Assistant will be skilled in both project management and “upward management.”

Duties and Responsibilities

• General Director Support: Manages all administrative duties on behalf of the General Director. Duties to include: Managing schedule for the General Director, helping to facilitate the accomplishment of long- and short-term institutional priorities, while considering the competing needs of WNO departments and constituents. Monitoring and/or responding to of a variety of types of incoming and outgoing communication for and from the General Director: Prioritizes and directs General Director’s attention to internal and external constituents and needs; independently responds to appropriate messages, drafts correspondence for the General Director’s signature, proofreads and edits correspondence, and drafts spoken remarks for public appearances by the General Director, synthesizing content from a variety of sources and departments. Providing additional administrative support as needed, including processing expense reports, managing ticket requests, providing hospitality, assisting with the management of some personal appointments etc.
• Board Governance support: provides administrative and project-management support for the governance functions of the Board to include the Finance Committee, Nominating and Governance Committee, and Strategic Planning Committee, Executive Committee, and full Board.
• Acts as liaison to the General Director and the WNO Management Team and staff, other Kennedy Center staff, arts leaders, donors, and business associates.  Ensures WNO compliance with information requests and processes for the Kennedy Center. Assists General Manager with communication and agenda needs for Management Team and All Staff meetings.  Serves as project management point person for institution-wide projects and initiatives.
• Works closely with WNO Development department, assisting with the execution of processes and strategies for donors of all levels.
• Performs special assignments and projects as requested by the General Director and Manager of Governance and Administration or as required by the functions of the General Director’s office.
• Other duties as assigned.

For more information, visit: https://phg.tbe.taleo.net/phg01/ats/careers/v2/viewRequisition?org=THEKENNC&cws=38&rid=1389