Studio Manager, Opera + Community Studios

OVERVIEW

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the Studio Manager is responsible for the strategic and day-to-day management of Boston Lyric Opera's Opera + Community Studios (O+CS).  The Studio Manager oversees venue operations from inquiry through event completion, including rental administration, client relations, contract coordination, financial tracking, event execution, policy implementation, compliance coordination, and customer service. Working closely with BLO leadership, Finance, and external partners, the Studio Manager will establish and maintain effective operating practices, cultivate rental opportunities, and ensure an exceptional experience for all venue users.

This position may supervise assigned employees, contractors, event staff, volunteers, or other support personnel as needed to support successful venue operations.

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as the operational lead for Opera + Community Studios, overseeing venue operations, rentals, and facility use.
• Manage the venue calendar and balance rental activity with BLO artistic, educational, community, and revenue-generating priorities.
• Build and refine operational systems, processes, policies, procedures, and service standards necessary for the successful management of O+CS.
• Develop and maintain venue guidelines, pricing recommendations, and operating practices that support organizational goals and market competitiveness.
• Monitor venue utilization and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, enhance client experience, and support revenue goals.
• Manage the rental pipeline, including community, nonprofit, corporate, and private event opportunities, in alignment with O+CS revenue and utilization objectives.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with renters, resident organizations, community partners, vendors, and strategic stakeholders.
• Conduct venue tours, oversee rental inquiries, prepare proposals, and manage client communications throughout the rental lifecycle.
• Negotiate, execute, and administer rental agreements, vendor contracts, and related documentation within established authority levels.
• Support the development and management of venue operating budgets, revenue forecasts, and financial performance metrics in partnership with the Chief Financial Officer.
• Oversee invoicing, accounts receivable, payment collection, revenue tracking, and financial reporting related to venue operations.
• Coordinate and oversee compliance with applicable insurance, licensing, safety, legal, and facility-use requirements in partnership with appropriate internal and external stakeholders.
• Serve as the primary escalation point for venue users, rental requests, client concerns, and operational issues.
• Oversee the planning, execution, and evaluation of venue rentals and events, ensuring high-quality experiences for clients and guests.
• Coordinate staffing, contractors, vendors, facilities support, and operational coverage necessary for successful event execution.
• Supervise and support assigned staff, contractors, volunteers, and event personnel while fostering strong collaboration across BLO departments and external partners.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in venue management, event operations, hospitality, arts administration, or related field, including supervisory or management responsibilities.
• Demonstrated experience managing venue operations, event logistics, client relationships, and revenue-generating activities.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends, as required by event and venue operations.
• Experience developing and implementing operational policies, procedures, service standards, and systems.
• Knowledge of rehearsal, performance, and event venue needs within an arts or cultural organization preferred.
• Demonstrated experience supporting budgeting, financial reporting, revenue tracking, forecasting, and operational planning.
• Experience negotiating and administering contracts, vendor agreements, and client service agreements.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and stakeholders simultaneously.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work effectively with staff, artists, patrons, community partners, vendors, public officials, and clients.
• Proven ability to exercise sound judgment, solve problems, and make decisions in a fast-paced and evolving environment.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to supervise, motivate, and collaborate effectively with staff, contractors, volunteers, and cross-functional teams.
• Exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and commitment to delivering high-quality customer service and event experiences.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and venue, scheduling, or event management software; experience with ArtsVision preferred.

JOB CONDITIONS

The position is full-time, exempt. The Studio Manager will work a schedule that aligns with the operational needs of Opera + Community Studios, including regular business hours as well as some evenings, weekends, and seasonal high-volume periods. This role requires regular onsite presence to oversee venue operations, support rentals, rehearsals, performances, events, client meetings, and collaboration with internal teams and external partners. While administrative work may be completed through a hybrid schedule, the nature of venue operations requires flexibility and consistent onsite availability as operational needs arise.

The physical demands described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions. The role requires the ability to move throughout event and venue spaces, including occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling of materials up to 50 pounds.

Ideal candidates will reside in the greater Boston area or have the ability to reliably support onsite venue operations.