Manager of Artistic Operations

The National Lutheran Choir is an award-winning choral arts organization now in its 40th year with a mission to “celebrate, invigorate, and expand sacred choral music, bringing inspiration and meaning to people of diverse faiths and backgrounds.” For more information visit

The National Lutheran Choir (NLC) seeks a Manager of Artistic Operations whose primary responsibility is to implement concerts, tours, recordings, and other projects for a world class performing arts organization. A highly skilled administrator, the incumbent will manage budgeting, scheduling, contracting, licensing, and production of a 4-program, multi-concert subscription concert series; tours, auditions, and retreats for a 75-member choral ensemble; audio and visual recording initiatives and live streams;

and other projects as they arise. The position oversees the organization’s 1,000-title music library and provides ensemble management for the singing members. The National Lutheran Choir is staffed by a small, highly collaborative team. The person in this position will work closely with the Artistic Director, Executive Director, and others.

• With the Artistic Director, develop, maintain, and communicate the artistic schedule for current and future seasons, including rehearsals, performances, tours, retreats, and recording sessions.
• Research and budget accurately for artistic activities, providing critical information for planning and execution; monitor costs and adapt as necessary to stay within budget.
• With Artistic Director and Executive Director, identify and plan choir tours. Take the lead on securing reservations for transportation, accommodations, and meals; develop detailed itineraries and schedules to coordinate travel, rehearsals, performances, meals, and downtime.
• Secure venues for artistic activities, contracting for the various spaces and services to support the artistic product (dressing rooms, warm-up spaces, green rooms, etc.)
• Interface between the Artistic Director and venue technical staff to implement artistic vision (i.e., screens, lighting, spoken word audio, etc.)
• Engage guest artists, audio engineers, video technicians, producers and others who collaborate with the ensemble; provide clear and ongoing communication with contractors, from first invitation to final payment.
• Schedule and oversee annual choir auditions and retreats; including securing spaces for these activities, communicating schedules, and providing hospitality for participants.
• Oversee the licensing, contracting and payment for the use of copyrighted text and music in NLC performances, print programs, live streams, and albums.
• Assist in assembling and proofing concert programs, liner notes, livestream titles before they are sent to graphic designers.
• Work with the Director of Education and Outreach and other staff to coordinate scheduling and implement consistent practices within the organization.

• Collect and execute the annual “covenant” with volunteer singers that records approved absences and conflicts.
• Issue seasonal contracts for section leaders, assistant conductor, and collaborative pianist.
• Develop and disseminate the roster of choir members known as “the Compendium” and ensure that internal systems (Gmail distribution lists, internal CRM, have up-to-date information).
• Take and maintain weekly singer attendance records.
• Provide regular communication with singers by monitoring and updating the singer website portal; produce the weekly Tuning Fork e-News; manage announcements during rehearsals; use periodic text messages to convey time sensitive information
• Support the singer volunteers in the maintenance and distribution of wardrobe items; ensure wardrobe inventory is maintained at appropriate levels and order new wardrobe items as needed.

• Purchase and catalog new music.
• Distribute and collect music to/from all singers.
• Maintain library database and monitor loans and returns of choral scores.
• Ensure physical library space is orderly and scores are shelved and re-shelved in a timely fashion.
• Engage choir members and other…