EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR POSITION DESCRIPTION

OVERVIEW

Founded in 2020, Catapult Opera is a New York City based opera company with a mission to create a dynamic and secure future for opera by launching innovative productions that both broaden the art form and its audience, and celebrate the power of the classically trained voice. The company seeks an Executive Director (ED) to serve as the chief administrative and strategic operational leader, working in close partnership with the Artistic Director and Board of Directors to advance the company’s mission. The ED oversees all non-artistic matters, including Board Management, Development, Finance, Grantwriting, Legal Compliance, Marketing, and Special Events. This role requires a highly organized, hands-on leader who can operate sensitively, strategically, and tactically in a high-paced remote working environment.

Position: Executive Director 

Employment Type: Part-Time (Approx. 20 hours per week. Increased hours expected during production periods)

Compensation: $24,000 - $42,000 annually

Schedule: Flexible, with evening and weekend availability for events and productions

Reports to: President of the Board of Directors

Collaborators: Works closely with Artistic Director, Producing Director, Board Officers, Community Partners

Location: Hybrid/Remote, with on-site work required during events and productions. New York City base preferred. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Board Management & Governance

Serve as the primary staff liaison to the Board of Directors, helping to shape strategic direction and organizational priorities. Manage board communication, operations, and meeting materials and support board development, engagement, and annual donations.

Development (Fundraising), Grantwriting, & Special Events 

Develop and implement an Annual Development Plan including grants, individual giving, major gifts, and production sponsorships. Oversee donor communications, gift acknowledgments, and grant reporting; support board fundraising; lead planning and execution of all cultivation and donor engagement events. 

Finance & Administration

Develop and manage the annual budget, overseeing financial tracking, reporting, and cash flow. Collaborate with the Treasurer on board reports and the annual Form 990 submission, ensure regulatory compliance and internal controls, and monitor revenues to inform strategy and overall financial health.

Marketing, Audience Development, and PR

Develop and execute integrated marketing strategies for performances and events, overseeing branding, messaging, and audience growth. Manage communications, including newsletters and media relations, support PR efforts, and identify opportunities to enhance visibility and reputation.

Operations & Organizational Management

Oversee daily operations, developing systems and workflows to support organizational growth. Manage contracts, vendors, and partnerships while ensuring compliance with legal, HR, and insurance requirements. Oversee hiring, onboarding, and supervision of staff and independent contractors.

Social Media & Website Management

Lead digital content strategy across social media and web platforms, ensuring a consistent, engaging, mission-driven presence. Manage website updates and user experience, and track analytics to optimize audience engagement, growth, and conversion performance.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 5+ years of leadership experience in arts administration or nonprofit management

• Demonstrated success in fundraising and donor cultivation

• Strong organizational and financial management skills

• Ability to multitask and manage multiple complex priorities

• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities

• Experience with event production and project management

• Familiarity with grant writing and institutional funding

• Knowledge of marketing, PR, and digital media strategy

• Passion for opera, new work, and the performing arts

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Strategic thinking with hands-on execution

• Entrepreneurial mindset and adaptability

• Relationship-building and diplomacy

• Very high level of attention to detail

• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced remote working environment

• Familiarity and ability to learn and manage multiple online software platforms 

HOW TO APPLY

Submit the following materials to Catapult’s Board Secretary Kristin Kovner at board@catapultopera.org with the subject line “Executive Director Application” by Thursday, July 2, 2026. 

• CV/Resume outlining relevant nonprofit and arts organizational experience and skills. 

• Cover Letter outlining your particular interest in working with Catapult Opera and relevant professional experience. 

• 2-3 examples of successfully established initiatives or professional programs (with private data excluded). 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Catapult Opera Inc. is a 501©(3) organization incorporated in the State of New York under EIN 33-2436921 that values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees an equal employment/engagement opportunity workplace, and will not discriminate against employees or applicants on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, physical or mental disability, genetic information or characteristics; protected veteran status; or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law.