Detroit Opera — President and CEO

Seeking a visionary and innovative leader, the role is open for applications and nominations until the position is filled

A major performing arts organization, the Detroit Opera includes a professional orchestra, choruses, resident artist program, and over 100 staff and contracted personnel. The opera company’s fiscal year 2024 operating budget is $16 million.

The next president and CEO of Detroit Opera will succeed Wayne S. Brown, who has served the role since 2014. Brown will step down at the end of his current contract or until a successor is appointed.

To work alongside Detroit Opera’s award-winning artistic director Yuval Sharon, the successful candidate will be responsible for increasing the reach of the company nationally and abroad, and innovating future plans for the Detroit Opera House, which includes a 2700-seat theater, a black box theater, education studios, plus special event and public gathering spaces.

The role is seeking a candidate with thorough working knowledge of opera and all the performing arts as both a producer and a presenter. Other responsibilities include overseeing the company’s operations and personnel such as fundraising and public relations.

Including a comprehensive benefits package, the remuneration of the role is competitive and will be determined according to relevant qualifications and experience.

To support the recruitment of potential candidates for the role, the Detroit Opera’s board has partnered with the Catherine French Group and created a Transition Committee to announce the final selection outcome. 

The Transition Committee welcomes recommendations, nominations, and applications from all qualified candidates and will start reviewing credentials in late March 2023.

Applicants must send a resumé and cover letter stating their specific interest in Detroit Opera alongside details of experience and qualifications. On a separate page, applicants may indicate salary requirements/expectations and provide at least three professional references. 

For further information and the candidate profile, click here.

Application materials can be sent to:

Detroit Opera Transition Committee

c/o Catherine French Group

[email protected]