Learning and Civic Engagement Coordinator

REPORTS TO : Manager, Learning Programs

STATUS : Full-time, Non-Exempt

Through artistic excellence coupled with innovative, relevant programming; initiatives to connect with and grow new audiences; engagement with communities to ignite creativity across Chicago; and a modernized Opera House that is the setting for truly great experiences, Lyric is leading the advancement of opera. This collaborative vision will deliver ever more exciting, thought-provoking, and inclusive audience and community experiences – while increasing the gravitational pull of our art form, company, and city.

The Learning and Civic Engagement division offers a multifaceted program of expanded educational and artistic initiatives that includes Lyric's longstanding learning and community programs. The Learning and Civic Engagement Coordinator serves a key administrative role by providing general office and program support for the department and the Lyric Unlimited Board Committee. This position is also responsible for managing the logistics for student reservations and transportation for performances.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Administrative Support & Operations:

• Provide general office support for the Learning and Civic Engagement Department, including external customer communications, accounts payable protocols, credit card reconciliation, supply management, and hospitality (catering, space rental/set-up, signage logistics) for programs, events, and workshops as requested.
• Schedule department staff meetings; prepare agendas, take and distribute notes as needed; manage electronic files; and archive departmental materials.
• Provide administrative support for the Lyric Unlimited Board Committee, preparing meeting materials, tracking attendance and recording meeting minutes, and coordinating logistics.
• Prepare presentations, speaking points, correspondence, and other documents.

Bus Scholarships, Ticketing, and School Group Logistics:

• Fulfill student ticket reservation requests, track and log school attendance information.
• Coordinate bus scholarship requests for various programs (Opera in the Neighborhoods, Dress Rehearsals, Choral Fest, etc.).
• Serve as the primary liaison with school contacts to communicate performance times, troubleshoot issues, and ensure appropriate bus pick-up and drop-off logistics with teachers.
• Work closely with the Artistic Finance Manager to track and monitor Bus Scholarship Fund expenses, facilitate the bus scholarship reimbursement process, and ensure adherence to deadlines.

Program Coordination Support:

• Opera in the Neighborhoods (OIN): Schedule and confirm participating schools, approve ticket and bus scholarship requests, create seating maps, and coordinate on-site bus facilitation. At the direction of the Learning Programs team, participates in the creation, review and editing of OIN Learning Materials - including the Backstage Pass educational booklet, etc. Coordinates dissemination of the Backstage Passes and any additional learning materials to all attending schools and the public.
• Student Dress Rehearsals: Coordinate with the Audience Services department to approve student ticket reservations and bus scholarship requests, and coordinate with the respective teams on front-of-house needs, including but not limited to on-site bus facilitation.
• Civic Engagement & Learning Programs: Serve as the primary contact for general day-to-day operations - incoming inquiries via phone/email, communications; assist with record-keeping for all K-12 programs.
• Opera Pathfinders: Provide administrative support, including organizing materials (Google Drive, SharePoint), tracking participation and attendance, coordinating meals, coordinating transportation, and assisting with events.
• Ancillary Departmental Events: Provide event support (preparation, production, post-production) for Opera Insights, Artist Talkbacks, Pre-Opera Talks, Explore Your Lyric, Professional Development Workshops, etc.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Business, Arts Management, or equivalent experience.
• One to two years of administrative/support experience; experience within the performing arts field is a strong plus.
• Extraordinary attention to detail; ability to create and execute checklists and ensure accuracy.
• Outstanding communication skills with the ability to modify tone to best suit the audience.
• Cultural awareness and sensitivity; knowledge of Chicago area communities a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain a professional demeanor that expresses the open, inclusive philosophy of the department.
• Ability to think proactively and problem-solve.
• Working knowledge of and comfort working with Microsoft Suite products and Google Suite.
• CRM experience preferred, but not required (Tessitura a strong plus).

WORK CONDITIONS:

• Ability to occasionally work evening or weekend functions, and/or performances.
• Sitting and standing for extended periods.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment.
• Ability to lift 30lbs.

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COMPENSATION:

Job Classification: Full-time, Non-Exempt

Salary is $45,000-$48,000

Application Deadline: February 5, 2026 (5:00pm CT)

Lyric Opera offers benefits including health, dental, vision, 403B (no company match), 401(k) with company match, PTO (including sick, vacation, and personal days, and holidays), life/AD&D coverage, opportunities for professional development, and complimentary tickets.

Lyric Opera of Chicago is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, parental status, socio-economic status, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. We strongly encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply.