Description

Founded in 1920, Cincinnati Opera is one of the oldest and most highly regarded opera companies in the United States. Known for its longstanding partnership with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, a roster of world-class singers, and its spectacular performance venue, Cincinnati Music Hall, Cincinnati Opera has received numerous accolades and awards, including a recent nomination for the prestigious International Opera Award. Cincinnati Opera offers a primary season of performances from June through August (paid attendance 17,000-20,000), plus a host of events through the year, including educational programming, small-scale public performances, recitals, and fundraisers.

The following description is meant to give an overview of positions and is not a complete list of all duties and responsibilities. 

Applications will close on at 11:59 PM on Sunday, February 1, 2026. All applications should include a cover letter and resume. Please be able to provide references upon request. 

The Community Engagement & Special Projects Intern will be responsible for:  

• Assisting the Community Engagement and Special Projects team with community-based events, including Sensory-Friendly programs, ACCESS NIGHT, Community Open Dress Rehearsal (CODR), BAO Opera Symposium, and programs related to the world premiere of Lalovavi, a new Afrofuturist adventure opera. 
• Managing RSVP lists and coordinating tickets for community groups attending CODR. 
• Researching, developing, and producing themed content for the CODR youth activity program book. 
• Purchasing and setting up supplies for designated quiet spaces during the sensory-friendly piano rehearsal. 
• Writing articles, reports, and data summaries for community engagement initiatives. 
• Providing general clerical, database, and correspondence support.
• Assisting with event and activity logistics throughout the season. 
• Capturing program activities via photo and video, including organizing and uploading media files. 
• Running department errands and assisting with ordering and setting up staff meals.      
• Performing other duties as assigned. 

Requirements

• Valid driver’s license, excellent driving record, and access to a vehicle.
• While most work occurs at Music Hall, some responsibilities take place at community-based locations. Reliable transportation to all sites is required.
• Strong computer skills (Microsoft Word and Excel required).
• Experience with Adobe Creative Cloud a plus.
• Interest in supporting the Cincinnati Opera’s mission and vision.
• Excellent writing, organizational, teamwork, and communication skills.
• Comfort working with various members of the public, including staff, board members, donors, artists, audience members, persons with different abilities, school-aged students, educators, faith-based organizations, and community partners.
• Strong work ethic, initiative, and creative problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple competing deadlines.
• Interest in opera, classical music, the performing arts, or nonprofit operations (preferred but not required).
• Experience with standard desktop and cloud platforms, including MS Office, Box, and Adobe Creative Cloud.

Hours & Compensation 

• Interns are paid at a rate of $11 per hour and are eligible for overtime.
• Administrative internship hours are generally 9 am – 5 pm, with occasional evening and weekend hours.
• Internships begin in May 2026 and conclude in early August 2026.

Physical Requirements/Work Environment

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential function.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, and use hands. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. The employee may need to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• In order to engage and represent the organization, the employee must be able to work evenings, weekends, and travel locally.
• These positions require work in an office setting.

Cincinnati Opera receives administrative support through a shared services agreement with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra (CSO). As part of the application process, you may receive communications from CSO team members.