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. 

There are two positions available. 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 Philanthropy & Administrative Interns will be responsible for: 

• Managing all RSVP lists for philanthropy events and Major Donor parking;
• Providing staff support at the Major Donor parking lot for all performances and special events;
• Providing general clerical, database, and correspondence support;
• Assisting with mailings;
• Assisting with details and logistics of all philanthropy events connected to the Summer Festival season;
• Running department errands for supplies, etc.;
• Answering the office’s main phone line and direct calls as needed:
• Ordering, setting up, and tearing down of staff meals;
• Working the Bravo Shop (CO Gift Shop) on all performance evenings and assisting with merchandise ordering and inventory;
• Setting up and tearing down for all Board and Guild meetings;
• Additional opportunities to help with Cincinnati Opera Young Professionals programming on an as needed basis;
• Other duties as assigned. 

• Strong computer skills (Microsoft Word and Excel are required);
• Outstanding organizational and communication skills, including being comfortable interacting with the public. 

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.