Communications Intern - Cincinnati Opera

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 Communications Intern will be responsible for: 

• Working with the Director of Communications to promote Cincinnati Opera’s 2026 season, including mainstage performances and special events;
• Assisting with promotional tactics and projects, including (but not limited to) partnerships with key local vendors and community partners;
• Writing press releases, conducting interviews, coordinating stories with local media, and assisting with digital communications;
• Escorting artists and journalists to interviews and events;
• Developing content for Cincinnati Opera’s social media platforms, including, but not limited to, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tik Tok, and LinkedIn;
• Assisting with in-house photography, video, and video editing for social media needs;
• Representing Cincinnati Opera at performances, special events, and promotional opportunities;
• Greeting and working with media onsite before, during, and after performances;
• Updating and maintaining media databases and files;
• Assisting with the distribution of promotional materials in the community;
• Providing administrative support to the marketing and communications departments, including occasional errands;
• Possibility of assisting with seasonal intern-led event pending final season programming;
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Interest in supporting Cincinnati Opera’s mission and vision;
• Excellent writing, organization, and communication skills;
• Comfort in working with various members of the public, including (but not limited to) media, staff, board, donors, artists, audience members, and community partners;
• Experience with standard desktop and cloud computing platforms, including MS Office, Box, and Photoshop;
• Experience with social media platforms and content creation;
• Experience with web content management and email marketing systems;
• Strong work ethic that demonstrates initiative and creative thinking;
• Ability to manage multiple competing deadlines;
• Interest in opera, classical music, performing arts, or nonprofit operations preferred but not required.

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.