Employment

The Artistic Operations Director reports to the Chief Executive Officer and assists her in realizing the vision of the Music Director with respect to the creative decisions for overall orchestra operations and performance strategy, as well as assists in setting and implementing administrative and artistic policies established by the Board and Music Director.

Responsibilities include:

• Coordinate with the artistic staff in exploring the requirements of proposed programs
• Actively participate in strategy sessions to assess the impact of proposed programs
• Prepare the NHSO’s master schedule (including rehearsal schedules, local and run-out concerts, program ideas, special events, broadcasts, and audience development) by working with the Chief Executive Officer and Music Director to achieve artistic goals while maximizing services for financial benefit and upholding the requirements of the musicians’ Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Coordinate activities of Development and Marketing departments for special projects involving use of stage crew and/or musicians
• Organize and chair production meetings prior to each orchestra performance
• Coordinate concert production activities, including staging requirements
• Coordinate with the Hartford-New Haven Federation of Musicians Union (AFM Local-400)
• With the Chief Executive Officer, manage the master agreement from top to bottom: research specific issues, determine financial impact of proposed changes, strategize implementation of changes, and interpret and incorporate terms into all scheduling and logistical planning, monitor compliance, address musician concerns at rehearsals and performances
• Prepare all artistic contracts
• With the Controller, develop and monitor budgets for all production activities and for earned income generation
• Maintain appropriate cost controls while upholding artistic integrity and the Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Work with the Chief Executive Officer and Controller in long-range planning, preparing budget projections and forecasts
• Oversee backstage coordination, stage crew, and artist liaison functions
• Recruit and manage volunteers needed for backstage or artist liaison work

To succeed in the position, the Artistic Operations Director requires:

• Bachelor’s degree in Music, Performing Arts Administration, or a related field

• 3 years of experience as a Manager or Director responsible for planning and supervising orchestra concert production, including managing projects from concept through implementation to performance and review
• 3 years of experience managing concert production staff and crews
• Ability to read orchestral scores and work with repertoire resource materials such as Daniels’ Orchestral Music and experience evaluating repertoire for specific orchestra sizes
• Understanding of standard orchestral and ensemble instrumentation and live performance experience that includes large ensembles and orchestras; familiarity with orchestra instruments, doublings, music arranging, music library rentals and organization
• Experience coordinating activities with library, personnel, planning, and artistic staff for three or more seasons at the manager level or above
• Experience conforming to collective bargaining agreements
• Experience with contracting musicians and guest artists, including negotiating with artist manager
• Ability to plan and administer all concert production activities of the orchestra, including facility and equipment rental, project management, and other logistical arrangements
• Proficiency in working with concert support technologies including lighting, sound, and digital recording
• Experience with orchestral strategic planning, including planning, implementation, and reporting on key performance indicators
• Experience with creating and achieving both event budgets and organization budgets

Nearby travel to concert venues is required for orchestra performances, which occur 1 to 2 times per month.  Travel out of the New Haven County area is infrequent. Travel to neighboring states for special concert events may be required once every few years.

This position is full-time. This position allows working from home from time-to-time as permitted by business needs, but is expected to be generally present in-office on most days. In-office presence is required every Wednesday. The Artistic Operations Director must also be onsite for all rehearsals and concert performances, which are scheduled on evenings and weekends.

About us
The New Haven Symphony Orchestra enriches Connecticut’s cultural landscape through exceptional performances and education programs that are accessible to all residents. Innovative programming offered regionally inspires deeper audience engagement and meaningful artistic and educational collaborations which increase the reach and impact of the Symphony. Authentic commitments to diversity, equity, inclusion, and access move the NHSO to provide representation that reflects the richly diverse communities we serve in all areas of Symphony leadership.

We are professional, agile, innovative, and our goal is to inspire, delight, challenge, and connect diverse audiences and communities through the power of live music. You will collaborate with an enthusiastic team of creative co-workers in a supportive, mission driven environment. If you are looking to make an impact in the arts, the NHSO is a wonderful place to work.

The NHSO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and an anti-racist organization that fights hate, racism, and bigotry in all forms through our words, music, and actions. We strongly encourage non-traditional candidates to apply and facility in a second language is given strong consideration.

Prospective candidates are encouraged to send their resume to Elaine Carroll at ECarroll@NewHavenSymphony.org.

Job Summary

The NHSO is seeking experienced Front of House Managers for assisting with NHSO performances during the Concert Season. Concerts take place in New Haven, Hamden, Shelton, Madison, and other venues in the New Haven region. NHSO offers competitive hourly wages and flexible working hours.

Non-traditional candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. The facility in a second language is given strong consideration. A positive attitude and collaborative spirit are highly valued.

The NHSO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and anti-racist organization that fights hate, racism, and bigotry in all forms through our words, music, and actions.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist Head House Manager and Director of Operations in the pre-concert set-up; post-concert clean-up and responsibilities.

• Work directly with audience members to provide a comfortable and enjoyable concert experience; overseeing and directing seating assignments, distributing programs and other printed materials, and responding to necessary questions and concerns.

• Collaborate and coordinate directly with other house managers, box office staff, stage managers, and house security guards to ensure an enjoyable, safe, and quality experience and environment for concertgoers.
• Supervise volunteer ushers.
• Become familiar with and enforce NHSO’s guidelines such as late seating.
• Oversee the quality of the House remains clean and presentable to the audience.
• Become familiar with NHSO evacuation and emergency plans and procedures.
• Dress as required, and maintain a neat and professional appearance.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Operations.

Qualifications

• Excellent customer service skills.
• Strong decision-making and conflict resolution skills.
• Willingness to adapt and learn new things.
• Friendly and positive attitude.
• Flexibility with evening and weekend scheduling and availability.
• May be required to physically transport boxes and bins containing materials that are necessary at performances and events.

Please submit a résumé, brief cover letter, and 2 references to Operations@NewHavenSymphony.org.