Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance

Director of Artistic Operations

Summary: Director of Artistic Operations manages all artistic and production needs of the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia. Working closely with the Executive Director and Music Director, this position is responsible for implementing the organization’s collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with its musicians; providing support for artistic planning and guest artist needs; implementing all aspects of concert production; and interfacing across the organization to ensure all components of every COP program reach the highest levels of professionalism and quality. This position supervises the Orchestra Librarian and Orchestra Personnel Manager and interacts with the Orchestra Committee, COP Board, production staff at the Kimmel Center and other venues, and outside engagement clients.

RESPONSIBILITIES & OUTCOMES:

Concert Production
Planning, implementing, and overseeing all aspects of concert production, including but not limited to:

  • Working with the Music Director and Executive Director, draft and finalize comprehensive production budgets for subscription concerts, run-outs, chamber music performances, and outside engagements.
  • Prepare accurate payroll spreadsheets following each performance or series.
  • Liaison with venue production staff for all COP performances.
  • Coordinate all equipment, staging needs, instrument rentals and tunings.
  • Provide Marketing department with concert program information including formal titles, composer names and dates, rosters, program notes, and information for press releases.
  • Proofread publications containing the above information to ensure accuracy.
  • Prepare budgets, season overviews, and other materials for COP Board meetings. Attend COP Board meetings as needed.  

Personnel

  • Create and distribute season master calendar in accordance with the CBA.
  • Work with Orchestra Personnel Manager to ensure that all personnel needs are met for subscription concerts, run-outs, and outside engagements.
  • Attend all COP services to record attendance, make announcements, handle questions, and ensure CBA is being followed.
  • Submit all musician payroll paperwork to Bookkeeper following each set of services.
  • In compliance with the CBA, work with Orchestra Committee to implement all aspects of auditions for vacant positions.
  • Maintain a current database of tenured, tenure-track, and substitute/extra musician information.

Orchestra Committee

  • Maintain open lines of communication with the orchestra committee, subcommittees, and union leadership regarding the implementation of the CBA.
  • Participate in and provide resources for CBA negotiations with the orchestra committee and AFM union officials.
  • Draft and deliver all necessary notices to the orchestra committee and full orchestra membership including, but not limited to, issues/updates related to personnel and auditions.
  • Schedule regular meetings with the orchestra committee to provide updates and address any questions or concerns.

Guest Artists

  • Assist Music Director and Executive Director in researching guest artists and composers to commission.
  • Negotiate and draft guest artist contracts for Executive Director approval and ensure contract obligations are fulfilled.
  • Coordinate guest artist itineraries, rehearsal schedules, media appearances, and hospitality needs for all rehearsals and performances.

Qualifications

  • Master’s Degree in the Performing Arts, Arts Administration, Business or an equivalent field.
  • 3 or more years of experience in arts administration or arts related work; experience with unionized employees a plus.
  • Knowledge of orchestral music and instruments of the orchestra.
  • Strong organization, communication (written and oral), and problem-solving skills with the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
  • Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends.
  • Computer fluency in MS Office products including word, excel, outlook and powerpoint. Experience with music notation software (Finale or Sibelius) a plus.
  • A driver’s license and access to a vehicle.
  • The ability to lift up to 50 pounds and be on one’s feet for extended periods of time.