Director of Orchestra Personnel
DESCRIPTION
JOB OVERVIEW:
Under the direction of the Sr Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (COO), the Director of Orchestra Personnel is the main liaison between USUO administrative staff, Music Director, and orchestra members. The Director is responsible for engaging with and maintaining a collaborative culture while tactfully and expertly guiding Utah Symphony | Utah Opera’s (USUO) execution of its Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). The ideal Director will help strategize and assist musicians and USUO staff in developing a collaborative and mutually beneficial employee workforce ready to “Connect the community through great live music.” Key to that work is maintaining a positive, responsible, communicative, and collaborative environment. This individual serves as an entrusted and knowledgeable resource and counsel for orchestra musicians, supports the day-to-day personnel activities of USUO, and acts as main coordinator of orchestra auditions. We expect this individual to oversee and elevate the role of the Orchestra Personnel Manager through respectful delegation as the Director balances their own workload of case management, payroll, and other organizational needs.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:
Foster and maintain an impactful, engaging and collaborative work culture.
Understand, remain current in, and enforce all details of the USUO CBA.
Act as liaison between management and orchestra personnel relative to all rehearsal and performance scenarios.
Liaise between the Music Director and orchestra personnel (meetings, leave requests, etc.).
Keep accurate orchestra attendance records and work with staff team to integrate any needs into systems and best practices.
Field concerns and requests from the players with an eye toward collaborative and respectful problem-solving. Help identify the best answer by balancing institutional and personal needs.
Strategize for, plan, track, and oversee all orchestra auditions.
Proactively communicate necessary information to orchestra personnel regarding schedule, management correspondence, etc. via verbal and/or posted memoranda.
In collaboration with Orchestra Personnel Manager, serve as the official timekeeper for all orchestra services.
Participates in all relevant orchestra and staff meetings, e.g. regular staff meetings, Orchestra Committee meetings, select orchestra subcommittees, and Symphony Operations staff production meetings.
Keep USUO administration updated on personnel activities and provide monthly personnel reports.
Provide regular informed, relevant, and timely input to COO regarding the continued and productive integration of USUO musicians with the greater USUO administration.
Attend rehearsals and performances as required balancing workload with Orchestra Personnel Manager.
Advise and assist COO in providing informed, thoughtful, and creative solutions for CBA updates, when relevant (CBA contract negotiation and renewal).
Under the direction of the COO, productively participate in CBA negotiations.
REQUIRED SKILLS / ABILITIES:
Excellent interpersonal, personnel management, and negotiation skills.
Excellent verbal, aural, and written communication skills.
Excellent collaboration and inclusive planning skills.
Excellent organizational and time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines and function calmly under pressure.
Able to effectively direct teamwork while working collaboratively or independently.
Detail-oriented, organized, able to problem solve and make critical decisions.
Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint).
Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of personnel information and benefit records.
Flexible work schedule required, including nights, weekends, and services away from Abravanel Hall.
Ability to travel for tours and run-outs as needed.
EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE
College Bachelor’s degree preferred.
Professional orchestra management experience, experience in orchestra personnel administration, and/or musical background required.
Knowledge of classical music and understanding of orchestral instrumentation required.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Prolonged periods of remaining stationary and working on a computer.
Able to move equipment weighing up to 30 pounds.
SALARY:
Pay begins at $85,000
Application materials should include a cover letter and résumé. Applications without a résumé and cover letter will not be considered.
Desired Start Date: September 1, 2025
BENEFITS
Pay Range: $85,000 - $85,000 Annual
Benefits: Full-time staff receive health coverage (USUO pays 100%), 401(k) contribution plan, and paid time-off and holidays.
Free Tickets: Staff receive complimentary and discounted tickets to Utah Symphony
HOW TO APPLY
Application Deadline: July 1, 2025
Application Email/Link: usuo.org/employment/