Auditions and Employment

The Portland Symphony currently has an opening for an Orchestra Personnel Manager:

Job Summary

Primary contractor for Musicians to fill openings in the Portland Symphony Orchestra. Supports the administration of the PSO’s Collective Bargaining Agreement. Serves as a liaison between the Music Director and the Musicians.

The Orchestra Personnel Manager reports to the Director of Artistic Operations and is present at all orchestra services. This position is considered part-time up to 30 hours per week.

Primary Responsibilities

Contracting

• Ensures that each orchestra service has a full complement of Musicians (Contract Musicians, Substitute Musicians, Extra Musicians)
• Maintains select list and order of Musicians suitable for hire as extras or substitutes, in consultation with Music Director and section principals
• Coordinates changes in seating and engagement of last-minute substitutes due to unscheduled absence or tardiness

Preparation and Organization

• Learns the newly installed OPAS software for orchestra personnel management
• Prepares individual contracts for each Contract Musician
• Monitors that Musicians have been offered the proper number of services per season and have fulfilled their contractual obligations to the PSO
• Executes string rotation
• Responds to Musician service release requests
• Receives, organizes, and responds to Musician requests for housing, and coordinates scheduling details with hotels
• Updates, maintains, and distributes documents such as call sheets and attendance rosters
• Consults with Music Director, Concert Manager, and Librarian to determine orchestra set up, section sizes, and proper dispersal of parts
• Provides attendance sheets for Merrill Auditorium security staff
• Provides stage calls for services and notifies conductor of the start and close of rehearsals
• Logs significant events associated with services such as complaints, tardiness, and failure to wear appropriate dress
• Prepares payroll information
• Actively seeks to improve upon process and makes suggestions for policy changes to the Director of Artistic Operations

Audition Coordination

• Coordinates the audition process per the policies set forth in the Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Secures candidate requirements, audition schedules, and music selections from Music Director and Audition Committee
• Initiates appropriate recruiting strategy (such as placing ads, maintaining and updating candidate lists, and providing solicitation letters to orchestras and schools)
• Forwards audition information to candidates and serves as candidate liaison
• Schedules auditions based on space availability and availability of Music Director and Audition Committee
• Assists Director of Artistic Operations in conducting actual auditions

Qualifications

Must have a minimum of two years as a performer in a professional orchestra and/or experience in orchestra personnel administration; knowledge of/sensitivity to personnel policies and practices; highly motivated individual with strong organizational and communication skills; willing to work as part of a team in an intimate office setting; ability to anticipate and resolve issues creatively; ability to establish and maintain trust and confidentiality. This position requires patience and the ability to independently prioritize and complete work in a complex environment. Excellent verbal and written communication skills with demonstrable ability to work positively with a variety of people under pressure; Strong computer skills required (Word processing, Spreadsheets, E-mail, Internet).

Orchestra Profile

The Portland Symphony Orchestra (PSO)’s mission is to “serve our community by enriching lives through music.” In its 88th season, the PSO is regarded as one of the top symphony orchestras of its size in the country. A musical hub for 82 professional musicians, the PSO strives to achieve the highest level of artistic quality, develop and nurture meaningful community relationships, and inspire children and adults through lifelong learning programs. Programming includes: 11 Classical, 8 Pops, 3 family “Discovery” and 12 “Magic of Christmas” concerts; 4 Youth Concerts (ages 8-12), and 65+ KinderKonzerts (ages 3-7, performed in 12 Maine communities). Engagement activities are coordinated around concerts including (but not limited to): open dress rehearsals, lectures, and events to directly connect people to PSO musicians. As the largest performing arts organization in Maine, the PSO is proud to serve the entire state.

Application

THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2013 DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION

To apply, please send resume and cover letter to Carolyn Nishon, Director of Artistic Operations, Portland Symphony Orchestra at cnishon@portlandsymphony.org
All applications must be electronic, submitted as either a PDF (preferred) or Microsoft Word document (.doc or .docx). No phone calls please.

An Equal Opportunity Employer: It is the policy of the Portland Symphony Orchestra to provide all persons with equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, handicap, age, or Vietnam Veteran status.