Vice President of Artistic Planning & Operations

Vice President of Artistic Planning & Operations

The New Jersey Symphony is looking for an experienced and passionate music strategist for the position of Vice President of Artistic Planning & Operations. This position plays a critical role in the organization as it is responsible for working with the staff and the Symphonys Music Director in the planning and execution of concerts and related events. As the Symphony embarks on its new era, the selected candidate will be presented with the chance to build on its programming and initiatives at the organizations new home in Jersey City and across the Garden State.

Department: Artistic Operations
Reports to: President & CEO
Supervises: Director of Orchestra Operations, Personnel Manager, Artistic Coordinator, Librarian, and Staff Conductors
Location: Principal Office Newark, New Jersey until the Symphony Center opens, at which point Jersey City
Status: Full Time, Exempt
Salary: $115,000 to $120,000

As a senior member of the New Jersey Symphonys leadership team, the Vice President of Artistic Planning will be responsible for leading and executing the Symphonys multiyear artistic strategies in collaboration with Music Director Xian Zhang and the President & CEO. In addition to overseeing all programming for the orchestra, the VP of Artistic Planning will be responsible for programming our chamber music performances, preparing the annual artistic budget and collaborating with our Resident Artistic Partner.

Roles and Responsibilities

Artistic Planning

• In collaboration with the Music Director and President & CEO, lead and oversee implementation of all the Symphonys artistic programmatic activity, including mainstage concerts, digital activity, and public-facing chamber music programs.
• Build the Symphonys future season calendars in accordance with the CBA and in collaboration with partner venues, VP of Marketing & External Affairs and President & CEO.
• Monitor and evaluate all Symphony artistic and programmatic activity for quality and achievement of goals.
• Propose, research, and communicate repertoire and format for concerts to conductors and soloists, as necessary. Negotiates all guest artist contacts and manages the Symphonys commissioning program, with specific focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
• Research and identity artists (conductors, soloists, composers etc.) for inclusion in Symphony programming, including travel as necessary, with specific focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Develop and nurture industry relationships with management and artists.
• Develop and expand Symphonys collaborative artistic relationships with partner venues, universities, religious/community institutions, and other arts organizations across the state.
• Lead and oversee all Symphony artistic leadership searches (staff conductors, Artist/Composer in Residence, Music Director).
• Serve as primary contact and representative for the Music Director and Resident Artistic Partner across the institution.

Artistic Operations

• Lead the Artistic Operations team, ensuring the successful implementation of all New Jersey Symphony mainstage programming, including travel and logistics for five primary partner venues.
• Oversee the planning of auditions for musicians and supervise the Personnel
• Manager in the hiring of substitute and extra musicians.
• Manage institutional relationships and contracts with labor unions (IATSE, AFM) and partner venues.
• Develop and oversee the artistic operations budget.
• Oversee musician payroll, including media payments.
• Oversee Symphonys electronic media strategy and activity including recording, broadcasting, streaming; serve as primary liaison with the Electronic Media Association.
• Serve as the organizations expert on the musicians collective bargaining agreement, ensuring its consistent application while identifying solutions that balance contractual obligations with the best interests of the orchestra, its players, and the institution.
• Serves on the negotiating team for the collective bargaining process.
• Collaborate with marketing team to align production logistics with audience experience initiatives.

Executive Team

• Attend and participate in Board meetings, including Executive Committee meetings.
• Serve, where appropriate, as a public-facing spokesperson for the Symphony.
• Serve as a management liaison to the Artistic Advisory Committee and Orchestra Committee.

Traits and Characteristics

• Bachelors degree (masters degree preferred) or equivalent combination music performance and/or music management preferred.
• Minimum five years administrative experience in an arts organization, arts management and education.
• Strong working knowledge of standard Microsoft Office applications. Experience with OPAS (Orchestra Planning and Administration Software) and/or databases helpful but not required.
• Experience with AFM and IATSE union environments and collective bargaining agreements.
• Strong working knowledge of concert production, orchestral and chamber music repertoire, and guest artists/conductors in the field.
• A demonstrated understanding of the needs of professional musicians and how to support them to perform at their best.
• Passion for making classical music accessible to new and diverse audiences.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• High level of organization and professionalism.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously.
• Demonstrated experience managing a high-functioning and fast-paced team.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary and Benefits: The salary range for this position is $115,000 - $120,000, commensurate with the applicants skills and experience, and benefits package including paid time off, a generous health insurance plan, pension, parking, and other employee benefits, as available.

Hours: Full time, evenings, and weekends required, specifically for working at concerts and events in multiple locations throughout northern and central New Jersey.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

Many functions of the job will be performed during the evenings and on Saturdays and Sundays, as the New Jersey Symphonys performance schedule dictates. Access to an automobile and valid drivers license are encouraged; frequently, the venues are not directly accessible through public transportation.

The New Jersey Symphony celebrates the cultural vibrancy of our communities and builds meaningful relationships that elevate and strengthen them. We seek to create a culture of inclusion and a work environment that values hard work, professionalism and creativity. We are committed to diversity and equal opportunity in our recruitment and hiring. Qualified candidates of all backgrounds are welcome to apply for open positions.

To Apply

Please email resume andcover letterto:

Philip Leininger, Chief of Staff & Board Liaison
pleininger@njsymphony.org (include Vice President of Artistic Planning & Operations in the subject line)

The New Jersey Symphony is an equal opportunity employer. No phone calls please.