Director Music Operations and Ensemble Management (HR Title: Performing Arts Pro
Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas, United States, 75215
About SMU
Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.
About the Department SMU Meadows School of the Arts educates visionary artists, scholars, and arts and communications professionals to create sustainable and transformative impact on both local and global society. Today, the Meadows School has achieved prominence as one of the foremost arts education institutions in the United States and offers training in an unusual mix of the arts – visual (art and art history), performing (dance, music, and theatre) and communications (advertising, film and media arts, corporate communication and public affairs, and journalism) – as well as a preeminent program in arts management and arts entrepreneurship.
About the Position This role is an on‑campus, in‑person position.
The Director of Music Operations and Ensemble Manager oversees the day‑to‑day logistical, production, and administrative functions of the Division of Music. This includes managing music division operations, supervising concert production and ensemble logistics, and ensuring that the performance calendars, facilities, and support staff align with the needs of faculty, students, and guest artists. The position plays a vital leadership role in ensuring smooth coordination across academic, artistic, and operational areas.
Essential Functions
Ensemble Management: coordinate logistics for all student ensembles, including rehearsals, performances, and special events/tours; schedule and maintain rehearsal and performance calendars in collaboration with ensemble directors, staff, and other faculty; arrange for venues, equipment, stage setups, personnel, and transportation as needed; serve as the primary liaison between conductors, performers, and crew.
Operations/Production: oversee concert logistics for all music division performances, including student and faculty recitals, concerts, and guest artist events; manage concert/recital scheduling, program creation and production, and backstage operations; oversee instrument inventory, instrument check‑out and check‑in, delivering and returning instruments after repairs; oversee the ensemble sheet‑music library and music checkout; supervise student stage managers, crew, and programs team; liaise with recording technicians; coordinate piano tunings, instrument moves, and technical requirements with relevant staff; maintain and optimize production calendars.
Administration and Budgeting: oversee operations budgets for ensembles, production, and special events; process contracts and payments for music rental, acquisitions, and guest performers; maintain accurate records of inventory, instrument usage, and event documentation; serve as a resource for faculty and students regarding departmental operations and logistics.
Evening/weekend hours will be required to support concerts.
Occasional local travel will be required.
Education and Experience A Bachelor’s degree is required.
A minimum of two (2) years of experience in music operations, ensemble management, or concert production is required. Three to five (3–5) years of experience in music operations, ensemble management, or concert production and experience working in higher education, conservatories, or professional music organizations is preferred.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate broadly across the University and develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of constituencies. Must also demonstrate strong written communication skills.
Candidate must possess strong problem‑solving skills with the ability to identify and analyze problems, as well as devise solutions. Must also have strong organizational, planning and time‑management skills to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and production calendars simultaneously.
Candidate must demonstrate knowledge of the workings of academic or professional classical and commercial music ensembles.
Candidate must be proficient in Microsoft Office. Familiarity with OPAS, STABLE, Canvas and scheduling software is preferred.
Physical and Environmental Demands
Sit for long periods of time
Stand
Push/pull
Walk for long distances
Carry/lift over 25–50 lbs.
Deadline to Apply This position is open until filled.
EEO Statement SMU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression.
Benefits SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of health and related benefits. In addition to traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, SMU offers a wide range of wellness programs to help attract, support, and retain our employees whose work continues to make SMU an outstanding education and research institution.
SMU is committed to providing an array of retirement programs that benefit and protect you and your family throughout your working years at SMU and, if you meet SMU's retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU.
The value of learning at SMU isn't just about preparing our students for the future. Employees have access to a wide variety of professional and personal development opportunities, including tuition benefits.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
About the Department SMU Meadows School of the Arts educates visionary artists, scholars, and arts and communications professionals to create sustainable and transformative impact on both local and global society. Today, the Meadows School has achieved prominence as one of the foremost arts education institutions in the United States and offers training in an unusual mix of the arts – visual (art and art history), performing (dance, music, and theatre) and communications (advertising, film and media arts, corporate communication and public affairs, and journalism) – as well as a preeminent program in arts management and arts entrepreneurship.
About the Position This role is an on‑campus, in‑person position.
The Director of Music Operations and Ensemble Manager oversees the day‑to‑day logistical, production, and administrative functions of the Division of Music. This includes managing music division operations, supervising concert production and ensemble logistics, and ensuring that the performance calendars, facilities, and support staff align with the needs of faculty, students, and guest artists. The position plays a vital leadership role in ensuring smooth coordination across academic, artistic, and operational areas.
Essential Functions
Ensemble Management: coordinate logistics for all student ensembles, including rehearsals, performances, and special events/tours; schedule and maintain rehearsal and performance calendars in collaboration with ensemble directors, staff, and other faculty; arrange for venues, equipment, stage setups, personnel, and transportation as needed; serve as the primary liaison between conductors, performers, and crew.
Operations/Production: oversee concert logistics for all music division performances, including student and faculty recitals, concerts, and guest artist events; manage concert/recital scheduling, program creation and production, and backstage operations; oversee instrument inventory, instrument check‑out and check‑in, delivering and returning instruments after repairs; oversee the ensemble sheet‑music library and music checkout; supervise student stage managers, crew, and programs team; liaise with recording technicians; coordinate piano tunings, instrument moves, and technical requirements with relevant staff; maintain and optimize production calendars.
Administration and Budgeting: oversee operations budgets for ensembles, production, and special events; process contracts and payments for music rental, acquisitions, and guest performers; maintain accurate records of inventory, instrument usage, and event documentation; serve as a resource for faculty and students regarding departmental operations and logistics.
Evening/weekend hours will be required to support concerts.
Occasional local travel will be required.
Education and Experience A Bachelor’s degree is required.
A minimum of two (2) years of experience in music operations, ensemble management, or concert production is required. Three to five (3–5) years of experience in music operations, ensemble management, or concert production and experience working in higher education, conservatories, or professional music organizations is preferred.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate broadly across the University and develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of constituencies. Must also demonstrate strong written communication skills.
Candidate must possess strong problem‑solving skills with the ability to identify and analyze problems, as well as devise solutions. Must also have strong organizational, planning and time‑management skills to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and production calendars simultaneously.
Candidate must demonstrate knowledge of the workings of academic or professional classical and commercial music ensembles.
Candidate must be proficient in Microsoft Office. Familiarity with OPAS, STABLE, Canvas and scheduling software is preferred.
Physical and Environmental Demands
Sit for long periods of time
Stand
Push/pull
Walk for long distances
Carry/lift over 25–50 lbs.
Deadline to Apply This position is open until filled.
EEO Statement SMU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression.
Benefits SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of health and related benefits. In addition to traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, SMU offers a wide range of wellness programs to help attract, support, and retain our employees whose work continues to make SMU an outstanding education and research institution.
SMU is committed to providing an array of retirement programs that benefit and protect you and your family throughout your working years at SMU and, if you meet SMU's retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU.
The value of learning at SMU isn't just about preparing our students for the future. Employees have access to a wide variety of professional and personal development opportunities, including tuition benefits.
#J-18808-Ljbffr