Senior Director of Artistic Administration

Job Title:

Senior Director of Artistic Administration

Reports to:

President and CEO

Classification:

Regular full‑time exempt

The Phoenix Symphony is Arizona's largest performing arts organization and a cornerstone of the state's cultural life. As the Symphony welcomes its next Music Director and prepares for the seasons ahead, this is a defining opportunity to help shape the orchestra's artistic future and bring ambitious programming to the stage in partnership with the President and CEO, the Music Director, and the Senior Team.

Purpose of the Position
The Senior Director of Artistic Administration leads the planning, execution, and contractual administration of The Phoenix Symphony's artistic activity across all programming, ensuring the successful execution of the artistic priorities in partnership with the President and CEO, the Music Director, and the Senior Team, while managing guest artists, artistic budgets, and the day‑to‑day operation of the Artistic Administration department.

Supervisory Responsibility
Supervises the Artistic Administration department, including the Music Librarian, Orchestra Personnel Managers, and artistic planning staff or contracted resources, working in close collaboration with the Associate Vice President of Operations.

Essential Functions
Under general direction, the incumbent must be able to perform the following essential functions, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Leadership

To further the artistic vision of the Symphony, works closely with Marketing, Development, Education, and Finance departments to create, plan, and produce programs and initiatives.

Recognizes and nurtures the full potential of staff and others within the Symphony by providing the needed resources, coaching, mentoring, opportunities, and support.

Creates a work environment that provides direction and promotes continuous learning and development across the institution.

On behalf of the President and CEO, represents the institution at public events, meetings, and concerts as needed.

Artistic Planning and Administration

Serves as a close partner to the President and CEO, the Music Director, and the Senior Team in shaping artistic strategy and programming.

In partnership with the President and CEO, the Music Director, and the Senior Team, defines and selects programming, guest conductors, and guest artists for all concerts and programs, in coordination with Marketing and the Artistic Advisory Committee.

Implements and advances the artistic vision, ensuring that programming reflects that vision while building audiences across the community.

Serves as a liaison with artists and managers seeking engagement and supports the Music Director with artistic correspondence.

Attends concerts and rehearsals regularly to provide an informed artistic perspective to the President and CEO and the Music Director.

Engages artist managers, ascertains availability, books artists, and negotiates and administers all guest artist contracts, including fees, riders, and reimbursements, cultivating lasting relationships with artists and managers.

Oversees the care, travel, lodging, hospitality, and logistics of all guest artists and conductors, ensuring an experience that reflects the standards of the institution.

Manages new music initiatives, commissions, and artistic partnerships that extend the Symphony's artistic reach and community impact.

Administers rights, approvals, and clearances for performances, recordings, and broadcasts as applicable.

Connects artistic programming to the institution's community engagement and education programs.

Determines the artistic requirements of concert production, including rehearsal orders and instrumentation, and, with the CEO, Music Director, and operations team, develops the orchestra schedule for execution by Operations.

Partnering with the CFO, develops and manages budgets for all artistic activities and controls costs in support of the artistic goals of the Symphony.

Supervises all library operations.

Participates in the search for and engagement of conducting staff.

Orchestra Personnel

Understands, interprets, and upholds the Master Orchestra Agreement, participates in its negotiation, and supports the CEO and Contract Review Committee in preparing for and administering the agreement.

Oversees and administers all individual musician employment contracts.

Regularly meets with the Orchestra Committee to share information and connect on day‑to‑day matters of concern.

Works with the Orchestra Personnel Manager on auditions, payroll, individual musician leave, replacements, vacation scheduling, extra musicians, and retirement planning.

Qualifications
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Thorough knowledge of classical music, repertoire, instrumentation, and the national landscape of conductors, soloists, and composers.

Familiarity across diverse genres, including pops, film, jazz, and family programming.

Demonstrated success partnering with a music director to implement artistic planning and programming.

Established relationships with artists and artist managers, or a demonstrated ability to build them.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Ability to prepare work schedules and budgets within the requirements of the labor contract.

Skill to ensure the best possible working conditions for orchestra musicians, conductors, and guest artists.

Ability to handle multiple deadlines, manage competing priorities, and work effectively under pressure.

Sound judgment and discretion in handling confidential artistic, contractual, and personnel matters.

Computer Skills

Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, and with software applications related to artistic planning and musical production, such as ArtsVision or OPAS.

Experience

Minimum of 5 years' experience in artistic administration and concert production with orchestras at the regional or national level.

Minimum of 5 years' experience developing production budgets and financial management.

Minimum of 5 years' experience working with professional musicians in a collective bargaining environment and participating in negotiations for both union and non‑union agreements.

Demonstrated success engaging artists and managers and negotiating guest artist contracts.

Education

Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in Music Performance, Music Education, or Arts Administration. Technical proficiency on an orchestral instrument preferred.

Physical and Work Environment
This role requires the ability to work in a standard office environment and use typical office equipment, including a computer, the ability to read printed materials and a computer screen, and to communicate effectively in person and by phone. Regular attendance at concerts and rehearsals, including some evenings and weekends, is required to meet the needs of the Symphony's performance schedule.

Compensation, Benefits, and Location
The salary range for this position is competitive and commensurate with experience. The Phoenix Symphony offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, paid time off, retirement contributions, and support for professional development. This is a full‑time, in‑person position based in downtown Phoenix.

Employment is At‑Will. Either the employee or the employer may terminate the employment relationship at any time, for any reason, with or without notice.

The Symphony is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If an accommodation is needed to support your participation in the application or interview process, please contact hr@phoenixsymphony.org.

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