The Artistic Administrator is a key partner in all aspects of The Philadelphia Orchestra’s artistic planning for the winter and summer seasons, touring and special events.
Overview:
The Philadelphia Orchestra’s Artistic Planning Department creates approximately 80 concert programs per season for over 140 performances. Under the leadership of new Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin, the Orchestra is garnering international praise, creating a dynamic new profile of programming and pioneering new concert experiences inside and outside the concert hall. The Philadelphia Orchestra maintains close relationships with conductors and artists of the highest international caliber and presents concerts at the highest levels of artistic achievement. This standard of quality is upheld by a dedicated and highly-skilled administrative staff working in a rewarding, stimulating and fast-paced environment.
Summary:
The Artistic Administrator is a key partner in all aspects of The Philadelphia Orchestra’s artistic planning for the winter and summer seasons, touring and special events. The Artistic Administrator manages day-to-day artistic matters as well as has responsibility for programming summer concerts, galas, holidays, special events and ancillary programs as assigned. There is interaction with key institutional partners such as the Kimmel Center, Mann Music Center, Saratoga Performing Arts Center, and Bravo Vail Music Festival. The Artistic Administrator is a central figure in the institution for disseminating programming information, serving as an inter-departmental resource, developing positive relationships with conductors and artists and contributing creatively to the development of dynamic new symphonic experiences. This position is also responsible for maximizing artist time and talent to participate in fundraising, education, and public relations.
Essential Functions:
1. Provide creative and organizational support for all main season and summer programming including the incorporation of production, educational and special initiatives.
2. Interact with artists and artist managers to discuss and coordinate availability, programming and rehearsal schedules and communicate them to personnel and the library.
3. In consultation with the VP Artistic Planning, work with conductors and artists to plan Holiday, summer, and special event concerts, including but not limited to New Year’s Eve, the Academy Ball, Neighborhood Concerts, Martin Luther King, Jr. Concert, Mann, Saratoga, Vail, Longwood, Glorious Sounds of Christmas, Messiah and other orchestra specials.
4. Provide creative input and then logistical coordination when the Orchestra annually programs new initiatives such as festivals, theatrical presentations and alternative concert formats/venues.
5. Manage critical programming and scheduling details for tours and residencies. Travel on tours and to residency venues may be required.
6. Negotiate artist and chorus fees as assigned.
7. Supervise artist contracting, payment, hospitality and work visa applications.
8. Together with the VP for Artistic Planning and the Education and Community Partnerships staff, assist in programming family and community concerts, pre-concert lectures and other community events.
9. Manage current season budget, annual budget process and multi season project budgeting. This position is a central organizer in organization-wide budget process.
10. Coordinate artist participation with education and community partners.
11. Manage all artistic content and future planning in OPAS.
12. Assist in season calendar planning in accordance with the orchestra CBA and subscription series requirements.
13. Manage all dates and deadlines for Kimmel Center rehearsals, performances and auditions. Interface Kimmel/POA lease terms with scheduling of orchestra services.
14. Coordinate Music Director schedule and advocate for communications across departments for use of Music Director’s time.
15. Manage composer commission agreements, ensuring compliance with contract deadlines.
16. Schedule cover conductors, oversee staff conductor schedules and manage staff conductor and cover conductor audition process.
17. Partner with Electronic Media staff to obtain artist rights and approvals for all media projects.
18. Key member of China Taskforce in preparing residency and performance activities.
19. Serve as a member of the Board Artistic Committee and participate with all musician committees (Members, Artistic and Tour) as appropriate.
20. Participate in assessment of guest artist and repertoire proposals and provide research where necessary.
21. Participate in artistic concert duty.
Education/Experience:
Bachelor’s degree, plus a minimum of five years related experience required producing high-profile events, interacting with artists, and working in a performing arts environment with multiple partners.
Must have a proven ability to identify creative solutions and support new programmatic and production initiatives. Must possess a valid passport and be available for domestic and international travel.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
1. Ability to be a positive and progressive partner in the development of Orchestra programming and developing deep artistic partnerships internally and externally required.
2. Knowledge of orchestral repertoire and classical music artists a must.
3. Strong interpersonal and written/verbal communication skills.
4. Ability to work effectively on several projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
5. Proven budget experience with complex chart of accounts
6. Prior management experience a plus
7. Proficiency in word processing and spreadsheet programs; knowledge of OPAS.
8. Ability to conduct research
Working Conditions/Physical Demands:
The employee is required to perform duties and attend events during evening and weekend hours in addition to the regular office hours. Domestic and International travel will be required for tours and summer residencies. Valid passport required. Generally work is performed in an office environment or performing arts venue.