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St. Louis Symphony Orchestra

Director of Orchestra Personnel

St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States, 63146


The SLSO offers exciting opportunities that will challenge your abilities, expand your skills and reward your contributions in an atmosphere that encourages both personal and professional growth for all.

Additionally, the SLSO offers a positive work environment designed around the philosophy of mutual respect and the challenge of contributing to the continued success of our organization.

REPORTS TO:

Chief Operating OfficerDIRECT REPORTS : Associate Orchestra Personnel Manager

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Director of Orchestra Personnel is responsible for managing the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra’s (SLSO) orchestra members. This is an opportunity to make a significant and lasting impact in a leadership role during an exciting time in the SLSO’s history, as the orchestra prepares to return to the renovated and expanded Powell Hall, scheduled to reopen in September 2025. As the primary staff liaison between the musicians and the administration, the Director of Orchestra Personnel works closely with members of the Artistic Operations team and the Human Resources department to ensure that the musicians’ needs are met during orchestra services, with the shared goal of providing an environment for the best possible music making.

FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB:

Oversees compliance with work rules of the collective bargaining agreement and working conditions of all contracts governing the employment and engagement of musicians.

Supervises the Associate Orchestra Personnel Manager and delegates work as needed.

Manages all Orchestra services, including start and stop times, breaks, string seating, wind/brass rotation, and the proper instrumentation on stage to assure the highest artistic quality.

Ensures the appropriate scheduling of full-time musicians for services, consulting with the Music Director, guest conductors, and section principals in determining performing assignments.

Manages musician leave requirements and requests in compliance with CBA and individual contracts, including vacation time, medical leave, relief, and other time off.

Prepares orchestra rosters, weekly schedules and other orchestra personnel communication as needed for distribution to musicians and staff.

Collaborates with Artistic Administrator to develop rehearsal plans with conductors, managing changes and ensuring compliance with the CBA.

Administers orchestra payroll and other compensation according to provisions of the collective bargaining agreement.

Develops orchestral personnel annual budgets and oversees financial management of budgets throughout each season.

Schedules, advertises and oversees audition process to fill vacant positions in the orchestra.

Facilitates clear and productive communication between musicians and library, stage crew, artistic and operations teams and other members of the staff.

Maintains an ongoing supportive and informative relationship with Music Director and communicates with other staff and guest conductors regarding work rules and other issues that may impact artistic considerations.

Serves as a resource and advisor to other staff and external constituents regarding musician engagement, questions, concerns, issues and requests.

Collaborates with the Human Resources team regarding musician benefit administration and employment status changes.

Provides assistance and/or coordinates initiatives that further the organizational Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) goals.

Assists the COO and President/CEO with musician collective bargaining negotiations and grievances.

Travels with Orchestra while on tour and runouts as needed; assists in supervising Orchestra related activities and travel.

Attends operations department, production, and other meetings as required.

Other duties as assigned.

POSITION QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Knowledge:

Extensive working knowledge of orchestral repertoire, practical experience administrating orchestra collective bargaining agreements in a labor environment.

Experience:

Bachelor’s degree, preferably in music, or otherwise applicable experience; a minimum of 5 years’ experience in an orchestra personnel management role.

Skills and Abilities:

A commitment to facilitating an environment that supports artistic excellence.

Managerial commitment to fairness, discretion, trust, confidentiality, and high ethical standards.

Outstanding interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence.

Enthusiasm for working collaboratively with conductors, artists, and other SLSO constituents.

Able to work independently, anticipate potential issues, and demonstrate good judgment.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Refined sense of prioritization, organization, and attention to detail.

Strong financial management and budgeting skills.

Ability to work evenings and weekends, and irregular hours as required.

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