Vice President of Artistic Planning

TITLE: Vice President of Artistic Planning

REPORTS TO: Chief Operating Officer

DIRECT REPORTS: Artistic Administrator, Librarians, Assistant Conductor, Audio Recording Engineer, Symphony Chorus Manager, and Manager, IN UNISON Programs

POSITION SUMMARY: Join the SLSO during one of the most thrilling times in the history of the orchestra as we return to the beautifully renovated Powell Hall for our 2025-2026 season. This is an opportunity to create a lasting impact on audiences and the St. Louis community.

The Vice President of Artistic Planning (VP AP), executes the artistic quality and aspirations of the SLSO and the artistic vision of . As a key collaborator of the Music Director, COO and CEO, the VP AP is responsible for artistic programming and administration of all SLSO artistic programs.

The ideal candidate is passionate, creative, knowledgeable, fast-paced, and a self-starter with superb artistic intuition and connections, exceptional communication skills and a proven track-record of effective and successful management of multiple projects simultaneously. The ability to inspire and empower collaborators both internally and externally, as well as a firmly held value for and understanding of the importance of diversity and equity in the orchestral field is essential.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Responsible for all SLSO artistic programs and engagement of guest conductors and artists in alignment with the Music Director's artistic vision and within approved financial parameters. Development and execution of the SLSO's commissioning, media, residency, and touring strategies.
• Responsible for engaging, relevant, and artistically significant programming for the SLSO in collaboration with the Music Director and in consultation with the CEO and COO; working closely with staff conductors, artists-in-residence, choral directors, and guest artists, ensure the deployment of the finest artistic experience for the SLSO, its two choruses, and its audiences.
• Ensure development of concert programs that stretch the musical boundaries of the SLSO while supporting revenue goals and audience development objectives, including but not limited to, classical subscription series, "SLSO presents" (Live at Powell Hall), media and recording projects, holiday programs, special concerts, residencies, and tours.
• Cultivate a compelling and diverse array of guest artists, conductors, and repertoire across all programming, ensuring that the SLSO is well known for its artistic profile and as a destination for guest artists. Nurture deep relationships with agents, artists, publishers and artistic partners.
• Supervise SLSO artist servicing in coordination with the Production/Operations teams.
• Inform and ensure accuracy of artistic budget, and oversee contract negotiation, administration, and expense tracking for all SLSO programs.
• Supervise SLSO's Artistic Administrator in the planning of programming.
• Collaborate on education programs and community partnership endeavors, and the St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra.
• Serve as staff liaison to the Artistic Advisory Committee of the Orchestra.
• Inform and support Marketing and Philanthropic department efforts to promote and support all SLSO programs.
• Support and participate in rehearsal and performance operations related to guest artists and conductors, including hospitality and special events.
• Support and facilitate guest artist appearances to benefit institutional goals in other areas such as philanthropy, marketing, learning and community engagement; ensure these engagements are part of contractual agreements when required.

Skills & Requirements
REQUIREMENTS:

• Passion for and deep knowledge of orchestral music, artists and the symphonic industry.
• Enthusiasm for and interest in a broad array of musical styles, genres, and repertoire.
• Extensive knowledge of orchestral, opera and chamber repertoires. An advanced degree in music performance or music history desirable.
• 5 years of artistic planning and programming experience exemplifying a proven track-record of artistic quality, creativity, and innovation, preferably in an orchestra setting.
• Proven negotiation and contract administration skills.
• Well-developed critical thinking, communication, problem solving, research and strategic planning skills.
• A team-oriented, inclusive, consistently positive, collaborative, professional demeanor and demonstrated leadership skills.
• Ability to develop and sustain collaborative, productive, and professional relationships with internal and external colleagues and artists.
• Proven experience working regularly with artists and a current network of international artists and industry contacts.
• Technological proficiency is a must, including the ability to quickly learn and utilize new software applications; experience with Arts Vision a plus.
• Attention to detail and strong written communication with demonstrated ability to execute multiple plans effectively simultaneously and on time in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work nights and weekends.
• Possess a valid U.S. driver's license and a good driving record.

Qualifications