Date: October 2023 Position: Manager of Operations and Production Department: Operations Reports to: Vice President of Operations Classification: Exempt, Salaried
THE BALTIMORE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA and ORCHKIDS
For over a century, the BSO has been recognized as one of America’s leading orchestras and one of Maryland’s most significant cultural institutions. As the largest cultural institution in Maryland, the BSO is internationally recognized and locally admired for its innovation, performances and recordings, and educational community initiatives including OrchKids. Launched in 2008, OrchKids provides children educational resources and fosters social change through the power of music in some of Baltimore’s under-resourced communities.
The only major American orchestra to have been founded as a part of its municipality, the BSO is also the only American orchestra with year-round venues in two distinct metropolitan areas, both specifically designed with the orchestra in mind: the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall in Baltimore, and the Music Center at Strathmore in North Bethesda.
In July 2022, the BSO once again made musical history with its announcement that Jonathon Heyward would succeed Music Director Laureate and OrchKids Founder Marin Alsop as the Orchestra’s next Music Director. Maestro Heyward began his five-year contract in the 2023-24 season.
BSO: AT A GLANCE
Operating budget FY 23/24:
Approximately $30million
Orchestra members:
80 Players; 2 Librarians
Administrative Staff:
75 Employees
OrchKids Program Staff:
75 Team members
JOB SUMMARY The Manager of Operations and Production provides operational management for the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, which the BSO owns and operates. Reporting to the Vice President of Operations, the position works closely with the Operations Department staff, Director of Venue Sales, stage crew, and other BSO departments to ensure comprehensive scheduling, thorough preparation and communication, and smooth execution of activities in the Meyerhoff and at external venues.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Orchestra Operations and Concert Production
Manage operational details for concerts as assigned by the Associate Director of Production (e.g., educational concerts).
With the VP of Operations, manage the BSO’s Electronic Media activities, including archival recording, livestreaming, hiring of contractors, and required reporting.
Maintain audio and video archive of orchestral performance material and manage musician, conductor, and guest artist access and release form process.
Facilitate smooth execution of concerts and events outside the Meyerhoff, with the Operations team. Research potential venues for runouts and external venues.
With the Education Department, coordinate operational and production needs for the BSYO rehearsals and concerts, and the annual BSO Academy program.
Participate in budgeting and payment processes, including creation of budgets for runouts and other concerts.
Serve as Manager on Duty for BSO performances as scheduled in a rotation with other staff.
Scheduling and Venue Operations:
Manage the Meyerhoff and BSO schedule in ArtsVision, in conjunction with the VP of Operations, including the creation of the BSO’s annual Tentative Schedule booklet.
Create and distribute monthly garage, building, and security schedules.
Work with the VP of Operations on concert operational procedures and ensure effective communication with Leadership on Duty, Manager on Duty, Front of House, and other
Work with Operations department, Facilities department, and external entities to ensure smooth operation of renovation projects in the Meyerhoff.
Non-BSO Events
Work with Director of Venue Sales, VP of Operations, Associate Production Manager, and Advancement staff on the operational/production needs and scheduling for Rentals, Presentations, Pre- and Post-Concert Activities, and other non-BSO activities.
Work with Director of Venue Sales on budgeting, invoicing, and reconciliation for rental events and presentations.
Serve as Operations department staff on duty for events on site as assigned.
Other duties and projects as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS AND CAPABILITIES
A minimum of 2-3 years increasingly responsible orchestra operations
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and to exercise sound
Strong organizational skills and the ability to multi-task and maintain high quality of work output.
Ability to communicate effectively and professionally both orally and in
Demonstrated experience with labor union practices and labor relations
Knowledge and experience with collective bargaining agreements, contracts, stage lighting, sound, and technical equipment preferred.
Must demonstrate a flexible and collaborative work style and have the ability to interact professionally with a wide variety of constituents.
Knowledge of classical music and symphonic repertoire required.
Evening and weekend work is required.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
Competitive salary negotiable, commensurate with qualifications and experience
Health insurance: two options to choose from; all at low cost to the employee
Dental, Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance, paid entirely by the BSO
Generous paid time off, including annual, personal and sick leave
403(b) Plan
Health Savings Account, employer contributes portion
Flexible Spending Accounts, including Medical and Dependent Care
Employee Assistance Program
Free/discounted tickets to BSO concerts
The statements contained in this job description reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required and the scope of responsibility. It should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences of relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload.
How to Apply
Please submit a cover letter, resume, and salary requirements to Opsjobs@bsomusic.org, with the position title of the job in the subject line of your email. No phone calls.
All applications are due no later than November 26, 2023.
OUR CULTURE AS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and OrchKids use the BSO mission and shared values (Appendices) to govern decisions, actions, and behaviors. These values guide how we conduct our work and professional relationships: Creativity, Respect, Excellence, Education/Engagement, and Diversity. We are focused on a people-first culture for our patrons and our entire BSO family.
The BSO is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, differing physical abilities, genetic information, age, parental status, military service, other non-merit factors.
APPENDIX I: BSO MISSION
The BSO performs the highest quality symphonic music of all eras that nurtures the human spirit. The BSO is committed to engaging, inspiring, educating, and serving diverse audiences and to enhancing the State of Maryland as a cultural center of vitality and importance.”
_________________________
APPENDIX II: BSO SHARED VALUES
In October 2021, the BSO Board of Directors approved the following shared values, or “BSO Creed”:
CREATIVITY
We believe the BSO is first and foremost an artistic institution that is dedicated to the finest creative musical expression.
We seek to facilitate opportunities for creative approaches that allow musicians, staff, board, and partners to collaborate to serve our mission.
We strive to inform all decisions with our commitment to innovation and continuous improvement.
RESPECT
We believe the BSO should value, appreciate, and treat all individuals - patrons, staff, musicians, guest artists, and volunteers with compassion, respect, and dignity.
We seek to create a welcoming, safe, and enjoyable environment for all.
We strive to embrace all human differences and commit to caring and civility towards all with whom we work and serve.
EXCELLENCE
We believe it is an honor to present great music to stir and nurture the soul.
We seek to attract, develop, and retain the best talent in all musicians, staff, board, and volunteers. Everyone who works at the BSO has an important role to play in our success.
We strive to act with uncompromising integrity and transparency.
ENGAGEMENT / EDUCATION
We believe deep connections to the diverse communities we serve are essential to our mission.
We seek to inspire and educate with powerful and meaningful musical experiences for audiences of all ages.
We strive to nurture the talents of musicians of all ages with accessible educational initiatives and programs.
We strive to create a culture where musicians, staff, board, and volunteers communicate, collaborate, understand, and appreciate each other’s work.
DIVERSITY
We believe diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging – with respect to race, gender, and personal identity – are cultural and strategic imperatives.
We seek to create a culture of excellence that ensures access and inclusion of diverse voices in all that we do.
We strive to use the universal language of music to bring people together and embrace our multicultural society.
For over a century, the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO) has been recognized as one of America’s leading orchestras and one of Maryland’s most significant cultural institutions. The orchestra is internationally renowned and locally admired for its innovation, performances, recordings, and educational outreach initiatives including OrchKids.
The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra performs annually for more than 275,000 people throughout the State of Maryland. Since 1982, the BSO has performed at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall in Baltimore, and since 2005, with the opening of The Music Center at Strathmore in North Bethesda, MD, the BSO became the nation’s first orchestra performing its full season of classical and pops concerts in two metropolitan areas.
In July 2022, the BSO once again made musical history with its announcement that Jonathon Heyward would succeed Music Director Laureate and OrchKids Founder Marin Alsop as the Orchestra’s next Music Director. Maestro Heyward begins his five-year contract in the 2023-24 season.
More information about the BSO can be found at BSOmusic.org.