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.
Assists the Director of Orchestra Personnel in ensuring compliance with all union contracts, acting as liaison between management and Orchestra, administering Orchestra auditions, and serving as a resource and counsel for Musicians. This position 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:
1. Work personnel duty for Orchestra services as assigned and during split orchestra weeks, including all weeks of Opera season. Ensure Orchestra working conditions and activities are in compliance with the provisions of all Orchestra agreements, including Master Agreement and Side Agreements between the SLSO and Local-2-197 AFM, and local and national electronic media agreements. 2. Serve as liaison between Orchestra members, management, staff, Music Director, guest conductors, and committees. 3. Communicate with conductors regarding work rules, illnesses, and related issues. Communicate last minute personnel changes to stage crew. 4. Document attendance in accordance with established procedures. 5. Resolve routine orchestra personnel problems in a consistent and fair manner in consultation with the Director of Orchestra Personnel. 6. Assist in communications between Orchestra Musicians and Management by performing duties such as distributing musician seating, weekly schedules, and travel information, and by collecting materials from musicians such as leave requests, archival recording orders, and travel forms. 7. Provide general administrative support to the Chief Operating Officer and the Director of Orchestra Personnel, including meeting scheduling and logistics, filing, correspondence, and data entry. 8. Assist the Director of Orchestra Personnel with preparation for and execution of Orchestra auditions, including: creation of audition advertisement and applicant materials; serving as primary contact for correspondence with applicants; processing all resumes, deposits and application forms; working for all audition days. 9. Assist in coordinating Orchestra payroll. 10. Process reimbursements for substitute musician expenses, invoices for orchestra-personnel related expenses, and orchestra-personnel deposits. 11. Assist the Director of Orchestra Personnel on all media services and related activities, such as processing of media payments to musicians and distribution of complimentary media. 12. Travel with Orchestra while on tours and services outside of Powell Symphony Hall as assigned; in addition to regular duties, assist in supervising Orchestra related activities and travel. 13. Attend operations department, production, and other meetings as required. 14. Perform other related duties as needed or directed.
POSITION QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
Knowledge: Requires broad understanding of the classical music discipline involving extensive theoretical knowledge including stage protocol. Equivalent to a complete four-year college or university education in Music or the performing arts. Proficiency in a PC network environment, including Microsoft Office suite and ArtsVision.
Experience: Minimum of two years of experience with a Symphony Orchestra to obtain sufficient background to perform duties of the position. One to three years administrative experience, preferably with a performing arts organization. Experience working with a collective bargaining agreement preferred, and extensive music background mandatory.
Skills and Abilities:
1. Under general direction, work from objectives with little functional guidance. 2. Ability to work with and maintain confidential data. 3. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with ability to maintain and promote a positive work atmosphere. Excellent listening skills. 4. Ability to communicate with internal and external contacts with a high degree of diplomacy, tact, compassion, and in a calm and confident manner. 5. Enthusiasm for working collaboratively with conductors, artists, members of the orchestra, members of the staff, and other SLSO constituents. 6. Ability to perform a wide range of duties requiring knowledge of related organizational policies, procedures, and Musicians’ collective bargaining agreement. 7. Strong problem-solving skills and ability to perform detail-intensive projects. 8. Ability to work evenings and weekends, and irregular hours as required.
The SLSO embraces a world in which every life is enriched through the power of music. We are committed to cultivating a culture of inclusion and connectedness where a diverse team of employees can grow and thrive. The collective sum of our employees’ individual differences, experiences, knowledge, self-expression, and talent are represented in our culture, innovative spirit and the SLSO’s achievements. In recruiting for our team, we welcome candidates’ uniqueness in culture, social identities, expression, and viewpoints. The SLSO is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Celebrated as one of today’s most exciting and enduring orchestras, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra is the second-oldest orchestra in the country, marking its 144th year with the 2023/2024 season and its fifth with Stéphane Denève, The Joseph and Emily Rauh Pulitzer Music Director. Widely considered one of the leading American orchestras, the Grammy® Award-winning SLSO maintains its commitment to artistic excellence, educational impact, and community collaborations—all in service to its mission of enriching lives through the power of music.
The core of the SLSO’s artistic foundation is its dynamic partnership with Denève, whose energetic musicianship, visionary storytelling, and collaborative spirit have created stronger connections with local and visiting artists, as well as advanced the SLSO’s role as a leader in music education. The SLSO musical family also includes two resident choruses: the St. Louis Symphony Chorus, founded in 1976, performs choral-orchestral music from the Baroque era to today; and the St. Louis Symphony IN UNISON Chorus, founded in 1994, focuses on the performance and preservation of music from the African diaspora. The St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra,... founded by Conductor Laureate Leonard Slatkin in 1970, is the region’s premiere training orchestra for high school and college students.
In March 2023, the SLSO broke ground on a 65,000-square foot expansion and renovation of the orchestra’s home, Powell Hall—the first major renovation project at the historic Grand Center building since it became the SLSO's permanent home in 1968. Led by the internationally acclaimed architecture firm Snøhetta, the project will transform the audience and artistic experience while protecting Powell Hall's historic character and celebrated acoustics, creating a state-of-the art center for community, innovation, and powerful music experiences. While construction is underway, the SLSO will perform throughout the community. The revitalized Powell Hall will open in 2025 to coincide with the building's centennial.
An integral part of the vibrant St. Louis community, the SLSO enjoys a long history of robust and enduring artistic collaborations with individuals and organizations locally and around the world. Orchestra musicians share dozens of education and community performances throughout the region each year at medical facilities, places of worship, community centers, and schools. For 20 years, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra: Live at the Pulitzer series has highlighted today’s leading musical voices through innovative performances in collaboration with, and reaction to the exhibitions at, the Pulitzer Arts Foundation. The SLSO has served as the resident orchestra for Opera Theatre of Saint Louis for more than 45 years. The orchestra also continues to foster new artistic collaborations, including a chamber music collaboration with The Sheldon in 2023/2024, as well as regular partnerships with The Muny, The Big Muddy Dance Company, the Saint Louis Art Museum, and others. Beyond the St. Louis region, the SLSO's impact is realized through Saturday night concert broadcasts on St. Louis Public Radio and Classic 107.3, acclaimed recordings, regular touring activity, and a digital portfolio that includes a robust online education platform with curriculum materials, interactive programs, activities, and learning opportunities for all ages.
Since the arrival of Marie-Hélène Bernard as President and CEO in 2015, the SLSO has aligned its mission to make music more accessible, while fostering a culture welcoming to all. Building on its momentum, the SLSO serves as a convener of individuals, creators, and ideas, and is committed to building community through compelling and inclusive musical experiences. As it continues its longstanding focus on equity, diversity, inclusion, and access, the SLSO embraces its strengths as a responsive, nimble organization, while investing in partnerships locally and elevating its presence globally. For more information, visit slso.org.