The Virginia Symphony Orchestra seeks an Orchestra Personnel Manager to oversee orchestra staffing, Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) compliance, auditions, and musician payroll. Serving as liaison between musicians and administration, this position handles communications and confidential personnel matters with professionalism, discretion, and strong interpersonal skills.

Principal Responsibilities:

Orchestra Personnel & Operations

• Serve as the primary point of contact for musicians, fostering positive and productive relationships.
• Attend all orchestra services, except when relieved by the part-time Assistant Personnel Manager.
• Coordinate hiring, seating, and scheduling of musicians within budgetary and contractual guidelines; maintain and distribute schedules, rosters, contact lists, and logistical updates; collaborate on bus schedules and accommodation needs for runouts and tours.
• Maintain and update rosters of extra and substitute musicians in consultation with principal musicians and the Music Director.
• Ensure compliance with the CBA regarding scheduling, staffing, attendance, seating, breaks, and official communications.
• Collaborate with conductors to maximize rehearsal efficiency.
• Collaborate with Marketing, Development, and Education departments to engage musicians outside of orchestra services.

Musician HR

• Maintain and update musician personnel and service records, including accurate tracking in OPAS.
• Issue contracts and letters of intent in accordance with the CBA.
• Coordinate onboarding, verify work eligibility, and provide documentation support for musician visas.
• Process leave requests, in consultation with the Music Director as appropriate, and maintain related records.
• Document accidents/incidents. Handle disciplinary matters and conflicts in compliance with the CBA and in consultation with the COO.
• Maintain confidentiality of personnel, payroll, contract, and benefits information.

Budget and Payroll Preparation

• Prepare musician payroll and send individual service and pay summaries.
• Prepare budgets and report actuals by project for orchestra payroll and related expenses.
• Track orchestra payroll budget compliance and identify cost-saving opportunities.

Audition Coordination

• In collaboration with the Assistant Personnel Manager, manage auditions in compliance with the CBA, including scheduling, committee and applicant communications, repertoire approvals, and advertising. Coordinate venue requests with the Operations Manager.
• Attend auditions, supervise support staff, and coordinate final rounds with the Music Director and in compliance with the CBA.
• Manage the tenure review processes for probationary musicians, including related meetings and documentation.

 General

• Maintain regular in-person office hours and attend staff and department meetings.
• Perform other duties in support of the VSO’s mission and organizational

• Bachelor’s degree in music or a directly related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Minimum three years’ experience in orchestra personnel, orchestra operations, or a related field.
• Knowledge of orchestral repertoire, instrumentation, and orchestra personnel practices, along with sensitivity to the needs of orchestra musicians, guest artists, and conductors. Performing experience preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
• Familiarity with collective bargaining agreements and labor union relationships.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, and OPAS or similar orchestra management software.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and tours as needed.
• Ability to accommodate a variable schedule, managing fluctuating workloads, and travel for tours and run-outs as needed.
• Reliable personal transportation required, as public transportation does not adequately support the VSO’s regional service area.
• Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

About Virginia Symphony Orchestra

ABOUT THE VSO As the region’s most celebrated musical, educational and entrepreneurial arts organization, the Virginia Symphony Orchestra continues to challenge expectations and push the boundaries of what an American orchestra can be. Innovation and excellence are at the heart of the VSO’s narrative. The VSO has received national attention for its unique mission serving a home area of 1.7 million across the diverse communities of southeastern Virginia. Through appearances at the Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall and commitment to adventurous programming, the VSO and its musicians have been highlighted in the media including The New York Times, The Washington Post, National Public Radio and BBC Worldwide News. As the largest performing arts organization in southeastern Virginia, the VSO and VSO Chorus present more than 150 concerts and events annually for more than 100,000 residents and visitors. Recent innovations include health and wellness programs, including interactive therapeutic experiences for people living with Alzheimer’s and dementia, and adopting welcoming concert environments for those who are neurodiverse. Since 2019, the VSO has been recognized nationally for... striving to reflect the region’s ethnic and racial diversity in its members, its programming, and its leadership. The selection of the young and dynamic conductor Eric Jacobsen as music director in 2021 was another bold step forward for the VSO, further expanding its vision to attract wider and larger audiences with engaging concert experiences and creative and relevant programming. Rounding out the artistic leadership team is Norfolk native Thomas Wilkins in the role of Principal Guest Conductor, reflecting the VSO’s commitment to tell its community’s stories and advance the important conversations that will promote understanding and belonging among all residents. experience.

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