ARTISTIC OPERATIONS DIRECTOR

Company: South Dakota Symphony Orchestra
Location: Sioux Falls
Posted on: February 25, 2021

Job Description:

The Artistic Operations Director manages and implements all orchestral operations, community engagement and education programs, and is responsible for ensuring all concert production and artistic planning runs smoothly, effectively, and in a financially responsible manner. The Artistic Operations Director is a liaison between the orchestra and the rest of the SDSO and is responsible for stewarding the provisions in the master agreement. The Artistic Operations Director is a thought partner to the Executive Director, works collaboratively with the Music Director and conducting staff, and plays a key role in developing and implementing strategic programming initiatives. The South Dakota Symphony Orchestra is based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, a vibrant and growing community serving a 125-mile region that touches 5 states. The SDSO's music director is Delta David Gier who has guided the orchestra to new musical heights. Over the past several years, the orchestra has seen significant growth in its musical prowess and the scope of products and services. Known for innovative programming, state-wide outreach, deep community engagement activity, and a commitment to inclusivity, the SDSO has a strong heritage upon which to build an even stronger future. The SDSO is the state's premier arts organization with the Washington Pavilion as its home. Artistic Operations Director Reports to: Executive Director Works with: Music Director, Assistant Conductor, Chorus Master, SDSO staff Manages: Operations Assistant/SDSYO Manager, Education & Community Engagement Manager, Personnel Manager, Librarian Personal Attributes and Competencies: The successful candidate is a proactive self-starter who thinks strategically and is adept at executing technical concert production as well as handling administrative tasks. The Artistic Operations Director is a fast learner and a resourceful problem solver with the ability to adapt in a changing environment. Effective working in teams of all sizes, the Artistic Operations Director is a thoughtful and effective manager who brings a calm demeanor and a can-do approach to all situations. The successful candidate will have superb organizational, interpersonal, supervisory, and communications skills, and a reputation for accuracy, responsiveness, meticulous attention to detail, and follow-through. It is critical the Artistic Operations Director has the energy and flexibility to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment, prioritizes tasks effectively, and executes projects to the highest level possible. Respect for music professionals, including conductors, orchestra musicians, stage technicians, and production personnel is essential. Responsibilities include: Concert Production --- Plan and administer all concert production activities of the South Dakota Symphony including booking and administration of concert and rehearsal facilities and contracts, managing relationships with the Washington Pavilion and other SDSO performance sites, staging requirements, rider executions, equipment rental, and other logistics. --- Manage and collaborate with the SDSYO Manager and SDSO Education and Community Engagement Manager to develop, plan, and implement all aspects of these programs. --- Prepare and maintain the orchestra's master schedule. Communicate changes to staff, musicians, and Washington Pavilion personnel in a timely manner. --- Coordinate front-of-house needs with performance venues. --- Supervise and manage orchestra setup for rehearsal and concerts and coordinate with the Music Director regarding special setup requirements. --- Work with music director and musician principals on purchase and maintenance of SDSO-owned equipment and instruments. --- Advance all special instrument and/or production needs (i.e. - keyboards, percussion, lighting or audio equipment). Artistic Planning --- Engage guest artists; negotiate, prepare, and execute guest artist contracts. --- Manage coordination of guest artist travel and hospitality. --- Oversee development of guest artist itineraries. Tour, Run Out and Contract Fee Engagements --- Identify, advance, negotiate, and manage all sold service activities including creating and managing presenter contracts, coordinating orchestra and ensemble travel, and organizing and producing all tours, run-out, and contract fee concerts. --- Escort orchestra and ensembles on tour; assure that all plans are properly executed. --- Make special arrangements for guest artist travel and hospitality surrounding tour, run-out or contract fee engagements. --- Interpret, implement, and uphold terms of the master agreement. --- Inform and assist in master agreement negotiations; research master agreement specific issues; determine financial impact of proposed changes; monitor compliance. --- Meet with the orchestra musicians to share information and discuss issues of concern; respond to orchestra member requests for information on scheduling and working conditions. --- Follow up on all requests in a timely manner; help promote positive relations between the orchestra staff and the musicians. --- Ensure best possible physical working conditions for the orchestra in all situations. Community Engagement and Education Programs --- Oversee the strategic development of and ensure the smooth operations of the South Dakota Symphony Youth Orchestra. --- Oversee all community engagement and education programming. --- Collaborate with Education and Community Engagement Program manager to develop new programs and partnerships. Digital content --- Manage all recording, broadcast, and virtual concert projects. --- Oversee and manage the capture, editing, and licensing of all music content for electronic media distribution. Chorus --- Provide administrative support for chorus rehearsals; order choral music. --- Coordinate orchestra and choral rehearsal and performance logistics. Administration and Finance --- Develop and monitor budgets, revenue, expense tracking, and forecasting for all production, touring, run out, and contract fee activities. --- Maintain appropriate cost controls while maintaining artistic integrity and upholding the master agreement. --- Other duties as assigned by the Executive Director Qualifications: --- 5+ years experience in the performing arts field (orchestra, dance, opera, theater, or other). Working knowledge of the orchestral repertoire is preferred. True passion for the art form desirable. --- Outstanding interpersonal and communications skills. --- Proven problem-solving skills in high-pressure situations. --- Strong organizational skills with the ability to juggle multiple tasks and prioritize projects in a fast- paced office environment. --- Meticulous attention to detail and follow through. --- Unwavering commitment to outstanding service. --- Thorough grasp of budgeting procedures; ability to make accurate revenue and expense projections. --- This position requires considerable evening and weekend hours without additional compensation and requires individual to be available during all SDSO performance and rehearsal times. --- Able to lift, carry, and move up to 50 lbs. --- Valid driver's license and good driving record. Compensation and Benefits: Salary commensurate with experience. Benefits package includes: o Health insurance plan, dental and vision insurance options o Simple IRA with match o Paid vacation and flexible personal days Application procedure: Please submit a resume and thoughtful cover letter in word or pdf file format to: --- The cover letter is an example of your written communication. Include your interest in this position, the SDSO, and your specific qualifications. Address cover letter to Jennifer Teisinger, Executive Director. Position is open until filled. The SDSO's community engagement work is intentional about building multicultural bridges through music, and we encourage people from all backgrounds to be a part of the work we do. Hence, we strongly encourage applications from people of color or people of other marginalized communities.

Keywords: South Dakota Symphony Orchestra, Sioux Falls , ARTISTIC OPERATIONS DIRECTOR, Executive , Sioux Falls, South Dakota