Needs From: BrownEngage

The Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra & Music School (RI Phil) seeks a dynamic Director of Artistic Operations (DAO) to oversee all activities of the professional orchestra and act as a liaison for other concert-related activities.  RI Phil is one of the finest regional orchestras in the nation and possesses the most comprehensive education programs of any professional orchestra.  As such, RI Phil is redefining the musical arts organization of today, with equal priority given to artistry and education. Quality, access, diversity, equity, and collaboration are core values.

 

This position reports to the Executive Director (ED) and supervises two positions: the Orchestra’s Production & Personnel Assistant (PPA) and the Librarian.  The selected candidate will partner with Music Director Ruth Reinhardt and ED David Beauchesne to fulfill RI Phil’s artistic mission and vision as the organization begins the Reinhardt era.  The DAO will also work with Principal Guest Conductor Robert Spano and other exceptional guest artists, RI Phil’s Artistic and Orchestra Committees, other dedicated members of the staff leadership team, key vendors and community partners. 

 

The Orchestra rehearses and performs for eleven (11) core weeks, September through June, including 8 Classical/Rush Hour/Open Rehearsal Weeks, and 1 week each for Messiah, Link Up Education Concert and Gala.  The summer season typically includes 4, one-day outdoor Summer Pops concerts.  Other fee-for-service pops concerts are scheduled year-round pending demand, with an average of four per year and a typical schedule of one or two days per concert. 

 

Primary Responsibilities: Artistic Planning & Operations

Create and maintain the master orchestra calendar and all conductor and guest artist schedulesMaintain data on OPAS, including the calendar, program information, and artist detailsManage artistic planning, including the meeting schedule (in coordination with the ED and Executive Coordinator) for relevant staff, consultants, and the Artistic Committee Plan all RI Philharmonic Orchestra services in consultation with relevant staff and in compliance with the Collective Bargaining AgreementWork with the ED, Director of Finance and others to develop, monitor, and manage the Artistic Operations budgetContract and communicate with guest artists/artist management regrading fee, lodging, travel and scheduleServe as liaison with primary venue (The VETS) and other venues and presenting organizations Ensure all concert-related contracts and invoices are accurate and payments are made in a timely fashionRespond to conductor, guest artist and musician requests, problems and issues in a manner consistent with RI Phil standards and communicate requests as needed to the Executive Director in a timely mannerSupervise the Orchestra Librarian in procuring scores and parts, along with appropriate rights and performance licenses, reporting to the appropriate performing rights organizations (ASCAP, BMI, etc.) and cataloging in OPASCoordinate Education Department activities and any special projects using stage crew and/or Orchestra members, and support youth ensemble performances and Music School and community events that utilize The VETSManage scheduling and contracts for chamber music concerts; oversee relevant production needsSupport board and donor-related events with artistic and/or production needs Proofread and edit artistic program book content, press releases and other public-facing, program-related copy

Primary Responsibilities: Concert Production

Oversee detailed production needs, including equipment rental, staging requirements and other logistics Manage facility procurement and scheduling detailsWork with the PPA, other staff and vendors to organize and produce all Orchestra run-out concertsCoordinate production for all concert recordings and broadcasts; serve as a point of contact with engineersEnsure that all media capture and distribution are done in accordance with the Integrated Media Agreement (IMA) and, in consultation with the Director of Finance, report annually to the Employer’s Electronic Media Association (EMA) of any compensation and pension contributions paid to RI Phil musicians under the IMA

 

Primary Responsibilities: Orchestra Personnel

Schedule and set agendas for Orchestra Committee meetingsCoordinate audition process for replacement or addition of permanent orchestra musicians in collaboration with the Music Director and Orchestra Committee, and with support from the PPAIn coordination with the PPA, ensure that all lists of extra and substitute musicians are well maintained, approved by the Music Director and appropriate Orchestra PrincipalsIn coordination with the PPA, oversee the hiring of extra and substitute musicians in a manner consistent with RI Phil artistic standards and Music Director guidelinesPrepare and disseminate Orchestra season schedules and Individual Player AgreementsMonitor compliance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and ensure the best possible physical working conditions for RI Philharmonic Orchestra musicians in all situationsWith the PPA, collectively log and respond to personnel complaints with regard to working conditionsWith the PPA, collectively log and address orchestra member attendance, tardiness, or other CBA infractions

 

 

Essential Qualifications

Eight or more years of experience in operations for a performing arts organization, including supervisory rolesWorking knowledge of orchestral repertoire and performance practices Financial management and/or budgeting experienceDemonstrated reliability, flexibility and professional presentationOutstanding communications skills and team-building capabilitiesAbility to contribute to a positive, collegial, good-humored work atmosphere to get results in a fast-paced, high pressure, deadline-oriented environmentComputer proficiency including Microsoft Office Suite and OPAS Orchestra Management Software preferred Experience working successfully with a variety of personalities, including high-profile artists Bachelor’s degree in music or related field

RIPO&MS is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual preference or orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, ethnicity, disability, protected veteran status, or marital status.

 

To apply, please send a cover letter, resume and references to jmedeiros@riphil.org by February 23. The subject line of the email should state “Applicant: Director of Artistic Operations”. No phone calls please.