Director, Orchestra Operations

DIRECTOR OF ORCHESTRA OPERATIONS

The Director of Orchestra Operations manages the day-to-day operational coordination of the Nashville Symphony orchestra, supporting efficient scheduling, effective communication with musicians and staff, and compliance with applicable labor agreements. The Director works collaboratively with artistic, production, and administrative colleagues to support rehearsals, concerts, recordings, tours, and community performances.

I. Summary

Reports to: Chief Operations Officer

Employment Status: Full-Time, Exempt

II. Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Work closely with artistic operations staff, musicians, and colleagues to foster a collaborative and supportive working environment between staff and musicians.
• Contribute to long-range planning as it relates to orchestra services, schedules, and operational requirements.
• In collaboration with the Director of Programming, the Chief Operations Officer, and relevant staff, develop and maintain the orchestra master schedule, balancing artistic priorities, available services, budget considerations, and the requirements of the collective bargaining agreement.
• Coordinate and monitor orchestra schedules for rehearsals, concerts, tours, recordings, special events, and community performances.
• Coordinate with programming and community engagement colleagues on facilities and logistical requirements for orchestra performances outside the Schermerhorn Symphony Center.
• Maintain accurate orchestra scheduling and calendar information in ArtsVision, including dates and confirmations for the Schermerhorn Symphony Center and off-site venues.
• Support the Chief Operating Officer in communications with the Orchestra Committee and AFM Local 257, as appropriate.
• Work with the Orchestra Personnel team on musician-related operational and personnel matters, using a musician-centered approach consistent with the collective bargaining agreement.
• Coordinate with conducting leadership, artistic programming, production, and education and community engagement teams to support the operational execution of Nashville Symphony services and events.
• Prepare and manage orchestra operations budgets and related expenses in coordination with the Chief Operations Officer and Finance team.
• Coordinate operational requirements for recording and media activities and maintain working knowledge of relevant agreements, including the Integrated Media Agreement (IMA) and Sound Recording Labor Agreement (SRLA).
• Coordinate scheduling and logistical requirements with record producers, engineers, and internal teams for recording sessions.
• Facilitate administration of recording projects by maintaining budgets, tracking album repertoire, and completing and submitting related AFM paperwork.
• Ensure compliance with the Electronic Media Guarantee reporting for all related orchestral engagements utilizing current and historical data from within the organization and external recording partners
• Build quotes estimating the total cost of musician labor for internal & external off-contract orchestra services, events, and gigs.
• Serve as a staff liaison for the Schedule Review Committee.
• Together with the COO, compile and maintain the annual Ballet Addendum to the budget to estimate the total cost of musician labor payable by the Nashville Ballet for the orchestra’s annual engagements.
• Apply and uphold the terms of the collective bargaining agreement in orchestra operations; research precedent and elevate questions of interpretation to the Chief Operating Officer as needed.
• Provide operational information and support to the Chief Operations Officer during collective bargaining preparations and negotiations with AFM Local 257.
• Coordinate orchestra operations needs for education and community engagement performances in partnership with the relevant departments.
• Identify orchestra operations equipment and capital needs and make recommendations to the Chief Operating Officer.

III. Work Requirements and Qualifications

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Music, Music Business, Business Administration, or a related field. A master’s degree in Arts Administration, Music Business, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience, is preferred.

Experience

At least five years of experience in an orchestra or performing arts organization, preferably including orchestra operations, scheduling, or personnel administration.

IV. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Extensive knowledge of orchestral music and best practices in orchestra operations and management.
• Familiarity with collective bargaining agreements and musician relations, with a collaborative and respectful approach.
• Strong scheduling, organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills; experience with ArtsVision or comparable scheduling systems is desirable.
• Ability to collaborate across departments and communicate clearly with musicians, conductors, staff, and external partners.
• Commitment to the organization’s equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging efforts.
• Sound independent judgment, discretion, and the ability to keep the supervisor informed of significant activities and issues.
• Ability to analyze and interpret complex documents, agreements, schedules, and reports.
• Ability to prioritize urgent and routine responsibilities while remaining composed and professional.

V.  Additional Information

The Nashville Symphony Association reserves the right to revise this job description at any time. This job description is not a contract for employment. All employees are expected to adhere to all terms and conditions of the Association's Personnel Policies and Employment Manuals and other Association policies and procedures which may be promulgated and published from time to time.

VI.  Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The Nashville Symphony prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability, genetics, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.