Careers

Bass auditions for local substitute/extra musicians for the Oregon Symphony; substitute/extra rate for the 25-26 season is $214.16 per service. 

• Audition date: Sunday, January 18 in the morning.
• Audition to take place at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall.
• Submit your application online: Oregon Symphony Local Substitute Bassoon/Contrabassoon Audition Application.

Should you be unable to attend on January 18, alternative arrangements may be made by emailing auditions@orsymphony.org.

Employment to begin at winning candidate’s earliest convenience.

Principal base compensation for the 2025-2026, 40-week season: $85,566.40 (inclusive of EMG, premium pay, and instrument maintenance/insurance allowance).

Applications must be received no later than December 5, 2025.

Benefits include fully paid medical/dental insurance, LTD, AFM pension plan, and paid parking.

Fill out your application and submit your resume and deposit online: Oregon Symphony Principal Flute Audition Application.

Applications accepted until December 5, 2025.

The Oregon Symphony is a proud partner of the National Alliance for Audition Support.

Employment to begin at winning candidate’s earliest convenience.

Section base compensation for the 2025-2026, 40-week season: $68,873.72 (inclusive of EMG, premium pay, and instrument maintenance/insurance allowance).

Applications must be received no later than February 23, 2026.

Benefits include fully paid medical/dental insurance, LTD, AFM pension plan, and paid parking. 

Fill out your application and submit your resume and deposit online: Oregon Symphony English Horn/Utility Oboe Audition Application.

Applications accepted until February 23, 2026.

The Oregon Symphony is a proud partner of the National Alliance for Audition Support.

Employment to begin at winning candidate’s earliest convenience.

Principal base compensation for the 2025-2026, 40-week season: $85,566.40 (inclusive of EMG, premium pay, and instrument maintenance/insurance allowance).

Applications must be received no later than March 9, 2026.

Benefits include fully paid medical/dental insurance, LTD, AFM pension plan, and paid parking. 

Fill out your application and submit your resume and deposit online: Oregon Symphony Principal Clarinet Audition Application.

Applications accepted until March 9, 2026.

The Oregon Symphony is a proud partner of the National Alliance for Audition Support.

Join the Oregon Symphony Team as our Vice President for Development!

As our Vice President for Development, you will serve as a key strategic leader and ambassador for the Oregon Symphony’s philanthropic vision. Reporting directly to the President & CEO, you will guide and inspire a comprehensive fundraising program that fuels our artistic excellence, community impact, and long-term sustainability.

Here’s how you’ll make a difference:

• Develop and lead a bold, multi-year fundraising strategy aligned with the Symphony’s mission, vision, and strategic plan.
• Drive major gifts, annual giving, institutional support, planned giving, and campaign initiatives with clarity, confidence, and measurable results.
• Partner closely with the President & CEO and Board leadership to cultivate and secure transformational six- and seven-figure gifts.
• Lead and complete our current campaign while shaping long-term strategy for future endowment growth.
• Personally manage a portfolio of high-capacity donors, building meaningful, high-touch relationships throughout Portland and the region.
• Elevate donor engagement through inspiring experiences that connect supporters directly to the artistic mission and impact of the Symphony.
• Serve as staff liaison to the Board Development Committee, providing strategic insight and empowering trustees as philanthropic ambassadors.
• Foster a culture of philanthropy across the organization, collaborating seamlessly with artistic, operational, and community-facing teams.
• Lead, mentor, and strengthen a talented development team, investing in professional growth, performance metrics, and a culture of accountability and excellence.
• Strengthen development infrastructure, including prospect management systems, reporting tools, stewardship protocols, and budget oversight.

This role is pivotal in shaping the Symphony’s future. If you are a strategic, relationship-driven leader who thrives on building community through philanthropy, we invite you to help conduct the next chapter of our growth.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive leadership in fundraising, with demonstrated success setting and exceeding ambitious goals.
• Proven track record in major gifts fundraising and campaign leadership, including direct solicitation at the six- and seven-figure level.
• Deep knowledge of best practices in annual, major, institutional, and planned giving.
• Strategic, metrics-driven thinker with the ability to design and execute comprehensive fundraising initiatives.
• Strong leadership experience managing and motivating high-performing teams.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust among trustees, donors, staff, and community stakeholders.
• High degree of integrity, discretion, and professionalism.
• Familiarity with CRM systems (Tessitura preferred) and proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Valid driver’s license and access to a personal vehicle.
• Availability to work evenings and weekends as needed.
• Passion for the arts; knowledge of classical music is a strong plus.

We Offer:

• A senior leadership role within a respected and mission-driven arts organization.
• The opportunity to shape the philanthropic future of a leading cultural institution.
• A collaborative, values-driven team environment where strategic leadership is deeply valued.
• The ability to make a lasting impact on the artistic and cultural life of our region.

Salary Range: $180–$200k

Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, long-term disability insurance, and a 403(b) retirement plan.

The Oregon Symphony is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, or national origin. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

How to Apply:

If you’re ready to lead with vision, strategy, and heart, we would love to hear from you.

Please submit a cover letter and resume to careers@orsymphony.org with “Vice President for Development” in the subject line.

Join the Oregon Symphony Team as our Assistant Director of Development!

As our Assistant Director of Development, you will play a key role in strengthening the Oregon Symphony’s philanthropic community. This position focuses on building meaningful relationships with donors, expanding the donor pipeline, and supporting the success of our annual giving and special fundraising initiatives. Here’s how you’ll make a difference:

• Cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of donors and prospects, focusing on annual gifts in the $2,500–$7,500 range and additional support for special projects such as the Gala, education programs, commissions, and sponsorship opportunities.
• Develop thoughtful, donor-centered engagement and solicitation strategies that align donor interests with the Symphony’s mission and priorities.
• Create compelling written materials, including donor proposals, stewardship communications, and fundraising collateral.
• Research, write, and submit small grant applications that support the Symphony’s broader fundraising strategy.
• Identify and qualify new prospects through research and data analysis to strengthen the donor pipeline.
• Manage a portfolio of approximately 175 donors and prospects, tracking engagement and outcomes in the Tessitura CRM system.
• Ensure gifts and pledges are processed accurately and acknowledged promptly, maintaining strong donor relationships.
• Collaborate with Development team members on annual campaigns, fundraising events, and strategic initiatives.
• Support events such as the annual Gala, helping ensure successful attendance and fundraising outcomes.

This role is essential in growing the Oregon Symphony’s base of philanthropic support while ensuring donors feel connected, valued, and inspired by the music and programs they help make possible. If you enjoy relationship-building, thoughtful storytelling, and contributing to a vibrant arts community, we’d love to hear from you. Please see the attachment for a full job description.

Qualifications:

•  Bachelor’s degree and at least three years of development or related experience, particularly in donor engagement and achieving revenue goals; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
•  Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectively.
•  Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills with a focus on relationship building.
•  Proficiency with donor databases and Microsoft Office; Tessitura experience preferred.
•  Analytical and quantitative skills to support budgeting, tracking, and forecasting.
•  A collaborative, creative, and solutions-oriented approach to work.
•  Ability to travel locally for donor visits and events; must possess a valid driver’s license, vehicle, and liability insurance.
•  Availability to work evenings and weekends as needed during the concert season.

We Offer:

• The opportunity to be part of a respected, mission-driven arts organization.
• A collaborative team environment where your contributions help bring extraordinary music to our community.
• A chance to connect supporters with meaningful opportunities to engage with the Oregon Symphony.

Status and Work Environment:

This is a full-time, exempt position currently following a hybrid work model with 2–3 days per week in the office. Occasional evenings and weekends are required during the concert season, including attendance at donor events and Symphony performances. Local travel within the Portland metro area is expected for donor meetings and organizational events.

Salary Range: $70k - $75k/year

Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, long-term disability insurance, and a 403(b) retirement plan.

The Oregon Symphony is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, irrespective of race, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, or national origin.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

How to Apply:

If you’re ready to bring your organizational skills and positive attitude to the Oregon Symphony, we would love to hear from you. 

Please submit a cover letter and resume to careers@orsymphony.org with “Assistant Director of Development” in the subject line.