Careers
The Oregon Symphony looks to employ talented, driven, and forward-thinking people to help bring the power of music to hundreds of thousands in and around the Portland community. We welcome anyone with these assets and passions to consider joining our dedicated and innovative team.
Auditions
The official pitch of the Oregon Symphony is A=440 Hz.
Second Horn
Audition to be held September 22-24, 2026
Employment to begin at winning candidate’s earliest convenience.
Section base compensation for the 2026-2027, 40-week season: $71,545.62 (inclusive of EMG, premium pay, and instrument maintenance/insurance allowance)
Applications must be received no later than August 11, 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 Second Horn Audition Application.
Applications accepted until August 11, 2026.
The Oregon Symphony is a proud partner of the National Alliance for Audition Support.
Section Viola
Audition to be held November 16-18, 2026
Employment to begin September 2027.
Section base compensation for the 2026-2027, 40-week season: $71,545.62 (inclusive of EMG, premium pay, and instrument maintenance/insurance allowance)
Applications must be received no later than October 1, 2026.
Benefits include fully paid medical/dental insurance, LTD, AFM pension plan, and paid parking.
Audition Repertoire Packet will be posted no later than August 23, 2026.
Fill out your application and submit your resume and deposit online: Oregon Symphony Section Viola Audition Application.
Applications accepted until October 1, 2026.
The Oregon Symphony is a proud partner of the National Alliance for Audition Support.
Administrative Employment Opportunities
Development Associate, Grants
Join the Oregon Symphony Team as our Development Associate, Grants!
As our Development Associate, Grants, you'll help secure the philanthropic support that brings extraordinary music to our community. Through compelling grant writing, thoughtful relationship management, and exceptional attention to detail, you'll play a key role in connecting foundations, corporations, and government agencies with the Oregon Symphony's mission. Here's how you'll make a difference:
- Support a portfolio of foundation, corporate, and government funders, building strong relationships that inspire continued support.
- Write compelling grant proposals, reports, and other funding materials that communicate the impact of the Oregon Symphony's work.
- Coordinate the full grant submission process, ensuring proposals are accurate, complete, and submitted on time.
- Maintain the grant calendar and help manage proposal, reporting, and stewardship deadlines throughout the year.
- Partner with colleagues across the organization to gather information, budgets, and supporting materials for grant applications.
- Track grant activity and maintain accurate donor and funding records in Tessitura.
- Analyze data and prepare reports that support grant applications, funder stewardship, and strategic decision-making.
- Contribute to department-wide projects, including the Annual Report, Gala, and other fundraising initiatives.
- Collaborate with the Director of Foundation and Government Relations and the broader Development team to advance the Symphony's fundraising goals.
This role is pivotal in helping the Oregon Symphony secure the philanthropic partnerships that sustain our artistic excellence and community impact. If you're a talented writer who enjoys building relationships, managing complex projects, and making a meaningful difference, we'd love to have you on the team.
Download the PDF for a complete job description.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, English, Arts Administration, Public Administration, Music, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- One or more years of experience in grant writing, communications, nonprofit development, project management, or a related field; prior fundraising or persuasive writing experience preferred.
- Exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines and competing priorities.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications; familiarity with Tessitura or Asana is a plus.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
- Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
- A relevant writing sample is required as part of the application.
We Offer:
- A chance to be part of a respected and mission-driven organization.
- A collaborative Development team where your work directly supports fundraising success and long-term community impact.
- An opportunity to develop your fundraising and grant writing expertise while supporting one of the nation's leading orchestras.
Status and Compensation:
This is a full-time, exempt position currently following a hybrid work model with 2-3 days per week in the office. Occasional evening and weekend attendance at donor events and Symphony performances is expected.
Salary Range: $45-50k
Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, long-term disability insurance, and retirement plan.
How to Apply:
If you're ready to use your writing talents and organizational skills to help advance the Oregon Symphony's mission, we'd love to hear from you. Please submit your cover letter, resume, and a relevant writing sample to careers@orsymphony.org with the job title in the subject line.
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.
Patron Services Representative
Join the Oregon Symphony Team as Our Patron Services Representative!
Are you passionate about the arts and providing exceptional customer service? Do you excel in a dynamic, fast-paced environment where no two days are the same? If so, the Oregon Symphony has a wonderful opportunity for you!
We are currently seeking a Patron Services Representative to join our team. In this role, you will be the face of the Symphony, ensuring that patrons have a world-class experience from the moment they inquire about a concert to the final applause. Your responsibilities will span across customer service, sales, and operational support, making you a vital part of our mission to bring music to life.
Please download the attachment for a full job description.
Key Responsibilities:
- Answer incoming phone calls and emails with a helpful, positive attitude.
- Sell tickets for Symphony concerts at the Oregon Symphony Ticket Office and the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall.
- Use consultative sales techniques to understand customer needs, make product recommendations, and explain subscriber benefits.
- Maintain a detailed understanding of the patron database system, managing accounts with precision.
- Handle transactions, ticket exchanges, payments, and account adjustments in line with policies.
- Stay informed about Symphony programs, products, community events, and other endeavors.
- Assemble ticket packets and handle various mailings; Balance cash and checks against daily sales.
- Assist in concert preparations, including will call tickets and last-minute seat changes. Support special projects such as staffing information tables, managing giveaways, and assisting with the annual Gala.
Qualifications:
- At least one year of experience in customer service or retail sales; ticket or box office experience preferred.
- Proficiency in CRM software; knowledge of Tessitura is a plus.
- Strong arithmetic skills for handling transactions.
- Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends during the Symphony season.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and Outlook.
Status & Work Environment:
This is a full-time, 35-hour per week position that follows a hybrid remote work model. Patron Service Representatives work 1-2 onsite concerts and 2-3 remote shifts per week, depending on business needs.
We Offer:
- A chance to be part of a respected and mission-driven organization.
- A supportive and collaborative work environment.
- The opportunity to gain experience in the vibrant performing arts community.
Pay Rate: $19.85/hour
Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, long-term disability insurance, and a retirement plan.
How to Apply:
If you’re ready to bring your passion for the arts and exceptional customer service skills to the Oregon Symphony, we would love to hear from you. Please submit a cover letter and resume to careers@orsymphony.org with the job title in the subject line.
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.
Join the symphony
The Oregon Symphony is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all facets of the organization. We seek to develop a diverse candidate pool and welcome nominations and applications from all qualified candidates regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, or national origin.
If you are interested in applying to a posted administrative job opening, please submit a cover letter and resume to careers@orsymphony.org with the job title in the subject line. No phone inquiries, please. All submissions will be held in confidence.