Careers

Audition dates: February 3–5, 2020

Base compensation for the 40-week 2020/21 Season: Principal, $73,118.60 (Includes EMG and instrument maintenance/insurance allowance)

Benefits include: Fully paid medical/dental insurance, LTD, AFM pension plan, and paid parking 

View Audition Repertoire 

Please direct further correspondence or questions to Leah Ilem, orchestra personnel manager. 

No phone inquiries, please.

The Oregon Symphony is a proud partner orchestra of: 

SUMMARY:  The Assistant Director, Development is responsible for developing the donor pipeline by managing a portfolio valued at approximately $500K annually and comprised of 215 leadership annual donors and acquisition prospects contributing at the Concerto and Conductor’s Circle level.  The ADOD will focus on the annual fund with additional asks for special events (such as gala, opening night, broadcasts, etc).  Additionally, the ADOD will work to secure planned giving commitments.

The ADOD will accomplish goals through phone and email communication, written appeals, organizational events, and face-to-face contact in 100+ 1:1 meetings annually. The ADOD will additionally be responsible for identification of new prospects, conducting prospect research, portfolio forecasting, maintenance of donor/prospect contact information in the Tessitura database, and stewardship of donors.

Position requires the flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed during concert season (approximately 3-5 nights per month).

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Manage relationships with Concerto and Conductor’s Circle level donors, developing individual strategies for each donor to ensure regular contact with appropriate Symphony representatives.

2. Cultivate and steward current and potential donors as appropriate to their giving level through opportunities to observe education and outreach programs, rehearsals, chamber music events, Parties of Note, and donor events with goal to identify and engage Concerto and Conductor’s Circle level donors.

3. Cultivate and steward current and potential Encore society (planned giving) members.

4. Manage special projects and relationships when appropriate or as needed by the development department

5. Actively engage in prospect identification and research to build a pipeline for new and increased donors. 

6. When requested, assist in providing staff support to board development committees.

7. Track and manage record of portfolio activity in Tessitura database.

8. Plan, manage, and track Gala Paddle Raises (precommits, paddle raises, pledges and invoicing).

9. Acts as the liaison between Oregon Symphony and outside volunteer organizations such as Friends of the Symphony and Parties of Note to monitor, coordinate, collaborate and communicate successfully.

10. Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS: The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required to perform this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Bachelor's degree plus 1+ years’ experience in Development, specifically with solicitation; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Evidence of ability to achieve goals. 
• Strong organizational skills; self-starter; ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously; ability to effectively manage and grow relationships. 
• Strong communication skills, both interpersonal and written; customer service focus; ability to interact effectively and empathetically, and build rapport, with people from a wide variety of backgrounds.
• Experience with tracking work in a donor database. Working knowledge of Excel and other programs in the Microsoft Office suite. Experience with Tessitura a plus.
• Quantitative and logic skills; ability to budget and forecast with accuracy.  Positive, imaginative, and pragmatic approach to problem-solving.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed during concert season (approximately 3-5 nights per month).
• Sense of humor required. Passion for live symphonic music a plus. 
   

COMPETENCIES:  To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies.  

• Ethics - Treats everyone with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values; Maintains confidentiality.
• Customer Service - Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; Responds promptly to customer needs; Solicits customer feedback to improve service.
• Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed.
• Leadership - Exhibits confidence in self and others; Inspires and motivates others to perform well; Effectively influences actions and opinions of others; Accepts feedback from others; Gives appropriate recognition to others. 
• Analytical - Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data; Uses intuition and experience to complement data; Designs work flows and procedures.
• Problem-Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem-solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
• Communication – Speaks and writes informatively, clearly and persuasively; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.
• Change Management and Adaptability - Develops workable implementation plans; Communicates changes effectively; Builds commitment and overcomes resistance; Prepares and supports those affected by change; Monitors transition and evaluates results; Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
• Technical Skills - Assesses own strengths and weaknesses; Pursues training and development opportunities; Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; Shares expertise with others.
• Business Acumen and Fiscal Management - Understands business implications of decisions; Displays orientation to profitability; Demonstrates knowledge of market and competition; Aligns work with strategic goals; Works within approved budget; Contributes to profits and revenue; Develops and implements cost saving measures; Conserves organizational resources.
• Organizational Support - Follows policies and procedures; Completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; supports organization's goals and values; observes safety and security procedures; Respects diversity.
• Strategic Thinking and Innovation - Develops strategies to achieve organizational goals; Understands organization's strengths & weaknesses; Analyzes market and competition; Identifies external threats and opportunities; Adapts strategy to changing conditions; Displays original thinking and creativity; Meets challenges with resourcefulness; Generates suggestions for improving work; Develops innovative approaches and ideas; Presents ideas and information in a manner that gets others' attention.
• Judgment - Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions.
• Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Plans for additional resources; Sets goals and objectives; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; Develops realistic action plans.
• Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.
• Quality and Quantity - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality; Meets productivity standards; Completes work in timely manner; Strives to increase productivity; Works quickly.
• Dependability - Is consistently at work and on time; Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan; Plans in advance for time off.
• Motivation and Initiative – Requires minimal supervision; Sets and achieves challenging goals; Demonstrates persistence and overcomes obstacles; Measures self against standard of excellence; Takes calculated risks to accomplish goals; Volunteers readily; Undertakes self-development activities; Seeks increased responsibilities; Takes independent actions and calculated risks; Looks for and takes advantage of opportunities; Asks for and offers help when needed.
  
  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
 

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts such as printers. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

If you are interested in the position, please submit a cover letter and resume to careers@orsymphony.org. No phone inquiries, please. Position is open until filled.

Download Position Description as PDF

Part-time (12 hours per week)

Summary: The Learning & Community Engagement Coordinator (LCEC) provides key administrative and operational support and curriculum development for the Oregon Symphony’s Learning & Community Engagement program. The LCEC interacts and liaises externally with teachers and administrators within partner schools as well as representatives from community organizations to coordinate and service a broad range of school and community programming. Under the supervision of the Learning & Community Engagement Program Director (LCEPD) the LCEC participates in the planning, development, implementation and evaluation of all current and future programs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned. 

1. Provide ongoing administrative support to the LCEPD through the fulfillment of ticket orders for all youth and education programs, responding to educator questions and requests, the coordination of the in-hall prelude series, and the scheduling of youth concert logistics.

2. Travel occasionally within the Portland metro area to schools, libraries and other locations in the community to support logistics for ensembles and individual musicians for Informances, KinderKonzerts and Symphony Storytimes.

3. In consultation with LCEPD, classroom teachers, librarians, and OS musicians recommend curriculum goals for the full array of Oregon Symphony educational programs including but not limited to: Symphony Storytimes, KinderKonzerts, Youth Concerts and Informances.

4. In cooperation with the LCEPD, delineate critical musical concepts for each program offering with emphasis on Kinderkonzerts and Youth Concerts and incorporate them into the Kinderkonzerts scripts, Youth Concert narration and Teacher Guide lesson plans.

5. Write copy for Kinderkonzert and Young Peoples Concert Teacher Guides based on curricular goals.  Teacher Guides include lesson plans, composer biographical and repertoire information.

6. Communicate with school music staff about master class opportunities and coachings, utilizing Oregon Symphony musicians.

7. Assist with identifying and developing resources available to the community through the Oregon Symphony Learning & Community Engagement programs.

8. Other duties that may be assigned.
   
   

Education and/or Experience: Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university; or one to two years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.  Ability to ready music is required; music education background preferred.

APPLICATIONS

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 this position, please submit a cover letter and resume to careers@orsymphony.org. No phone inquiries, please. All submissions will be held in confidence.

Position is open until filled.

Download Position Description as a PDF

SUMMARY: The Operations Manager for Campaigns (OMC) develops, directs, manages, and coordinates systems, process, execution, and reporting for the implementation of the Oregon Symphony’s campaign initiatives.

The position provides project management and administrative support to the Senior Director of Campaigns (SDC) in addressing the Oregon Symphony’s campaign goals.

Position requires the flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential responsibilities include management of campaign operations, plus senior staff support for the SDC and the Vice President for Development (VPD). The position duties include:

1. Provide the SDC and VPD with strategic and tactical support for campaigns, and their respective policies and procedures.

2. Develop and manage campaign operating plans and timetables, and oversee the implementation of all campaign operation activities.

3. In consultation with the SDC and the VPD, develop, implement, and oversee systems to drive, track and manage campaign reporting, prospecting/pipeline, peer prospect review, fundraising strategies, and donor stewardship. Work with senior leadership team, board, campaign volunteers, and staff to track and report measurable progress toward campaign goals and other high-priority fundraising initiatives.

4. Maintain strong relationships and communication with the senior leadership team, volunteer leaders, and other key stakeholders in support of campaign activities.

5. In consultation with the SDC, develop and implement campaign recognition and acknowledgment programs, and collaborate with the director of events to plan special campaign cultivation and stewardship events.

6. Provide executive support to the SDC for campaign planning and execution, including managing and tracking fundraising strategies, donor solicitations, and stewardship of high-level constituents. Oversee strategic deployment of the SDC’s time and smooth operation of the SDC’s calendar of priority activities including cultivation/solicitation appointments and contact reports, including but not limited to anticipating deadlines, preparing draft documents, proposals and communiques, and conducting select stewardship contacts.

7. Coordinate with the president’s executive assistant in scheduling the president’s campaign visits and/or hosted events and appearances. Ensure timely communication/information with the president’s executive assistant to prepare the president’s participation.

8. Develop and coordinate select special projects and activities among the president’s office, development office, and key internal/external constituents in support of campaigns.

9. Represent the SDC at specified meetings, and/or participate in development team meetings and on other committees/task forces, as directed.

1. As time permits, provide executive support to the VPD. Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

This position requires outstanding skills in project design and management, administrative systems and reporting, collaborative relationship building, and complex and sensitive internal and external communications.

• Education and/or Experience: Bachelor’s degree (BA); basic understanding of fundraising and at least one year of related experience; Equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Exceptional skills in project design and management, administrative systems and reporting; and organizational skills; self-starter; ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously; adept at working in a fast-paced arts environment.
• Excellent customer service focus and skills; ability to collaborate effectively across teams, manage and grow relationships, interact effectively/empathetically and build rapport with people from a wide variety of backgrounds.
• Familiarity with the use and applications of a donor database software, and programs in the Microsoft Office suite with particular strength in Excel, are essential. Experience with Tessitura a plus.
• Quantitative and logic skills; ability to budget and forecast with accuracy. Positive, imaginative, and pragmatic approach to problem-solving.
• Sense of humor required. Passion for live symphonic music a plus. 
  
  

If you are interested in the position, please submit a cover letter and resume to careers@orsymphony.org. No phone inquiries, please. Position is open until filled.

Download Position Description as PDF

SUMMARY: Serves as front-line representative of the Oregon Symphony to the public, generating revenue through outbound sales and fundraising calls.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Other duties may be assigned.

• Sell Oregon Symphony (OSA) concert subscriptions, tickets and memberships by phone at the facility provided by the OSA, from leads furnished by the OSA.
• Develop and be able to utilize a detailed working knowledge of concert event information, program content, target audience profiles, membership benefits and donor events.
• Develop and be able to utilize a working knowledge of seating sections and pricing at Symphony venues.
• Develop competency in Tessitura database software to process orders, receive donations and review constituent data.
• Participate in sales campaigns as directed by the Teleservices Manager and Patron Services Manager.
• On leads furnished by the OSA, generate a minimum of 15 sales calls per hour during each hour of the assigned shift.
• Use an organized bring-up system on all call-backs to ensure best and most efficient sales strategy.
• Promptly follow up on all leads furnished.
• Function as a member of the Patron Services Team, providing support to other Team members as well as assisting in the training of new staff.
• Attend weekly Team Meetings.
• Accurately complete all necessary records and paperwork on time.
• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding all information and leads provided by the OSA as proprietary to the OSA.
• Represent the OSA with integrity, handling all business related to the OSA and its employees and patrons courteously, professionally and in an efficient and confidential manner.
• Teleservices PSRs are also required to assist the operation of the Ticket Office in the following areas:
  1. Be available to work a minimum of 1 concert or ticket office shift per month.
  2. Assist the ticket office during peak sales times, as assigned and when available within their weekly 29.75 hour maximum.
  3. Spend a portion of each shift handling inbound calls from the ticket office queue, taking inbound calls from 6–9 pm and at other times as directed.

REQUIRED HOURS / WORK SCHEDULE: The call-center is open from 1–9 pm, Monday through Friday. Teleservices PSRs must regularly work the prime calling hours of 5–9 pm, Monday through Thursday, to be of maximum effectiveness. In addition, PSRs are expected to work some Friday shifts as directed by Teleservices Manager. Friday shifts begin no later than 6 pm and continue until 9 pm.

PSRs must work at least four days per week, working a minimum of 20 hours and a maximum of 29.75 hours per week. Ticket-office and concert shifts do not count towards these minimums. Additional hours, up to 40 per week, may be allocated at peak times during the Season, but only with prior approval of the Vice-President of Marketing.

Scheduling is flexible, but all changes require prior approval by the Teleservices Manager.

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Education and/or Experience: HS diploma and 1-2 years sales experience preferred.
• Language Skills: Ability to quickly learn to pronounce foreign names of composers, compositions and artists.
• Mathematical Skills: Ability to accurately add, subtract, multiply and calculate discount percentages.
• Reasoning Ability: Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
• Computer Skills: Ability to quickly learn and use Tessitura database/ticketing software, working proficiency in Microsoft Outlook. Training in Tessitura is provided and two weeks’ proficiency period is given.
• Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: N/A

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS: Availability to work the required schedule and hours; excellent customer service and sales skills; exceptional communication and good organizational skills; dependability.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Appreciation for live symphonic music a plus.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus in order to use computer monitor. When assigned to concert duty, the employee is occasionally required to stand and walk and must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts such as computer printers. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

If you are interested in the position, please submit a cover letter and resume to careers@orsymphony.org. No phone inquiries, please.
Position is open until filled.

Download Position Description as PDF

The Oregon Symphony’s Vice President for Marketing & Strategic Engagement (VPMSE) builds audience and enhances the patron experience for one of the largest arts organizations in the West. With a primary focus on earned revenue, the VPMSE plans, leads, executes, and evaluates programs to exceed an annual goal of more than $10 million.

The VPMSE champions the Oregon Symphony’s brand and visibility—regionally and nationally. The VPMSE is responsible for creating and executing myriad sales campaigns to reach the Symphony’s many and diverse stakeholders. Moreover, the VPMSE develops and executes institutional marketing and communications strategies, which include leveraging digital technologies, social media, and traditional media. The VPMSE collaborates with the CEO and the Music Director on a wide range of projects, manages the Board Marketing Committee, and oversees website, print, and digital marketing content development.
 

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Vice President for Marketing & Strategic Engagement will

• drive annual increases in earned revenue;
• provide leadership and strategic direction for all programs that build patron relationships;
• envision and execute institutional communications plans that leverage the Symphony brand, an upcoming music director transition, and its 125^th anniversary (21/22);
• devise strategies to add revenue through partnerships with businesses, arts groups, social service organizations, and other community nonprofits;
• serve as thought partner to the CEO and other leaders regarding best practices and opportunities in communication, marketing, sales, and audience retention and expansion;
• design and lead innovative multi-platform marketing campaigns;
• manage, promote, protect, and expand the Oregon Symphony’s brand;
• conceive and oversee sophisticated audience and market research;
• serve as the Symphony’s chief media strategist, developing and implementing strategies to enhance the Symphony’s public image as a leader in the arts;
• thoughtfully leverage the input and goodwill of volunteers and manage the work of the Board Marketing Committee;
• build productive partnerships with the media, community leaders, and arts organizations and other nonprofits whose work complements the Symphony’s; and
• Assume responsibility for the Symphony’s websites, ensuring that they clearly and consistently reflect the Oregon Symphony brand, leverage online content, and remain a robust destination for patrons and a vital means of communicating with the public.
   

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

For the position of Vice President for Marketing & Strategic Engagement, the Oregon Symphony seeks an energetic, creative professional with the proven ability to think strategically; to create comprehensive plans to build audiences, achieve revenue goals, and strengthen brand recognition; and to lead and motivate a dedicated team. The ideal candidate will have excellent communication and organizational skills, collaborate effectively with colleagues, and exude a passion for the arts.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

The Vice President for Marketing & Strategic Engagement will report to the President and Chief Executive Officer, Scott Showalter.

SALARY & BENEFITS

Oregon Symphony offers a competitive and comprehensive salary and package of employee benefits.
 

LOCATION

This position is based in Portland, Oregon.
 

ABOUT THE OREGON SYMPHONY 

With a departmental budget of $2.8 million, the VPMSE leads a marketing team of five full-time staff and a patron service team of fifteen full- and part-time staff. In partnership with the Artistic Planning team, the VPMSE assesses classical and popular programming options in terms of both salability and mission.

The Oregon Symphony is a vibrant, growing organization, which is achieving record ticket sales and contributions under the dynamic leadership of President & CEO Scott Showalter. At a time when many orchestras are reducing their classical programming, the Oregon Symphony is continuing to invest in the art form, expand its season, reach new and bigger audiences, and expand its collaborations in the community. In the 2018/19 season, the Symphony premiered more than 20 compositions, including works by eight living composers such as John Adams, Unsuk Chin, and John Corigliano. For the 19/20 season, the Symphony is expanding its Classical Series to 18 weeks and is again commissioning and premiering bold works, including the world premieres of more than 25 compositions, including Damien Geter’s An African American Requiem and works by Andy Akiho, John Adams, Gabriella Smith, and Oscar Bettison.

The Symphony unites exceptional musicians, a world-class conducting staff, an unrelenting focus on excellence, a compelling vision, and a strong commitment to the greater good. The result is something special and rare: an energy that can be felt in every note and performances that move its listeners. As one of the region’s cultural jewels, the Symphony is central to the thriving arts community in Oregon and Southwest Washington. Propelled by the desire to bring the power of music to more people in new ways, the Oregon Symphony is always moving music forward.

Each year, the multi-Grammy nominated Oregon Symphony performs more than 115 concerts at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall in Portland and performs regularly in Salem, Newberg, and other cities. It also produces award-winning educational and community engagement events. The Symphony’s programs directly serve more than 250,000 people annually and reach tens of millions more around the globe through its broadcast and recordings programs. The institution is supported by thousands of individuals, businesses, and foundations and receives funding from the Regional Arts & Cultural Council, the State of Oregon Arts Commission, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

The Oregon Symphony Association employs 76 full-time union musicians, led by Music Director Carlos Kalmar (through 20/21). Each year, it engages dozens of guest conductors and artists to perform with the orchestra. The FY20 operating budget is $22 million, of which nearly 80% is spent on artistic and engagement programs. The Association has a full-time equivalent staff of 46, who are responsible for concert production, marketing, public relations, education, community engagement, fundraising, customer service, accounting, and financial reporting. It is governed by a volunteer board of directors, who last year contributed thousands of hours and personally contributed more than $2.5 million.
 

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

The Oregon Symphony is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all facets of the organization. It seeks to develop a diverse candidate pool and welcomes nominations and applications from all qualified candidates regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, or national origin.
 

TO EXPRESS YOUR INTEREST IN THIS OPPORTUNITY

If you are interested in this position, please submit a resume and a cover letter that responds to both the position description and the mission of the Oregon Symphony to careers@orsymphony.org.

Review of submitted materials will begin immediately and will continue until the successful candidate has been selected. Questions about this opportunity may be directed to jplummer@orsymphony.org.

All inquiries will be held in confidence.

Download Position Description as PDF