Careers

The Oregon Symphony Association’s Vice President for Finance and Administration (VP) directs the financial, business, and human resource operations for one of the largest arts organizations in the Pacific Northwest. With a primary focus on fiscal and administrative oversight, the VP develops financial and operational strategies, along with the budgets and metrics tied to those strategies. Beyond reporting timely and accurate financial results, the VP is responsible for risk management and the control systems designed to preserve and grow company assets.

As the head of human resources, the VP oversees staff training and development; compensation; organizational, performance, and change management; and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. The VP further leads the IT department and is responsible for managing telephony, digital technologies, data security, PCI compliance, and disaster planning. While ensuring the maintenance of current systems, the VP plans for the organization’s future technology and capital needs.

The VP reports to the CEO and sits on his senior management team—also including the Vice President for Marketing and Strategic Engagement, the Vice President for Development, the Vice President and General Manager, and the Vice President for Artistic Planning—which crafts institutional goals and the cross-departmental plans to meet them. The VP manages several direct reports in finance, business operations, and technology support and serves as a resource for staff and musicians across the organization.

As the Symphony’s senior finance executive, the VP advises and gives presentations to the Board of Directors, bank officers, patrons, and donors. The VP staffs the Board’s Finance Committee, working closely with its Committee Chair to set agendas and lead discussions, and serves as a partner to the CEO and Board Co-Chairs in meetings of the Executive Committee.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Vice President for Finance and Administration:

• Directs all aspects of the organization's fiscal operation—including budgeting, forecasting, cash flow, audit, tax, and accounting;
• Crafts financial strategies to achieve institutional goals, monitors departmental budgets, and evaluates performance;
• Works closely with senior staff on a wide range of financial and administrative matters— especially in the Development office, collecting and providing donor data, developing project budgets for solicitations, and forecasting annual fund and campaign revenue;
• Evaluates relationships with banking institutions and makes recommendations to improve financial results;
• Manages general business operations—including purchasing, risk assessment and insurance, capital asset management, facilities, space allocation, and contracts;
• Establishes human resource programs to support the organization’s mission;
• Oversees hiring for administration positions, ensuring and promoting a diverse field of candidates, monitors compliance with employment law, and consults legal counsel;
• Advises on union negotiations;
• Supervises IT administrators and contractors to achieve revenue, patron management, and communications goals;
• Serves as thought partner to the CEO and other leaders regarding best practices and opportunities in finance and business operations; and
• Leverages the goodwill of volunteers and provides primary support to the Board Finance Committee.

ABOUT THE OREGON SYMPHONY

The Oregon Symphony is a vibrant organization, which has achieved record ticket sales and contributions in recent years. At a time when many orchestras are reducing their classical programming, the Oregon Symphony continues to invest in the art form, reach new audiences, and deepen its community engagement. In the 19/20 season and before the Covid shutdown in March 2020, the Symphony expanded its Classical Series and premiered works by Andy Akiho, John Adams, Gabriella Smith, Oscar Bettison and George Walker. Although not performing onstage during the 20/21 season due to the continued shutdown, the Symphony has produced critically acclaimed digital programs—such as Symphony Storytime in Spanish and English and Essential Sounds to honor essential workers—that have helped to inspire and educate children and adults worldwide.

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. As the largest arts organization in the largest city in the state, the Symphony is central to a thriving arts community in Oregon and Southwest Washington. It is propelled by the desire to bring the power of music to more people in new ways, always moving music forward.

Each year, the multi-Grammy nominated Oregon Symphony performs more than 115 concerts in Portland, Salem, Newberg, and beyond. It also produces award-winning educational and community events in schools, correctional facilities, homeless shelters, immigration centers, retirement homes, and sports venues. These programs directly serve more than 250,000 people annually and reach tens of millions more around the globe through its broadcast programs. It is supported by thousands of individuals, businesses, and foundations and receives funding from the Regional Arts & Cultural Council, the Oregon Arts Commission, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

The Oregon Symphony Association employs 76 full-time union musicians, which have been led for 18 seasons by renowned Music Director Carlos Kalmar. As announced in February 2021, David Danzmayr will succeed him as the Oregon Symphony’s new Music Director in Fall 2021, the start of the Symphony’s 125th anniversary season. Under Danzmayr, a new Creative Alliance will feature extraordinary artists and cultural thought leaders, including Nathalie Joachim, Gabriela Lena Frank, Jun Märkl, Gabriel Kahane, Simone Lamsma, and Johannes Moser. Beyond this august group, the Symphony engages dozens of guest conductors and soloists each year to perform with the orchestra.

The Association’s annual operating budget is approximately $22 million, of which 80% is spent on artistic and engagement programs. It employs a full-time staff of 45, 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 each year contribute thousands of hours and personally contribute more than $2 million.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

The ideal candidate is an experienced, thoughtful, and creative professional with the proven ability to think strategically, build complex financial models, present data and ideas to various constituents, and lead and motivate a dedicated team. The ideal candidate will have unquestionable financial competencies, excellent communication and organizational skills, the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues, and an appreciation for the arts.

COMPENSATION

Salary and benefits are competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience. This position is fulltime, exempt, and is remote at this time, though in the future will require in-person work in downtown Portland.

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.

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: The Oregon Symphony Association’s Executive Assistant and Board Liaison (EA) assists the President and the Board of Directors. Reporting to the President, the EA provides a wide range of administrative support and speaks frequently on the President’s behalf to various partners, inside and outside the organization. The EA functions as the cornerstone of the President’s office, coordinating cross-departmental projects and handling sensitive information. With a problem-solving approach, the EA works within teams and independently, under pressure, and with discretion.

The EA collaborates frequently with the President’s senior management team—including the Vice President for Finance and Administration, the Vice President for Marketing and Strategic Engagement, the Vice President for Development, the Vice President and General Manager, and the Vice President for Artistic Planning—and often represents for the President and Board in meetings. In many ways, the EA helps to facilitate the smooth overall operation of the Association.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Completes a broad range of administrative tasks for the President—including managing calendars, correspondence, and files; conducting research on people and organizations; arranging events; compiling data and materials for meetings; and processing expenses.
• Communicates directly, and on behalf of the President, with Board members, patrons, donors, administrative colleagues, artists, community organizations, and media partners.
• Drafts speeches, prepares board presentations, and composes gift acknowledgements and other communication.
• Partners with the Development office to prioritize the President’s cultivation and stewardship of donor relationships.
• Staffs institutional events that involve the Music Director, orchestra musicians, visiting artists, Board members, and donors.
• Prioritizes requests of the President’s time, prepares correspondence, and briefs the President before press interviews, engagement programs, meetings, and events.
• Serves as primary liaison to the Board of Directors, scheduling quarterly board meetings, tracking attendance, producing preparatory materials, devising reports, providing talking points to leadership, drafting minutes, and storing and retrieving information.
• Manages master calendar for the Board—including Executive, Finance, Governance, Development, Marketing, and DEI Committee meetings—and collaborates with the Vice Presidents to ensure effective Board operations.
• Responds quickly and amiably to Board members’ and other leaders’ requests for information.
• Collaborates with the senior management team and on behalf of the President on a wide range of institutional initiatives.
• Follows up with Board members to track progress towards institutional initiatives.
• Manages the master calendar for the organization as a whole; identifies and resolves scheduling conflicts interdepartmentally.

ABOUT THE OREGON SYMPHONY
The Oregon Symphony is a vibrant nonprofit organization, which has achieved record ticket sales and contributions in recent years. At a time when many orchestras are reducing their classical programming, the Oregon Symphony continues to invest in the art form, reach new audiences, and deepen its community engagement. In the 19/20 season and before the Covid shutdown in March 2020, the Symphony expanded its Classical Series and premiered works by Andy Akiho, John Adams, Gabriella Smith, Oscar Bettison and George Walker. Although not performing onstage during the 20/21 season due to the continued shutdown, the Symphony has produced critically acclaimed digital programs—such as Symphony Storytime in Spanish and English and Essential Sounds to honor essential workers—that have helped to inspire and educate children and adults worldwide.

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. As the largest arts organization in the largest city in the state, the Symphony is central to a thriving arts community in Oregon and Southwest Washington. It is propelled by the desire to bring the power of music to more people in new ways, always moving music forward.

Each year, the multi-Grammy nominated Oregon Symphony performs more than 115 concerts in Portland, Salem, Newberg, and beyond. It also produces award-winning educational and community events in schools, correctional facilities, homeless shelters, immigration centers, retirement homes, and sports venues. These programs directly serve more than 250,000 people annually and reach tens of millions more around the globe through its broadcast programs. It is supported by thousands of individuals, businesses, and foundations and receives funding from the Regional Arts & Cultural Council, the Oregon Arts Commission, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

The Oregon Symphony Association employs 76 full-time union musicians, who have been led for 18 seasons by renowned Music Director Carlos Kalmar. As announced in February 2021, David Danzmayr will succeed him as the Oregon Symphony’s new Music Director in Fall 2021, the start of the Symphony’s 125th anniversary season. Under Danzmayr, a new Creative Alliance will feature extraordinary artists and cultural thought leaders, including Nathalie Joachim, Gabriela Lena Frank, Jun Märkl, Gabriel Kahane, Simone Lamsma, and Johannes Moser. Beyond this august group, the Symphony engages dozens of guest conductors and soloists each year to perform with the orchestra.

The Association’s annual operating budget is approximately $22 million, of which 80% is spent on artistic and engagement programs. It employs a full-time staff of 45, who are responsible for concert production, marketing, public relations, education, community engagement, fundraising, customer service, accounting, and financial reporting.

The Association is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, who annually contribute thousands of hours and donations of more than $2 million. The full Board meets quarterly and during an annual summer retreat; its various committees each meet several times each year.

ABOUT THE PRESIDENT

Since becoming President and Chief Executive Officer of the Oregon Symphony in July 2014, Scott Showalter has diversified its onstage concerts, broadened its reach in the community, expanded its broadcast and recording programs, and raised its local, national, and international profile. He has challenged how people conceive the role and value of classical music, staging multimedia productions that highlight societal themes like immigration, the environment, and homelessness. Oregon Symphony musicians now assist public school teachers to develop arts curricula and collaborate with engineers to develop musical applications for computer chip technologies.

Before moving to Portland, Showalter worked as Vice President of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Associate Vice President of the University of Chicago, and Associate Dean of Stanford Law School. A classically trained pianist, Showalter holds an undergraduate degree from Stanford University and an MBA from the University of California, Los Angeles. He additionally serves on the board of Northwest Academy, an arts-focused college preparatory school in Portland, Oregon.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

The ideal candidate is an experienced administrative professional with superior time-management skills, organizational abilities, and attention to detail. This person is articulate, thoughtful, and approachable. They have an innate ability to understand people’s needs and the experience to manage effectively without direct authority. They have significant experience handling competing priorities with grace. They also can work flexible hours, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and have an appreciation for the arts.

COMPENSATION

Salary and benefits are competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience. This position is fulltime, exempt, and is remote at this time, though in the future will require in-person work in downtown Portland.

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 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: Serve as front-line Ticket Office Representative of the Oregon Symphony providing exceptional customer service in the ticket office, via phone, concert hall, and Symphony events.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

1. Maintain a detailed, proficient, and working knowledge of:
   • Tessitura systems
     • Create, update, and recognize all coded information on an account
     • Maintain and alter accounts – exchange tickets, take payments, add/remove tickets, add/remove options, etc.;
   • Concert Event information
     • Season, single, and general admission ticket event codes;
     • Hall section map, appropriate ticket types, and pricing for all events;
     • Look up seats/maps and sell events on new and existing accounts;
   • Programs, products, community events, panel discussions, and all other Symphony endeavors
   • Ticket Office policies
2. Provide exceptional customer service by:
   • Selling tickets to Symphony concerts at the Oregon Symphony Ticket Office and the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall requiring weekday, weekend, and evening work during the Symphony Season
   • Answering a high volume of incoming phone calls directed to the ticket office (roughly 80% of all transactions occur via phone) and greeting walk-in patrons;
     • Providing helpful information and assistance to patrons and staff in a pleasant and efficient manner
     • Ascertain customer needs and make product recommendations that meet those needs using consultative sales techniques to ensure all subscriber benefits are explained and revenue is maximized
3. Assist in the operation of the Ticket Office:
   • Assemble ticket packets and other mailings as needed
   • Balance cash and checks against sales – both daily at the Symphony Ticket Office and at each performance when working at the concert hall ticket booth
   • Participate in concert preparation as needed including printing and assembling will call tickets, printing updated seating reports, processing online orders, and handling last minute seat change requests 
4. Assist with special projects as needed:
   • Staff Symphony tables at selected events by answering questions, handing out materials, and collecting information, while maintaining a pleasant and professional disposition as a representative of the Oregon Symphony
   • Help with giveaways and contests
   • Staff and assist with once-a-year Symphony Gala and community concert

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: Employment experience in a customer service or retail sales position required. One year experience in a ticket/box office greatly preferred
• Language Skills: Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization
• Mathematical Skills: Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent
• Reasoning Ability: Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions. Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations
• Computer Skills: To perform this position successfully, an individual should have a familiarity with CRM software, Tessitura a plus; Microsoft Office software including Excel, Word for Windows, and Outlook
• Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:  None required.

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

• Ethics and Professionalism: Treats others with respect and tact; Keeps commitments; Inspires the respect and trust of others; Works ethically and with integrity; Maintains confidentiality; Keeps emotions under control; Reacts well under pressure; Accepts responsibility for own actions.
• Customer Service: Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; Responds promptly to customer needs; Solicits customer feedback to improve service; Responds to requests for service and assistance; Meets commitments.
• Teamwork: Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits confidence in self and others; 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; Supports everyone’s efforts to succeed.
• Organizational Support: Follows policies and procedures; Completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; Supports organization’s goals and values; Displays orientation to profitability and contributes to profits and revenue; Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; Promotes a harassment-free environment; Observes safety and security procedures.
• Quality and Quantity: Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Applies feedback to improve performance; Measures self against standard of excellence; Meets productivity standards; Completes work in timely manner; Strives to increase productivity; Uses time efficiently.
• Problem Resolution: Identifies problems in a timely manner; Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics or people.
• Communication: Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens without interrupting and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Participates in meetings; Writes clearly and informatively; Able to read and interpret written information.
• Judgment: Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process.
• Motivation and Initiative: Demonstrates persistence and overcomes obstacles; Looks for and takes advantage of opportunities; Asks for and offers help when needed; Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; Shares expertise with others.
• Dependability: Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan; Is consistently at work and on time; Arrives at meetings and appointments on time.
• Adaptability: Adapts to changes in the work environment; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation.

Other Skills and Abilities: Exceptional customer service skills, strong attention to detail, ability to work in a fast paced, multitask, team environment, basic computer and typing skills required, appreciation for live symphonic music a plus, sense of humor.

Other Qualifications: Ability to work nights and weekends during concert season, occasionally on short notice.

Hours: 35 hours weekly Full Time Position; this position is currently being performed remotely and requires access to high-speed internet via an ethernet cable connection. As health guidelines change, it may revert to an in-office position or hybrid role (i.e. remote and in-office), and work will be conducted at the Symphony business offices or Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall. Scheduling may change seasonally. Any changes to the posted schedule must be approved by the Supervisor at least 24 hours in advance. Person in this position must be able to work a flexible schedule that will include evening and weekend hours during the Symphony season.

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 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, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus for use of computer monitor and proof-reading of print materials. The majority of patron interactions take place via phone and require the use of a wireless headset or handheld phone receiver.

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 frequently 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