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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

Audition date: May 8, 2019

Informal bassoon auditions for local substitute/extra musicians
Audition to take place at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall

Submit your resume no later than May 1, 2019, to Leah Ilem, orchestra personnel manager.

Audition Repertoire (to be supplied by the player):

Solo:
Mozart: Bassoon Concerto (1st movement, exposition only)

Orchestra Repertoire (2nd bassoon excerpts):
Berlioz: Symphonie Fantastique (4th movement, mm. 7–62; 5th movement, mm. 47–65)
Brahms: Violin Concerto (2nd movement, mm. 1–22)
Mozart: The Marriage of Figaro (overture, mm. 139–171)
Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 6 (4th movement, mm. 1–36)

Possible Sight Reading

Contrabassoon (optional):

Solo
J.S. Bach: Cello Suite of choice (movement of choice)

Orchestra Repertoire
Beethoven: Symphony No. 5 (4th movement, mm. 28–91)
Ravel: Mother Goose Suite (4th movement, rehearsal no. 2–9th measure of rehearsal no. 5)

Directions to the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall

The official pitch of the Oregon Symphony is A=440 Hz.

There are currently no upcoming auditions. Please check back for announcements of future auditions.

Administrative Employment Opportunities

SUMMARY: The Director of Marketing acts as the Marketing Department’s second in charge, closely collaborating with key members of Marketing, Ticket Office, and Telesales staff to ensure the overall coordination and execution of marketing, sales, and promotional strategies for all revenue-generating concerts by performing the following duties:

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Other duties may be assigned.

1. Works with Vice President for Marketing and Strategic Engagement to plan advertising and promotional strategy for the season based on budgeted goals. Implements advertising and promotional plan for all concerts.

Places all media buys and manages expenses for subscription and single ticket sales campaigns.
Negotiates and manages all cash/trade deals with print and broadcast media partners including Artslandia publishing partnership.
Manages timelines and content development for all television and radio campaigns; works with the Vice President for Marketing and Strategic Engagement and the Artistic Administrator to prepare scripts and music segments for commercial radio station spots, and identifies footage, music and other content for television spots; works with station representatives and/or outside vendors to co-ordinate spot production and to revise/approve the produced spot.
Develops, budgets, and manages paid social media strategy.
Monitors and adjusts advertising strategy as necessary to maximize ticket sales.
Maintains smooth communication with the Design/Production team regarding specs and deadlines for all advertising/marketing projects.

2. Supervises Marketing and Web Content Manager to ensure that the website and social media campaigns achieve annual sales, audience development, and community engagement goals.

3. Identifies new and innovative opportunities to increase awareness of the Oregon Symphony by maintaining and developing relationships with partner organizations and companies.

4. Works closely with VP and marketing team to test ideas for building audiences, including, but not limited to clubs, memberships, rewards programs, and season specific promotions. Evaluates concept logistics and viability, identifies measurable goals with VP and President, and oversees implementation of approved projects.

5. Evaluates telesales lists, reviews call scripts, and sets monthly goals with Telesales and Audience Development managers.

6. Prepares and analyzes daily sales reports. Tracks pacing of concert sales. Identifies opportunities and coordinates pricing adjustments with Ticket Office Manager to maximize revenue and fill concert hall based on demand.

7. Creates earned revenue forecast based on sales patterns. Presents findings with VP on a monthly basis to President and CFO along with ideas for improving performance.

8. Conduct market research and surveys as needed, utilize findings for organizational improvement and strategic direction as appropriate.

9. Works with VP to plan profiles, features, and President letters for InSymphony magazine.

10. Works with the Design team to ensure adherence to organizational branding guidelines across all platforms, enforce brand and aesthetic values among all departments.

11. Monitors trends and developments in marketing and applies appropriately.

12. Attends weekly artistic planning meetings and researches marketability of proposed artists.

13. Attends concerts and Symphony events. Is available to support projects in hall – promotional displays, events, talks, photography, etc.

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: Bachelor's degree (B. A.) from four-year college or university and a minimum of five years marketing experience, preferably in the arts sector, ideally with an orchestra. A background in classical music is a plus.
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 budget and forecast with accuracy and to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, percentages, etc.
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: Extensive Excel spreadsheet experience; working knowledge of Microsoft Office software; ability to quickly learn and use new software; Tessitura database software experience a big plus.
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: None required

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Experience in pricing tickets and forecasting sales.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS:
Team player. Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends as 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 Job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to 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, color 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 Job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts. 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

Summary and Primary Functions: This position is responsible for the overall strategic direction, planning and booking of all Oregon Symphony Presentations, Popular Specials, Films and Pops Subscription concerts. The Director of Popular Programming plays a key role in expanding the Symphony’s audience while directly contributing to the organization’s growth in ticketed revenue. They will assist in raising the profile of the Oregon Symphony, both locally and nationally through the planning of a creative, engaging and diverse array of popular music concert offerings with and without the Orchestra.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Creates and executes the Oregon Symphony’s strategic plan for popular programming to achieve revenue and organizational goals.

2. Researches and books non-classical guest artists for orchestra concerts including all Pops Subscription Series, Film Series and Popular Special Performances. Engages artists and touring groups for non-orchestra presentations.

3. Negotiates, prepares and executes all non-classical guest artist contracts. Builds and maintains healthy and productive relationships with all guest artists, their agents and artist management companies.

4. Attends the multi-departmental artistic planning group meetings and leads discussions regarding potential guest artists and presentations within the Symphony’s popular programming. Works collaboratively with the VP of Artistic Planning, General Manager and VP of Marketing on criteria, selection and final determination of guest artists and presentations.

5. In consultation with the Operations team and the General Manager, accurately plans and prepares initial concert budgets in a timely manner.

6. Keeps apprised of local and national trends, both inside and outside of the orchestra industry with regards to popular programming and seeks out new and unique opportunities with potential guest artists.

7. Maintains accurate records, historical sales and attendance data of past performances.

8. Communicates all necessary details to various department including Operations, Marketing and Development teams.

9. Attends Operations meetings as required and responds to requests for service and assistance. Attends related performances as required.

10. Performs other duties and special projects as assigned.

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 - BA in Music, Arts Administration or equivalent experience; at least 5 years’ experience in orchestra or arts administration, or in artist management working with artists, agents and booking.
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.
Language Skill - Excellent communication skills (written and oral). Ability to read, analyze, and interpret complex documents including legal contracts with artists, the Collective Bargaining Agreement and other union contracts. Excellent organizational and motivational skills.
Mathematical Skills - Ability to budget and project expenses for multiple complex programs with accuracy and timeliness. Ability to monitor budgets effectively.
Reasoning Ability - Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to work effectively and diplomatically with diverse personalities, including Symphony musicians, other staff, conductors, guest performers, stage crew.
Computer Skills - Computer proficiency including Word and Excel software.

Other Skills and Abilities:
Familiarity and understanding of the operations of professional orchestras. Appreciation for, understanding of, and sensitivity to the needs of professional musicians and conductors. Ability to work effectively and diplomatically with diverse personalities. Ability to work effectively under pressure. Ability to improvise and respond to unusual circumstances and requests with an attitude of service and flexibility. Strong teamsmanship and service orientation. Acute attention to detail. Ability to balance multiple priorities, work independently and collaborate on projects. Sense of humor.

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

Ability to move near and around delicate instruments and stage equipment in tight quarters without disturbing or jeopardizing safety of same. Ability to use fingers and hands to use computer; 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. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and ability to adjust focus in order to use computer monitor.

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 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 a PDF

SUMMARY: The Gift Officer is responsible for developing the donor pipeline by managing a portfolio valued at approximately $500K annually and comprised of 215 donors and donor prospects contributing mainly between 1,000 and $2,500+ annually. The GO will focus on the annual appeal with additional asks for special events (such as gala, opening night, broadcasts, etc). Additionally, the GO will work to secure planned giving commitments.

The GO will accomplish goals through phone and email communication, written appeals, organizational events, and face-to-face contact in 100+ 1:1 meetings annually. The GO 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:

Manage relationships with existing donors in the $1,000+ range, developing individual strategies for each donor to ensure regular contact with appropriate Symphony representatives.
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 $1,000+ donors.
Cultivate and steward current potential Encore society (planned giving) members.
Manage special projects and corporate and foundation relationships when appropriate or as needed by the development department
Actively engage in prospect identification and research to build a pipeline for new and increased donors.
Take responsibility to ensure accurate gift entry, acknowledgments and pledge invoices for donors in assigned portfolio.
When requested, assist in providing staff support to board development committees.
Track and manage record of portfolio activity in Tessitura database.
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 3+ years’ experience in Development, specifically with solicitation of leadership annual and/or major gifts; 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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

Oregon Symphony Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer.