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.
Local Substitute Bassoon/Contrabassoon Audition
Audition to be held January 18, 2026
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.
Principal Flute
Audition to be held February 2-4, 2026
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.
English Horn/Utility Oboe
Audition to be held April 13-14, 2026
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.
Principal Clarinet
Audition to be held May 3-5, 2026
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.
Administrative Employment Opportunities
Director of Annual Giving
Join the Oregon Symphony Team as our Director of Annual Giving!
As our Director of Annual Giving, you will be at the forefront of fostering a culture of philanthropy within our community. Your leadership will direct the strategy and execution of our annual giving program, aiming to connect music lovers with impactful giving opportunities. Here's how you’ll make a difference:
- Lead a dynamic annual giving program to cultivate and secure annual contributions utilizing direct mail, professional telefunding, and digital platforms.
- Drive innovative donor engagement practices to maximize donor acquisition and retention.
- Ensure the highest standards of donor care, overseeing the prompt processing and acknowledgment of gifts to maintain strong donor relationships.
- Collaborate closely with our marketing team and other departments to ensure our fundraising efforts are closely aligned with the symphony's overall goals.
- Provide mentorship and guidance to your team, ensuring they are equipped to support the mission and vision of the Oregon Symphony effectively.
This role is pivotal in ensuring that our annual giving program not only meets its financial goals but also builds and strengthens the community's connection to our symphony. If you're ready to lead with passion, innovation, and commitment, we look forward to having you conduct our philanthropic efforts. Please see the attachment for a full job description.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree and at least three years of experience in Development, focusing on annual giving strategies; or an equivalent mix of education and experience. Must demonstrate goal achievement.
- Excellent organizational skills, self-motivation, and the capability to handle multiple projects concurrently. Skilled in managing and developing relationships.
- Strong interpersonal and written communication skills, with a customer service orientation. Ability to interact effectively and empathetically with diverse individuals, fostering rapport.
- Proficient in using donor databases and Microsoft Office, including Excel. Experience with Tessitura is beneficial.
- Strong analytical and logical skills, adept at budgeting and accurate forecasting. Creative and practical problem-solving approach.
- Local travel is necessary. Must possess a valid driver’s license, vehicle, and liability insurance.
- Availability to work evenings and weekends when required.
- A good sense of humor is essential. A passion for live symphonic music is advantageous.
We Offer:
- A chance to be part of a respected and mission-driven organization.
- A team-oriented work environment where your contribution is truly valued.
- An opportunity to support and enhance the operations of a leading arts institution.
Status and Work Environment:
This is a full-time, exempt position currently following a hybrid-remote work model with a minimum of 2-3 days/week in-office. This position also requires attendance at scheduled events/concerts, and working evenings and weekends as needed during concert season (approximately 3 nights per month).
Salary Range: $80k - $85k/year, depending on qualifications.
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 the job title in the subject line.
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.