Orchestra Manager at Rice University in Houston, Texas

Job Description:

Special Instructions to Applicants: All interested applicants should attach a cover letter and a resume in the Supporting Documents section of the application. We suggest the documents be in a PDF format to avoid formatting issues.

Position Summary

Under the direction of Maestro Miguel Harth-Bedoya, the Orchestra Manager manages the personnel and operational logistics for all Shepherd School orchestral ensembles, including the Shepherd School Symphony Orchestra (SSSO), Shepherd School Chamber Orchestra (SScO), Shepherd School Chamber Players (SSCP), Shepherd School Opera Orchestra, and Shepherd School Contemporary Ensemble (SSCE). This role is integral to the smooth functioning of these ensembles, ensuring that rehearsals, performances, and events are executed with precision and professionalism while making sure the students are fully supported in their educational and artistic development.

The Orchestra Manager oversees the day-to-day operations of the orchestra department, collaborating closely with faculty, Shepherd School staff, and guest artists to ensure that all logistics are managed effectively. This position also involves liaising with the Production Department and artist managers to engage guest conductors and artists, and ensuring that all interactions are coordinated seamlessly.

In addition to being a central communicator among students, faculty, and external partners, the Orchestra Manager plays a key role in department budgeting, overseeing the Orchestra Librarian, and managing complex ensemble logistics, all while contributing to the vibrant culture of the Shepherd School.

The ideal candidate will have a passion for fostering a positive, supportive environment for students enrolled in the Shepherd School orchestra program and enjoy working with and supporting young musicians and faculty. They will have significant experience in orchestra management, preferably within a music conservatory, university, or professional orchestra or opera setting. They should thrive in a vibrant educational environment that offers frequent interaction with students and faculty. A professional demeanor and a team-oriented mindset are essential, as the role requires collaboration across various departments and with external partners, including guest conductors and artists. The candidate should be highly organized, possess strong communication and problem-solving skills, and be able to respond calmly and quickly to urgent situations. Experience in budget management and staff supervision is also necessary. A bachelor's degree in music is preferred.

Workplace Requirements

This position is in an on-site work environment, necessitating all duties to be performed in person at the Shepherd School of Music. It requires the ability to work flexible hours, including nights and weekend hours, in support of rehearsals and performances. Per Rice policy 440 , work arrangements may be subject to change.

This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position, and the proposed salary range is $67,000 to $75,000 annually, depending on qualifications and experience. *Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.

Minimum Requirements

• 
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  
  • In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year-for-year basis may be substituted
  
  
• 
  3+ years experience in an orchestra personnel management role at the conservatory or professional orchestra level and/or working in operations for a professional arts organization
  
  
  • In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year-for-year basis may be substituted
  
  
• Skills
  
  
  • Significant knowledge of classical orchestral repertoire; ability to read and understand a full orchestra score and musical terms.
  • Outstanding interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, and an interest in working with a diverse group of faculty, students, and staff in an educational and performing arts community.
  • Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively as part of a team
  • Excellent verbal and written communication
  • Demonstrated ability to manage projects, plan and execute workflows, track progress, and meet deadlines and objectives for multiple projects simultaneously
  • Detail-oriented with strong skills in organizing and presenting information
  • Awareness of the current field of classical and orchestral music.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite, Adobe Suite, Finale or Sibelius, or similar music notation software
  
  

Preferences

• 4+ years experience in an orchestra personnel management role at the conservatory or professional orchestra level and/or working in operations for a professional arts organization is preferred
• A graduate degree in music is preferred

Essential Functions:

Rehearsal and Performance Duties:

• Covers all rehearsals and concerts in coordination with the Orchestra Librarian.
• Oversees rehearsal logistics, including stage setup in coordination with Production staff, taking attendance, making announcements, informing conductor(s) of important information and personnel matters, managing the start of services, changeovers, breaks, and the end of rehearsal, and solving any immediate personnel needs.

Auditions:

• Organize and administer fall orchestra auditions, coordinating with the Director of Orchestras and key faculty, and ensuring all students have access to audition materials.

Student Services:

• Serve as a primary point of contact for student musicians, fostering a supportive environment and addressing concerns related to their personal and academic well-being, ensuring they receive the necessary support to thrive.
• Serve as a liaison between the Director of Orchestras, guest conductors, and students
• Manage student requests and absences in coordination with the Director of Orchestras
• Prepare and post the orchestra seating assignments each cycle, as well as maintain string rotations for all string students by academic year.

Faculty Interaction:

• Coordinate with the Director of Orchestras and studio faculty on seating assignments and orchestra cycles, providing historical seating data and student requests for rotations.

Budget Management:

• Maintain and monitor the orchestra department budget, ensuring accurate tracking of expenses and adherence to financial guidelines.

Guest Artist Coordination:

• Manage the administrative hiring process for guest conductors and artists, overseeing logistics, negotiating fees and terms with managers, and providing on-site support during campus visits.
• Communicate directly with guest conductors prior to their arrival to ascertain their preferences (on such items as string set-up, editions, bowings, and score needs).
• Hire outside musicians (subs) and sectional coaches when needed.

Scheduling:

• Work in the ASIMUT scheduling system to develop, update, and communicate rehearsal and performance schedules to musicians. Ensure clear communication of these details to students, faculty, and staff.
• Collaborate with SSM senior leadership to coordinate concert dates and future season planning.

Staff Management:

• Supervises the Orchestra Librarian

Additional Functions

• Collaborate with SSM Marketing & Communications on all concert-related needs, including printed programs, live streaming, photography, and more.
• Collaborate with IT to combine orchestra courses on Canvas, update and post syllabi, and maintain accurate department information for the course online.

Shepherd School of Music: https://music.rice.edu/

Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits

Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University

Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity at all levels and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.

About Us

Boasting a 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, Rice University is ranked among the nation's top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has a 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio, and a residential college system, which supports students intellectually, emotionally and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lectures series, courses and student government. Developing close-knit, diverse college communities is a strong campus tradition, which is why Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities.

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