Director of Composer Advancement at American Composers Orchestra in New York, New York

Job Description:

Reports To: President & CEO

Position Type: Full-time, Exempt

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of Composer Advancement is a key full-time staff position responsible for ensuring the successful realization of the American Composers Orchestra's national EarShot composer advancement initiatives by designing and managing all program components from concept to completion, including cultivating and maintaining relationships with orchestras and institutional partners. The DCA works closely with the Program Manager and composer advancement interns to administer readings, residencies, commissioning initiatives, professional development, and publishing. The DCA also plays an essential role in the documentation, evaluation, and dissemination of ACO's 47-year history of composer discovery and development, driving composer advancement and programming on the national level while advancing ACO's vision to expand the definition of American orchestral music to ensure a vibrant and inclusive future.

This role is based in NYC; ACO's staff works primarily remotely with in-person meetings as needed. Candidates should be based in the tri-state area or able to travel to NYC 3-4 times per year to support public events. Candidates must also be able to travel 6-10 times per season to facilitate on-site composer advancement programs with partner orchestras nationally and internationally.

ABOUT ACO

American Composers Orchestra (ACO) is dedicated to the creation, celebration, performance, and promotion of orchestral music by American composers. With a commitment to artistry, creativity, community, and equity, ACO produces concerts, pre-college and college education programs, and emerging composer professional development to foster a community of creators, audience, performers, collaborators, and funders. More information atwww.americancomposers.org.

ACO's composer advancement and artistic programs include:

• EarShot Readings in NYC and in partnership with orchestras across the Americas and around the world
  CoLABoratory, which provides composers with opportunities to workshop and premiere adventurous new work with ACO and our orchestral and presenting partners
  Commissions and Consortia, including the Virginia B. Toulmin Orchestral Commissions Program, a program of the League of American Orchestras in partnership with ACO
  EarShot Publishing, executed in partnership with Boosey & Hawkes
  Concerts and recordings in NYC; recent venues include Carnegie Hall, Perelman Arts Center, Brooklyn Academy of Music, Apollo Theater, Manhattan School of Music, and others
  

CANDIDATE PROFILE

The ideal candidate is a strong advocate for creative artists and the development of new work. Experience serving as part of an artistic planning and curation team, working in artist management or bookings, designing professional development initiatives, and a strong network within the new music and orchestral communities are assets.

We strongly encourage applications from historically marginalized communities and backgrounds currently underrepresented in the orchestra field. We are seeking a creative, resilient, highly organized, and strategic thinker, capable of realizing boundary-breaking work from concept to completion. ACO's staff is a small and dedicated team who share responsibilities and support each other's roles. We offer opportunities for learning and growth, and encourage all team members to bring their full selves to our collective work with authenticity. As a mission-driven organization, we are seeking a team member who has a passion for new music, and shares our values of artistry, creativity, community, and equity.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Design and Planning

• In collaboration with the Program Manager, Artistic Director, and President, manage the program design for national EarShot composer advancement programs, including EarShot readings, CoLABoratory residencies, commissioning consortia, recruitment partnerships, professional development programs, and publishing
• Design and manage eligibility requirements and calls for scores for all EarShot programs and the Virginia B. Toulmin Orchestral Commissions Program in collaboration with program partners
• With the Program Manager, Artistic Director, and President, recruit national orchestral and institutional partners for EarShot
• Build and maintain ACO's network of partners, advisors, and other contacts to ensure continued and increased recruitment of applicants inclusive of all genders, cultural backgrounds, musical styles, and aesthetics
• Consult with institutional partners on composer recruitment strategies in alignment with program goals and shared values
• Consult the Artistic Director and President on artistic programming and planning
• Serve on the Programs Committee, reporting on composer advancement initiatives to the ACO Board of Directors
• Represent the ACO at conferences, fairs, and other events as determined, taking a leadership role in national composer advancement
• Cultivate strong professional development programs and ongoing support for alumni
• Foster a culture of communication between staff, artists, and partners that drive artistic agency in alignment with our values

Production and Program Administration

• Work closely with the Program Manager and composer advancement interns to ensure successful execution of all programs
• Supervise and execute recruitment efforts, including promotion materials and planning, engagement of partners, and tracking of applicants
• Manage score review, communications, contracts, and scheduling for national, international, and NYC-based EarShot readings, residencies, and commissioning consortia with national orchestra partners
• Attend and lead on-site production for national and international EarShot readings with partner orchestras
• With the Executive Producer, Program Manager, and Production Manager, lead on-site production at EarShot NYC Readings
• With the Program Manager, execute score review, orchestral partnerships, and conference convenings for the Virginia B. Toulmin Orchestral Commissions Program in partnership with the League of American Orchestras
• With the Program Manager, develop and manage project budgets for composer advancement programs, monitoring expenses in collaboration with the President and other program staff. With the Program Manager, manage production and logistics for digital professional development programs

Program Documentation and Evaluation

• Monitor and analyze the success of composer advancement programs
• Provide guidance and support to the Program Manager and CA interns to maintain ACO's composer database
• Support the Development team by providing composer advancement project narratives and program data required for grant proposals, renewals, and reports
• In partnership with the President and all program staff, evaluate all programming and activities through an equity lens, and identify opportunities for program design changes and professional development

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• Expected salary range between $80,000-$85,000
• Benefits include:
  
  • Health and vision coverage
  • Generous paid time off, including annual, personal, medical, and family leave
  • 403(b) plan (Roth and traditional) with employer matching
  • Flexible work environment
  • Visa sponsorship available (O-1, O-1B, others on a case-by-case basis)

QUALIFICATIONS

• College degree and/or advanced degree in music and/or arts management or equivalent work experience of 3-5 years in program management is required
• Experience serving as part of an artistic planning and curation team, working in artist management or bookings, designing professional development initiatives, and a strong network within the new music and orchestral communities are assets.
• An expansive vision for American orchestral music and track record of designing initiatives across musical styles and aesthetics is required
• Proficiency in Google Suite required, experience CRM and project management software an asset
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to speak publicly as well as interact positively with team members, partner orchestra administrators, composers, artists, vendors, and the public
• Comfort and experience in partnership prospecting and activating a network of connections to create new relationships
• Strong organizational and project management skills, attention to detail, and a high degree of accuracy are essential
• Must be able to operate at the highest level of integrity, managing sensitive and confidential information
• Ability to think creatively, problem-solve in advance, meet deadlines, and work in a fast paced environment with minimal direction.
• Available to work evenings and weekends during EarShot Readings
• Able to travel 6-10 times a season for EarShot Readings and other professional events
• Self-directed, with a strong work ethic and collaborative skills

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