Orchestra Personnel Manager

The Orchestra Personnel Manager is responsible for the day-to-day management of orchestra activities and related functions in compliance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). The Orchestra Personnel Manager serves as a liaison between the musicians and administration of the San Diego Symphony, supporting institutional goals and acting as a resource and counsel for orchestra musicians.

 Responsibilities include being present at orchestral rehearsals and performances, preparing orchestra rosters and seating assignments, maintaining attendance records, preparing orchestra payroll, ensuring timely and accurate communication to musicians, and addressing confidential personnel matters in partnership with the Managing Director of Orchestra Operations.

 The Orchestra Personnel Manager reports to the Managing Director of Orchestra Operations and works closely with the Orchestra Operations  Manager in addition to colleagues across Human Resources, Production, and Artistic teams as well as the Orchestral Librarians. The Orchestra Personnel Manager will demonstrate a continuous improvement approach supporting collaboration and growth across the institution.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

 ·        Maintain a respectful and positive environment for the musicians of the orchestra, fostering and encouraging open communication between the orchestra and management, and reinforcing institutional goals and values.

·        Along with the Managing Director of Orchestra Operations ensure smooth operation of all orchestra activities involving Symphony musicians in compliance with the CBA, including communicating and coordinating as needed with conductors, stage crew, librarians, and other administrative staff.

·        Manage orchestra musician assignments including rotation, relief, leave and seating. Accurately track attendance, sick and personal days, leaves of absence, rotations and relief.

·        Maintain database of approved substitute and extra musicians for wind, brass, string, and harp sections, and hire those musicians as per the artistic needs of the orchestra, notifying those musicians of all details including schedule, dress, parking, pay, and repertoire.

·        Address personnel issues, both contractual and personal, communicating and/or escalating to other staff as appropriate.

·        Inform appropriate administrative staff of personnel health, family matters and disciplinary issues as they occur and assist in resolving with Managing Director of Orchestra Operations.

·        Distribute information regarding rehearsals, locations, instrumentation and dress for Symphony performances via bulletin boards, emails, and online resources.

·        Coordinate the tenure process, including all meetings.

·        Prepare contracts for new hires, long-term substitutes, and annual contracts for tenured musicians ensuring relevant paperwork is completed and passed on to Human Resources in a timely manner.

·        Prepare orchestra payroll information accurately and on time in compliance with CBA and individual contracts, contract cessations, and musician retirements.

·        Assist musicians with disability process and return to work plans, coordinating with Human Resources and Payroll.

·        Maintain an open and positive relationship with union representatives, assists in resolving labor disputes, and participate in, and support the negotiation process of the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

·        Exceptional interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate calmly and professionally in high pressure situations

·        Ability to anticipate and resolve issues creatively, demonstrating leadership and teamwork

·        Capacity to build and maintain trust and confidentiality, exercising objectivity, discretion and tact

·        Ability to successfully prioritize workload and multitask in a fast-paced environment

·        Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy in work

·        Ability to interpret and administer negotiated collective bargaining agreements and individual contracts

·        Experience preparing complex orchestral payroll including overtime, allowances and additional payments

·        Knowledge of California Human Resources concepts including sick leave and leaves of absence preferred

·        Strong computer skills, including experience with Microsoft Office.  Working knowledge of orchestra management systems and databases is an advantage, preferably ArtsVision.

Education and Experience:    

·        Bachelor’s degree in Music, Music Business, or Arts Administration.

·        Experience and knowledge of the Performing Arts is essential to the success of this position.

·        5 years’ experience working as a member of the administrative team of orchestra.

·        Familiarity with orchestral performance practices, repertoire and ability to read music.

General Requirements: 

·        Available to work regular business hours and maintain a presence at many rehearsals and performances, including nights and weekends.

·        Ability to travel with the orchestra as required

·        Able to sit or stand for long periods of time

·        Able to pick up and move a minimum of 20lbs

·        Mobility both on and off the stage and in crowded spaces in both indoor and outdoor venues

·        Able to negotiate stairs and to move freely about the stage and backstage at any time

·        Valid California Driver’s License

Working Conditions: 

·        Regular, predictable in person attendance required, as well as numerous evening and weekend work shifts. Remote work is a possibility when the orchestra are not present.

·        Normal office working conditions: sitting at a desk and computer terminal for long periods of time, typing and computer work, light to moderate lifting

·        Normal backstage working conditions:  standing for long periods of time, light to moderate lifting, noisy atmosphere

Annual salary range: $80,000-85,000

Benefits:

Health, dental, and vision insurance; life, AD&D, and long-and short-term disability insurance; FSA; paid sick days, vacation days and holidays; 401(k) plan.

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The San Diego Symphony provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

We are committed to being a workplace in which every employee has equitable opportunities and support, and experiences a sense of belonging. Individuals with diverse backgrounds, identities, and experiences are encouraged to apply.

Salary : $80,000 - $85,000