What are the responsibilities and job description for the Vice President of Artistic Planning position at St. Louis Symphony Orchestra Career Center?
TITLE: Vice President of Artistic Planning
REPORTS TO: Chief Operating Officer
DIRECT REPORTS: Artistic Administrator, Librarians, Assistant Conductor, Audio Recording Engineer, Symphony Chorus Manager, and Manager, IN UNISON Programs
POSITION SUMMARY: Join the SLSO during one of the most thrilling times in the history of the orchestra as we return to the beautifully renovated Powell Hall for our 2025-2026 season. This is an opportunity to create a lasting impact on audiences and the St. Louis community.
The Vice President of Artistic Planning (VP AP), executes the artistic quality and aspirations of the SLSO and the artistic vision of Stéphane Denève, The Joseph and Emily Rauh Pulitzer Music Director. As a key collaborator of the Music Director, COO and CEO, the VP AP is responsible for artistic programming and administration of all SLSO artistic programs.
The ideal candidate is passionate, creative, knowledgeable, fast-paced, and a self-starter with superb artistic intuition and connections, exceptional communication skills and a proven track-record of effective and successful management of multiple projects simultaneously. The ability to inspire and empower collaborators both internally and externally, as well as a firmly held value for and understanding of the importance of diversity and equity in the orchestral field is essential.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Responsible for all SLSO artistic programs and engagement of guest conductors and artists in alignment with the Music Director’s artistic vision and within approved financial parameters. Development and execution of the SLSO’s commissioning, media, residency, and touring strategies.
- Responsible for engaging, relevant, and artistically significant programming for the SLSO in collaboration with the Music Director and in consultation with the CEO and COO; working closely with staff conductors, artists-in-residence, choral directors, and guest artists, ensure the deployment of the finest artistic experience for the SLSO, its two choruses, and its audiences.
- Ensure development of concert programs that stretch the musical boundaries of the SLSO while supporting revenue goals and audience development objectives, including but not limited to, classical subscription series, “SLSO presents” (Live at Powell Hall), media and recording projects, holiday programs, special concerts, residencies, and tours.
- Cultivate a compelling and diverse array of guest artists, conductors, and repertoire across all programming, ensuring that the SLSO is well known for its artistic profile and as a destination for guest artists. Nurture deep relationships with agents, artists, publishers and artistic partners.
- Supervise SLSO artist servicing in coordination with the Production/Operations teams.
- Inform and ensure accuracy of artistic budget, and oversee contract negotiation, administration, and expense tracking for all SLSO programs.
- Supervise SLSO’s Artistic Administrator in the planning of programming.
- Collaborate on education programs and community partnership endeavors, and the St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra.
- Serve as staff liaison to the Artistic Advisory Committee of the Orchestra.
- Inform and support Marketing and Philanthropic department efforts to promote and support all SLSO programs.
- Support and participate in rehearsal and performance operations related to guest artists and conductors, including hospitality and special events.
- Support and facilitate guest artist appearances to benefit institutional goals in other areas such as philanthropy, marketing, learning and community engagement; ensure these engagements are part of contractual agreements when required.
