Orchestra Manager, Civic Orchestra of Chicago

TITLE: Orchestra Manager, Civic Orchestra of Chicago
FLSA STATUS: Exempt
DEPARTMENT: The Negaunee Music Institute

GENERAL SUMMARY
The Orchestra Manager oversees the day-to-day operations of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago and
contributes to planning of future seasons. Primary responsibilities include oversight of personnel
and operations for all rehearsals, sectionals, concerts and events; leadership of annual auditions
and recruitment; collaboration with the CSO Musicians who serve as Civic Orchestra Coaches; and
coordination of Principal Conductor, guest conductor and guest artist schedule and hospitality.

To learn more about the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, visit cso.org/civic.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Personnel, Operations and Auditions:
• Oversee all Civic Orchestra activity including rehearsals, sectionals, concerts and other
events.
• With the Director of the Negaunee Music Institute, plan the weekly schedule for the current
season as well as future seasons. Contribute to artistic planning of Civic Orchestra concerts as
requested.
• With input from CSO Coaches, populate and distribute the personnel roster for each concert
program. Respond to absence requests and hire substitute players as needed. Ensure that Civic
Members adhere to all policies and procedures per the handbook.
• With the Operations Coordinator, liaise with the CSO Stagehands on production needs for all
Civic Orchestra activity.
• Hire and supervise the Civic Librarian. Ensure proper function of the Civic Library.
• Manage annual Civic auditions. Develop and lead recruitment efforts that identify new Regular
Members, Associate Members and Fellows.
• Participate in select components of the Civic Fellowship program, especially projects that
relate to the full orchestra.

2. CSO Coaches, Principal Conductor and Guest Artists:

• Serve as the primary contact for CSO Coaches, developing and implementing a season-long
curriculum that includes sectionals, mock auditions, conversation panels, master classes and
private lessons.
• Function as the primary contact for the Principal Conductor, guest conductors and soloists
during rehearsals and concerts.

3. General Administration, Development and Marketing:

• Manage the annual Civic Orchestra budget.
• Prepare contracts for guest conductors and soloists. Liaise with artist managers as
requested.
• Support ongoing engagement of Civic Orchestra Alumni. Serve as the staff liaison to the Civic
Alumni Task Force.
• Contribute to Civic Orchestra grant proposals and reports.
• Collaborate with the CSOA Marketing Department to ensure large audiences for all Civic Orchestra
public concerts and events. Give input on Marketing materials such as the annual Civic concert
brochure, Front of House signage and social media assets.
• Initiate regular posting of content to the Civic Facebook page and Instagram accounts.

4. Attend Negaunee Music Institute Board and Committee meetings as requested.
5. Other duties as assigned.

CSOA is an equal opportunity employer where all qualified applicants will receive consideration for
employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual
orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status,
ancestry, or national or ethnic origin. We value diversity and inclusion and seek to build and
maintain a community and culture that celebrates and values diverse backgrounds, identities, and
perspectives. We consider equivalent combinations of experience and education for jobs, and all
candidates who believe they possess equivalent experience and education are encouraged to apply.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
• At least three years of experience in orchestra personnel management.
• A Bachelor’s degree or higher in music.
• Superior knowledge of orchestral repertoire.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong work ethic and a demonstrated ability to effectively manage several projects and
time-sensitive deliverables simultaneously.
• A collaborative and team-oriented mindset and good sense of humor.
• Ability to speak with confidence in front of large audiences.
• Ability to work nights and weekend.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

Reports to Director of Education and The Negaunee Music Institute. Supervises Civic Orchestra
Operations Coordinator, Civic Library Fellow, Civic Orchestra personnel (90 Regular Members as well
as the roster of Associate Members and subs), and Civic Orchestra interns.

Key contacts include: Civic Orchestra Musicians, Civic Orchestra Principal Conductor, Guest
Conductors & Artists, Stage Hands, Civic Library Fellow, CSO Musicians, CSOA staff from
Development, Operations, and PR/Marketing departments, donors, volunteers, area colleges and
universities, and the general public.

WORKING CONDITIONS
Pleasant office environment.