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CAPA

General Manager - Columbus Symphony Orchestra

Job Overview

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Employment Type

Full-time
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Compensation

Type:
Salary
Rate:
Range $110,000.00 - $120,000.00
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Work Schedule

Weekend Shifts
Night Shifts
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Benefits

Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Paid Time Off
Retirement Plan
Professional Development
Flexible Schedule
Transportation allowance

Job Description

The Columbus Symphony is an esteemed cultural institution poised at an exciting juncture of dynamic growth, artistic renewal, and enriched community engagement. Celebrating nearly 75 years of artistic excellence, the Symphony has firmly established itself as one of Columbus's key cultural anchors. With new executive leadership at the helm, the organization is embarking on a transformative journey that balances honoring its storied artistic heritage with embracing innovation, inclusivity, and the evolving needs of its audiences. The Symphony is actively strengthening its organizational culture, refining its sustainable operating model, and expanding educational and community outreach initiatives. An ambitious new concert hall... Show More

Job Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree
  • 7+ years of experience in operational role within a performing arts environment
  • 5+ years of experience in a senior-level position
  • Successful background check
  • Ability to work evenings and weekends
  • Reliable transportation

Job Qualifications

  • Significant experience in orchestra or performing arts operations
  • Sophisticated understanding of production, venue management, technical operations and workplace safety
  • Experience with union environments and collective bargaining
  • Calm, decisive leadership in fast-paced, high-stakes environments
  • Strong budgeting, project management, and organizational capabilities
  • Commitment to creating a respectful, equitable workplace for all staff and musicians
  • Ability to work productively under pressure, maintain a positive attitude, and prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously
  • Passion for live symphonic music and the role it plays in community life
  • Experience with facility management, building planning, design and construction preferred
  • Knowledge of ArtsVision software a plus

Job Duties

  • Serve as a member of the senior leadership team in establishing organizational strategy, priorities, goals and budget and fostering a positive and inclusive organizational culture
  • Collaborate closely with the CEO, VP of Artistic Planning & Programs, and other department heads to ensure cohesive planning across artistic, operational and administrative functions
  • Provide regular updates and analyses to the CEO and when requested, Board of Trustees
  • Model a collaborative, solutions-oriented approach that reinforces a positive and high-performing organizational culture
  • Lead all aspects of concert and event operations, including scheduling, technical production, stage management, and front-of-house coordination
  • Supervise production and operations staff, stage crew, and venue management personnel
  • Work with CFO and finance team to develop and monitor the production and facilities budgets
  • Identify and implement cost-saving initiatives without compromising artistic quality or mission
  • Oversee maintenance and capital needs related to production equipment and infrastructure
  • Manage relationships and logistics related to touring, run-outs, and community engagement performances
  • Partner with the VP of Artistic Planning & Programs to align production logistics with artistic intent and programming strategy
  • Manage the organizational use of file sharing and calendar management platforms and serve as the main point of contact for IT resources
  • Oversee orchestra personnel management including auditions, hiring, contracting, visa and work authorization, policies and procedures
  • Administer the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) in partnership with the CEO, CFO and HR
  • Maintain accurate records of CBA compliance and provide guidance to staff and musicians on contractual matters
  • Serve as principal member of the management negotiating team for musician and stage employee contract negotiations (with AFM and IATSE), preparing analyses, data, and scenario planning to inform discussions
  • Foster positive, transparent working relationships with musicians and union representatives built on trust and collaboration including maintaining regular communication with the Orchestra Committee
  • Oversee all Symphony facilities and manage relationships with external venues and partners including administrative offices, rehearsal spaces and performance venues, ensuring compliance with union agreements, safety codes, and insurance requirements
  • Manage venue scheduling, maintenance and vendor relationships
  • Lead development of long-term facility plans and capital maintenance budgets
  • Serve as core member of the project leadership team for the Symphony’s new concert hall development
  • Coordinate day-to-day planning efforts among the Symphony, architect, acoustician, owners’ rep and/or other key consultants
  • Translate artistic, technical, education and guest experience needs into operational design requirements for all performance, rehearsal, education, backstage, and public spaces
  • Collaborate with artistic, production, education, and front-of-house teams to ensure the facility supports current and future programming models
  • Provide data, operational insight, and financial modeling to inform design decisions and business planning
  • Partner with CEO, board and city stakeholders to align the building’s design with the organization’s long-term strategic and community goals
  • Liaise with construction management team, manage owners’ rep/project manager, and relationships with city partners during construction phase
  • Monitor design and construction progress to ensure adherence to budget, timeline, and functional needs
  • Lead operational readiness planning
  • Contribute to the development of detailed operating budgets, staffing models, and transition plans
  • Lead the development and implementation of new operational systems, policies, and workflows for the new facility during pre-opening and launch phase
  • Manage move-in logistics
  • Ensure readiness across safety, security, accessibility and sustainability standards
  • Develop post-opening evaluation processes to ensure continuous improvement and operational excellence

Job Qualifications

Experience

Expert Level (7+ years)

Job Location

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