Director of Artistic Planning

The San Diego Symphony is at a pivotal moment in its history with the appointment of Rafael Payare as Music Director in 2019, the opening of The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park™ in August of 2021, and the re-opening of Jacobs Music Center on September 28, 2024 after a $125 million dollar renovation. The Director of Artistic Planning will play an impactful role in working with Rafael Payare, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Martha Gilmer, and members of the administrative staff to create a vibrant season imagining new ways of engaging with our indoor audiences in innovative ways.

General Summary:

The Director of Artistic Planning is a key partner in all aspects of the San Diego Symphony Orchestra’s artistic planning for Masterworks, Chamber Music, Festivals, Presentations, Touring, Galas, and Special Events, working closely with the Vice President of Artistic Administration and Audience Development, the Music Director, President and CEO, Creative Consultant, and other key staff members. The Director of Artistic Planning manages day-to-day artistic matters in relation to all Classical programmed concerts. The Director of Artistic Planning is a central figure in the institution for disseminating programming information, serving as an inter-departmental resource and developing positive relationships with conductors, artists, and composers.

Requirements

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop the artistic schedule of concerts and rehearsals for the Indoor season by working with the Music Director and President and CEO on overarching themes, guest artists, and programming.
• Build relationships with artists and their managers, ensuring that the San Diego Symphony is well known for its artistic excellence and as a destination for guest artists.
• Create a three-year repertoire plan for the Music Director including recordings and commissioned works.  Assure the repertoire’s relevance in our EDI commitment with a balance of different styles and compositional periods. 
• Work with the Vice President of Impact and Innovation and Marketing leadership to rebuild audiences as we return to Jacobs Music Center after a 4-year hiatus.
• Explore new ways to bring audiences closer to the music and its meaning in their lives.
• Attend rehearsals and concerts assuring best possible atmosphere for Music Director and guest artists, making them feel at their best for their performance.
• Manage current classical season budget and participate in budget process with the Vice President of Artistic Administration and Audience Development.
• Program the Chamber Music series.
• Develop a sustainable series approach to presented classical artists in the Jacobs Music Center.
• As we return to our newly renovated hall, imagine ways of using all the new spaces.
• Interact with artists and artist managers to discuss and coordinate availability, programming, fee negotiations, and rehearsal schedules.
• Travel as required to identify and research potential programming opportunities.
• Work closely with the Production and Orchestra Operations teams to ensure successful events produced at a high, professional level.
• Lead artistic discussions, ensuring clear technical and project requirements are disseminated to Production, for multidisciplinary special projects, as needed. With Special Projects, integrate and steward creative personnel (Stage Directors, Designers, etc.), into the overall classical projects event timeline, keeping Artistic, Production, and Orchestra Management colleagues updated on a regular basis.
• Supervise Artistic department staff members on artist contracting, payment, and hospitality.
• Oversee classical artist work visa applications with consultants as needed, ensuring adherence to deadlines. Be aware of necessary visa requirements and the required scheduling for approvals.
• Understand the negotiated CBA agreement clauses that relate to the Music Director and to the schedule requirements of the orchestra.
• Work with the orchestra musicians to support their artistry.
• Process conductor and guest artist contracts and payments on a need by basis.
• Process all required financial reports and documents in a timely manner.
• Supervise (as required) Artistic department staff members on logistical follow-up as it relates to the Music Director, guest conductors, soloists, and visiting composers with rehearsal orders, rehearsal, and performance schedules.
• Contract for and manage production deadlines for commissioned works, in cooperation with the Principal Librarian, including instrumentation, music copying, and delivery in compliance with contract deadlines.
• Manage artistic content and future planning in ArtsVision in collaboration with Artistic and Orchestra Management colleagues.
• Negotiate conductor, artist, and chorus fees as assigned.
• Assist in season calendar planning in accordance with the orchestra CBA and subscription series requirements with the Vice President of Artistic Administration and Audience Development and the Director of Orchestra Operations.
• Partner with key orchestra operations staff and electronic media staff/committees to obtain artist rights and approvals for all media projects.
• Together with the inter-departmental Audience Development team, oversee content (musical and non-musical) for various concert enhancements to help guide a further plan for audience development.
• Partner with Grant writing team to identify opportunities for funding and write grant applications.
• Serve on committee of Directors to drive ongoing improvements to internal processes and other initiatives.
• Participate in Artistic musician committees.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Detailed knowledge and passion for classical music is essential to this position.
• Strong interpersonal and written/verbal communication skills.
• A desire to build relationships with our musicians and our valued guest artists.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively and supportively.
• Able to work effectively on several projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of the symphonic and chamber music repertoire, as well as current American and international performers (conductors, composers, soloists).
• Exemplary verbal and written communication skills combine with effective negotiating skills.
• Detail oriented, capable of planning and prioritizing work with a sense of urgency and appropriate timing.
• Prior management experience preferred.
• Proficiency in word processing and spreadsheet programs.
• Knowledge of ArtsVision.
• Skilled at conducting internet research.

Education and Experience:    

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required.
• A minimum of seven years related experience required in orchestra management or classical performing arts institution.
• Experience with orchestral repertoire and classical music required.
• Familiarity with symphony orchestra operations.
• Foreign language skills a plus.

General Requirements: 

• Available to work nights, weekends, and overtime (in addition to regular day shifts) as required for concert and rehearsal coverage.
• Able to sit or stand for long periods of time.
• Able to pick up and move a minimum of 20 lbs.
• Willing to travel to see conductors and guest artists

Working Conditions: 

• Regular, predictable attendance required as well as evening and weekend work shifts.
• Normal office working conditions: sitting at a desk and computer terminal for long periods of time, typing and computer work, light to moderate lifting.

Benefits

Pay Range:

$125,000.00-$130,000.00 annually

 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.