Director, Programming

DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMMING

The Director of Programming oversees the full scope of artistic programming strategy for the Nashville Symphony to fulfil the institution's artistic mission, build audiences and generate operating revenue through ticket sales. Working closely with the Nashville Symphony's artistic leadership, the Director of Programming is also responsible for programming and executing all Classical, Family, Education & Community Engagement, and special events with orchestra.

I. Summary

Reports To: Chief Operations Officer

Status: Full-Time, Exempt

II. Key Duties and Responsibilities

• In consultation with the Music Director and the COO, develop, design and implement creative and artistically engaging concerts that are consistent with the Nashville Symphony's artistic vision while balancing allocated financial resources.
• Actively generate and contribute compelling programming ideas that assist the Music Director in shaping artistic planning for the Classical Series.
• In consultation with artistic leadership and the COO develop programs and engage artists for Family Series Concerts, special events with orchestra.
• In consultation with artistic leadership and the COO, oversee and manage the Senior Manager of Programming in the programming and execution of Pops and Movie Series programs in addition to presentation concerts without orchestra.
• Collaborate with the Marketing & Communications team on all programming ideas and strategies to ensure institutional alignment and box office success.
• Collaborate with the Education & Community Engagement team on developing programming ideas for key Education & Community Engagement programs, including Young People's Concerts, Community Concerts and Chamber Music Series.
• Working with the Artistic Administration team, oversee the operations of the Nashville Symphony Chorus.
• Determine availability and negotiate contracts and riders for conductors, guest artists, soloists and presentation artists.
• Together with the COO, plan, manage and demonstrate accountability for the artistic operating budget.
• Collaborate with Marketing & Communications team on content and presentation of program notes, brochures, and other audience communications.
• Ensure timely and effective communication of all artist bookings to the Production and Marketing & Communications teams, working proactively to meet mutually agreed-upon deadlines.
• Together with the Senior Manager of Programming, ensure timely and effective communication of all score-related needs to the Librarians, working proactively to meet mutually agreed-upon deadlines.
• Coordinate and lead concert duty rotation with the Artistic team, which includes serving as the onsite backstage point person for all hospitality and non-production backstage needs for visiting production and guest artists. When applicable, duties include dressing room hospitality management, meet and greet management, coordination of complimentary tickets and backstage guests, and escorting artists through each phase of their itinerary while on-site.
• Ensure the timely completion of concert confirmations & event settlements.
• Ensure the creation of a welcoming and musically exciting experience for conductors and guest artists, and nurture productive working relationships with artist managers.
• Stay abreast of major composers and emerging composers, in accordance with the Nashville Symphony's vision of championing new orchestral works; facilitate the negotiation and execution of commissioning activities and related deadlines as directed.
• Serve as a key staff liaison to the Community Engagement & Artistic Planning Committee of the Board and to the orchestra's Artistic Policy Committee.
• Supervise the Artistic Administration team, providing leadership and direction that properly equip team members to be engaged, effective and successful in their work.
• Supervise and manage the Assistant Conductor, providing leadership and guidance to ensure the conductor's development both on and off the stage
• Play an integral role in all searches and hiring processes for conducting staff.
• Embrace the Nashville Symphony's commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, and actively support the organization's mission to welcome and serve everyone in our community.

Qualifications

III. Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor's degree in music or arts administration preferred, or a combination of equivalent education and experience.

Experience:

Proven experience with artistic planning and working in the artistic or operations department of an orchestra, arts organization or related field.

IV. Traits and Characteristics

• Knowledge of orchestra management and production, orchestral repertoire, instrumentation, current orchestral composers, conductors and soloists.
• Strong familiarity with diverse genres of music, including classical/orchestral, pop/rock, jazz, R&B, hip-hop and country.
• Proven creative skills with emphasis on music programming and concert production/creation,
• Knowledge of and experience with contract negotiations, artist fees and technical riders.
• Strong budget skills and proven track record of balancing artistic desires with fiscal needs.
• Leadership skills, including the ability to build consensus, facilitate group discussion, and thoughtfully engage people with diverse viewpoints and life experiences.
• Stellar organizational skills, with attention to detail and the ability to schedule priorities to maximize efficiency and institutional goals.
• Ability to multi-task and work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work with a broad spectrum of personalities and to exhibit patience and understanding.
• Ability to work as a team leader with a positive, helpful attitude in developing creative responses and solutions to needs and issues.
• Ability to work independently and use independent judgment while keeping the COO informed of work activity and issues.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively.
• Ability to maintain the strictest of confidence as needed.
• Ability to respond to urgent matters while maintaining focus and equanimity.
• Ability to work nights and weekends, as needed.

V. Supervisory Responsibilities

The Director of Programming supervises the Senior Manager of Programming and two Managers of Artistic Administration. This role carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Supervisory responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

VI. Additional Information

The Nashville Symphony Association reserves the right to revise this job description at any time. This job description is not a contract for employment. All employees are expected to adhere to all terms and conditions of the Association's Personnel Policies and Employment Manuals and other Association policies and procedures which may be promulgated and published from time to time.

VII. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

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