Artistic Administrator

Seattle Symphony Orchestra Inc•Seattle, WA

11h•$85,000 - $95,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Seattle Symphony unleashes the power of music, brings people together and lifts the human spirit. Recognized as one of the “most vital American orchestras” (NPR), the Seattle Symphony is internationally acclaimed for its inventive programming, community-minded initiatives, and superb recordings on the Seattle Symphony Media label. With a strong commitment to new music and a legacy of over 150 recordings, the orchestra has garnered five Grammy Awards, 26 Grammy nominations, two Emmy Awards and was named Gramophone’s 2018 Orchestra of the Year. The Symphony performs in Benaroya Hall in the heart of downtown Seattle, reaching over 500,000 people annually through live performances and radio broadcasts. Position Overview: The Artistic Administrator supports the Chief of Artistic Planning to implement the artistic strategy of the Seattle Symphony, ensuring the smooth operation of the Artistic Planning department including in particular pertaining to visiting artists, orchestras, and ensembles. This position requires attention to detail, flexibility, and commitment to the Seattle Symphony values of Excellence, Innovation, Curiosity, Collaboration, Respect, Inclusivity, Integrity, and Service. This position supports the Seattle Symphony’s principles of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. This position is hybrid remote and in-person with Mondays and Fridays remote and Tuesdays-Thursdays at Benaroya Hall. Regular evening and weekend work is required and scheduled on a monthly basis.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in music or arts management strongly preferred
8-10 years’ professional experience in arts administration with a symphony orchestra or festival (or equivalent) is required.
Highly organized, detail-oriented ability to manage project deadlines on competing timelines.
Ability to prioritize and multi-task, as well as manage interdepartmental processes and maintain accurate follow-up.
Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills. Ability to handle calmly and efficiently situations ranging from routine to emergency.
Ability to manage relationships with conductors, guest soloists, staff conductor(s), administration colleagues, musicians, volunteers, and other constituents.
Demonstrated proficiency with computer technology and experience with Microsoft Office and Windows is required.
Knowledge of ArtsVision software is highly desired.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise good judgment.
The functions of this position are performed primarily in an office environment
Regular activities include frequent sitting, standing, walking, reaching and bending
This position may require occasional pulling, lifting and climbing stairs
Ability to speak, hear and communicate clearly while handling staff inquiries, telephone calls and customer requests
Specific vision abilities require close visual acuity for viewing a computer screen and reading, preparing, entering and/or analyzing data
This position requires repetitive motions of the wrists, hands and fingers for typing at a standard keyboard and regular pinching, picking up and holding pencils and other desk tools
Must have the ability to lift 30 pounds as needed

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of ArtsVision software is highly desired.

Responsibilities

Manage administration for classical music programming including guest artist contracts, riders, payments, tax forms, international visas, and conductor forms.
Contributing to shape and implement the artistic strategy of the Seattle Symphony.
Programming repertoire and negotiating fees for specific projects.
Providing oversight and managing the Artistic Department budget with entry and tracking of all budget items; leading discussions in budget meetings; tracking expenditure and reporting variances.
Identifying artists, conductors, composers, program concepts, researching new repertoire, commissioning and partnership opportunities, artist availabilities, and other ideas to keep the Seattle Symphony artistically fresh, innovative, and aligned with its long-term artistic vision.
Collaborate with Education and Community Engagement to fully integrate opportunities for access and amplification of programs.
Collaborate with Marketing and Communications to review and edit program notes as well as the monthly program magazine Encore with an eye for program and guest artist content.
Performing concert duty including concert/event oversight.
Providing administrative support for Chief of Artistic Planning as needed.
Manage one direct report, Artist Liaison / Assistant to the Music Director.
Devising plans, managing the schedule, and obtaining artist approvals for monthly radio broadcasts on Classical KING 98.1 radio.
Contributing to the selection of potential projects for Seattle Symphony Media releases.
Negotiating artist approvals for Seattle Symphony Media, other recording projects, and additional usage of recordings where required.
In consultation with Chief of Artistic Planning, programming and hosting the new music series in Octave 9: Raisbeck Music Center. Continuing to build the profile and activity of Octave 9 within the Seattle artistic community and further afield.
Building relationships with similar artistic organizations and explore collaboration between them on creative projects.
Contributing to the artistic planning process and introduce new programming ideas, with thorough knowledge of classical artists, repertoire, and industry trends.
Developing and maintaining relationships with guest conductors, soloists, composers and other artists, as well as managers and/or business agents for artists.
Building relationships with other orchestra administrators and presenters.
Participating in production and operations meetings and collaborating with artists and production staff.
Other duties as required