Director, Programming

NASHVILLE SYMPHONY ASSOCIATION•Nashville, TN

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Programming oversees the Nashville Symphony’s artistic programming strategy to fulfill its artistic mission, build audiences, and generate operating revenue through ticket sales. Working with the Symphony’s artistic leadership, the Director programs and executes Classical, Family, Education & Community Engagement, and special events with orchestra, while balancing artistic goals and allocated financial resources. The role collaborates with the Music Director, Chief Operations Officer (COO), and teams across the organization on programming, artist engagement, audience communications, budget planning, and timely coordination of production and score-related needs. The Director oversees the Senior Manager of Programming’s work on Pops and Movie Series programs and presentations without orchestra; oversees Nashville Symphony Chorus operations; and leads the Artistic Administration team. The Director also serves as a staff liaison to designated board and orchestra committees, supports conducting staff searches, and supervises the Assistant Conductor. The position requires knowledge of orchestra management, production, repertoire, composers, conductors, and soloists; experience in artistic planning; and strong programming, negotiation, budget, leadership, organizational, and communication skills. The Director must be able to work independently and collaboratively, manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment, maintain confidentiality, and work nights and weekends as needed. The role is based at the Nashville Symphony’s legal address in Nashville, Tennessee, and is full-time, exempt, with a day shift.

Requirements

Proven experience in artistic planning and in the artistic or operations department of an orchestra, arts organization, or related field.
Knowledge of orchestra management and production, orchestral repertoire and instrumentation, and current orchestral composers, conductors, and soloists.
Strong familiarity with diverse music genres, including classical/orchestral, pop/rock, jazz, R&B, hip-hop, and country.
Creative skills focused on music programming and concert production or creation.
Knowledge of and experience with contract negotiations, artist fees, and technical riders.
Strong budgeting skills and a track record of balancing artistic objectives with fiscal needs.
Leadership skills, including building consensus, facilitating group discussions, and engaging thoughtfully with people who have diverse viewpoints and life experiences.
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to schedule priorities to support efficiency and institutional goals.
Ability to multitask and work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to work with a broad range of personalities and demonstrate patience and understanding.
Ability to lead a team with a positive, helpful attitude and develop creative responses and solutions.
Ability to work independently and exercise judgment while keeping the COO informed of work activity and issues.
Clear and effective communication skills.
Ability to maintain strict confidentiality as needed.
Ability to respond to urgent matters while maintaining focus and equanimity.
Ability to work nights and weekends as needed.
Bachelor’s degree in music or arts administration, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in music or arts administration is preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop, design, and implement creative, artistically engaging concerts in consultation with the Music Director and COO, aligned with the Symphony’s artistic vision and financial resources.
Generate programming ideas and assist the Music Director in shaping the Classical Series artistic plan.
Develop Family Series concert and special-event programs and engage artists in consultation with artistic leadership and the COO.
Oversee and manage the Senior Manager of Programming’s work on Pops and Movie Series programs and presentations without orchestra.
Collaborate with Marketing & Communications on programming strategies and ideas to support institutional alignment and box office success.
Collaborate with Education & Community Engagement on programming for Young People’s Concerts, Community Concerts, and the Chamber Music Series.
Oversee Nashville Symphony Chorus operations with the Artistic Administration team.
Determine artist availability and negotiate contracts and riders for conductors, guest artists, soloists, and presentation artists.
Plan and manage the artistic operating budget with the COO and demonstrate accountability for it.
Collaborate with Marketing & Communications on program notes, brochures, and other audience communications.
Communicate artist bookings to Production and Marketing & Communications in a timely and effective manner, meeting agreed-upon deadlines.
Coordinate with the Senior Manager of Programming to communicate score-related needs to the Librarians in a timely and effective manner.
Coordinate and lead concert-duty rotation with the Artistic team, serving as the onsite backstage point person for hospitality and non-production needs for visiting artists and production personnel.
Manage applicable backstage hospitality duties, including dressing rooms, meet-and-greets, complimentary tickets, backstage guests, and artist itineraries.
Ensure timely completion of concert confirmations and event settlements.
Create a welcoming and musically engaging experience for conductors and guest artists and maintain productive relationships with artist managers.
Track major and emerging composers and facilitate commissioning negotiations and execution, including related deadlines, as directed.
Serve as a staff liaison to the Community Engagement & Artistic Planning Committee of the Board and the orchestra’s Artistic Policy Committee.
Supervise and lead the Artistic Administration team, equipping team members to be engaged, effective, and successful.
Supervise and manage the Assistant Conductor and support the conductor’s development on and off stage.
Play an integral role in searches and hiring processes for conducting staff.
Support the Nashville Symphony’s commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and its mission to welcome and serve everyone in the community.
Carry out supervisory responsibilities including interviewing, hiring, training, assigning and directing work, appraising performance, rewarding and disciplining employees, and addressing complaints and resolving problems.