Director- Orchestra Personnel and Operations (WNO)

The Kennedy Center • Washington, DC

123d • $120,000 - $129,000

About The Position

The Director of Orchestra Personnel and Operations (DOPO) provides leadership and oversees orchestra management and production operations, guided by the vision and strategies in the Kennedy Center's Strategic Plan. A key member of the Planning and Operations teams, the position serves as an advocate for the Orchestra and nurtures a strong rapport with union and Orchestra leadership. The DOPO will be a collaborative and dedicated leader with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, comfortable interacting with multiple constituencies and easily adapting to differing situations. Resourceful and flexible, they will possess excellent organizational and project management skills.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in music, orchestra management, arts management or a related discipline required.
• A minimum of five years of experience in a senior-level position with an orchestra or performing arts organization is required.
• Strong communication skills are imperative, as are interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively with professional musicians and music professionals.
• Experience navigating complex relationships, managing priorities, and mediating conflict.
• Must possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills and strong supervisory skills.
• Must exercise good judgment, show initiative, and handle sensitive data in a trustworthy manner.
• Must be able to juggle many immediate and long-range tasks and priorities and remain calm under pressure.
• Experience with collective bargaining units and bargaining process highly preferred.
• Candidate must be local or willing to relocate to the DMV area.

Nice To Haves

• Working knowledge of the performing arts field is preferred.
• Experience successfully managing in a complex, fast-paced organization with multiple programs, venues, entities and events.

Responsibilities

• Manage the 60-70 member Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra (KCOHO) and Washington National Opera Orchestra (WNOO), shaping a work environment that supports healthy relationships among all internal constituents.
• Assess programming for the orchestral needs for all relevant shows, defining orchestral requirements and ensuring all requirements are met.
• Develop orchestra schedules, create rehearsal and performance plots, and oversee the implementation and execution of all KCOHO/WNOO services.
• Create and oversee the Orchestra calendar, ensuring effective utilization of Orchestra services in accordance with two distinct Collective Bargaining Agreements.
• Oversee the production of all KCOHO/WNOO programs in collaboration with KC and WNO leadership and artistic and production teams.
• Research, draft, plan, and execute all Media related work under the appropriate AFM media agreements.
• Guide the Orchestra Personnel team on sensitive personnel matters impacting programs or that have contractual and financial implications.
• Manage the collective bargaining process with Local 161-710 of the American Federation of Musicians.
• Oversee, allocate, and manage the expense budgets for KCOHO and WNOO, maintaining roughly $8 million in expenses.
• Serve as the primary management liaison with the Orchestra Committee, Artistic Liaison Committee, and AFM Local 161-710.
• Attend concerts and events frequently to gain additional insight into the performance of the Orchestra.

Benefits

• Staff offers for discount tickets.
• Retirement plan with organization matching (after 1 year of employment).
• Qualifying employer for the Public Student Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).
• Commuter programs including pre-tax options for discounted parking and SmartBenefits (WMATA).
• Annual Leave, Sick Leave, and Personal Days available immediately upon hire.
• 11 paid holidays per year.
• Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits with FSA and HSA options, and paid FMLA.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Industry: Social Assistance
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree