Managing Director (Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra) & Manager of Artistic Administration (Performing and Visual Arts)/Career Opportunity

Chautauqua Institution • Chautauqua, NY

10d • $70,000 - $78,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Managing Director, Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra oversees the professional resident orchestra with (74) musicians and fellowship program performing (20+) concerts during the Institution’s summer assembly season, including direct responsibility for operating resources, scheduling and production, negotiating and fulfilling contracts with musicians, venues, and vendors, and managing the details of the orchestra’s recording, electronic media, and outreach projects. In consultation with the VP, the Managing Director collaborates closely with the Music Director on programming and artistic initiatives for the CSO. The Manager of Artistic Administration for Performing and Visual Arts (PAVA) , in collaboration with the VP, Performing and Visual Arts, and SVP /Chief Program Officer, supports the management of artistic and financial operations, liaises with other CI departments (including marketing, advancement, and finance), and serves as a point person for systems and information in PAVA. The Manager provides artistic administrative support for the Arts at Chautauqua Institution, with major focus on the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra, Chautauqua Chamber Music popular entertainment, family entertainment, and Sunday programming in Chautauqua Amphitheater.

Requirements

• Demonstrated practice and competency for 5+ years in arts administration, nonprofit management, or a related field—with a solid understanding of artistic planning and operations for a union orchestra—is required.
• Excellent organisation and task management skills and attention to detail; meets deadlines promptly, able to draft, review, and process a high volume of documents, including offers and contracts, in a timely manner.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse internal and external stakeholders—musicians, staff, partners, and community stakeholders—on nuanced topics in clear and compelling ways.
• Technological proficiency with modern organisational and production tools, including Microsoft Office applications, and the ability to quickly learn and use NetSuite, ArtsVision, and other software.
• Experience designing and managing operational systems that support artistic planning, production workflows, revenue generation, and institutional effectiveness.
• A demonstrated commitment to Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA), with the ability to lead in ways that create belonging, respect diverse perspectives, and broaden access to classical music.
• Strong management and oversight capabilities, including strategic and operational planning, budgeting and financial oversight, resource allocation, staff management, and team development – particularly in mentorship of seasonal and entry-level colleagues.
• A leader who is value-driven and committed to organisational health, who builds and improves systems, drives routine and long-term priorities, anticipates challenges and opportunities, and adapts effectively in a fast-paced performing arts environment.

Nice To Haves

• A degree in arts administration, nonprofit management, business administration, or a related discipline—or an equivalent combination of education and experience—is preferred.
• Proven experience building and sustaining a national-level professional network to support strategic and operational initiatives is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Align Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra with the Institution’s strategic priorities, values, and artistic, financial, operational, and programmatic goals.
• Directly manage the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra and other classical music artists and ensembles, with the fundamental responsibility to ensure compliance with the orchestra’s Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
• Function as a content expert and data resource for union negotiations.
• In conjunction with the Music Director and VP, responsible for developing programmatic content and booking artists/ensembles for the Orchestra and other classical music.
• Provide industry expertise; stay current on Symphony best practices, trends, and potential partnerships.
• In partnership with the Institution’s Advancement Office, assist with special events and fundraising activities, including identification, cultivation and stewardship of donors for the Orchestra.
• Serve as administrative and operational support for mission and vision work and long-range planning for Performing and Visual Arts at Chautauqua Institution, with a major focus on Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra, Chautauqua Chamber Music, and other evening and Sunday afternoon entertainment.
• Program Chautauqua Chamber Music series, with approval from VP and SVP.
• Serve as a cross-functional financial resource partnering with Finance, Accounting, Payroll, Human Resources, Marketing/Ticketing, and IT to ensure accuracy of information and data validity across interworking systems for budgetary and cost controls.
• Serve as a deputy leader of the core PAVA year-round administrative team, owning team meetings, orchestrating retreats, and serving as an on-site resource during fall-winter-spring for a hybrid team.
• Assist with administrative tasks related to talent management and the employment lifecycle through recruitment, selection, onboarding, operational oversight, development/training, performance management, and retention/succession management for PAVA employees.
• Serve as the hiring manager and direct supervisor for seasonal artist liaisons, symphony employees, including personnel manager, music librarian, stage manager, and other seasonal and year-round employees as needed.
• Ensure compliance with federal and state laws regarding performing rights, licensing, and safety.
• Liaise with the Housing & Travel Coordinators to ensure effective and timely accommodation, transportation, and manage changes/emergencies to provide an overall seamless experience for artists visiting the Institution.
• Perform accounts receivable/payable function through Finance for completion and submission of forms and payments for performing rights organisations (ASCAP/BMI/SESAC) and other third-party organisations.
• Serve as project manager for occasional large-scale cross-departmental projects, when appropriate.
• Provide departmental representation and operational support during specific programs as assigned, which will require a deep engagement in the arts and an added commitment of evenings and weekends during the summer assembly season.

Benefits

• Chautauqua Institution’s competitive compensation and benefits suite includes a national health insurance network with Highmark, flexible spending (or health savings) account options, dental and vision insurance, complimentary life insurance, wellness incentives, an employee assistance program, supplemental life insurance, and long-term disability options.
• The Institution supports planning for retirement through a discretionary employer retirement plan contribution, which has recently been 6% of gross compensation following the designated service period.
• Employees will receive a traditional Chautauqua gate pass, free of cost, which provides access to many of our programs at the Amphitheater.
• Chautauqua Institution will provide a $500 referral bonus (less taxes) for active employees referring a new candidate who is hired and remains employed for at least 90 days from the first physical date of work. In the case of seasonal positions working less than 6 months, the new candidate must remain actively employed for at least 30 days from the first physical date of work and until the closing date of the season. The closing date of the season is the last Sunday in August.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed