Sr. Manager, Programming

NASHVILLE SYMPHONY ASSOCIATION•Nashville, TN

About The Position

The Senior Manager of Programming oversees the booking and execution of the Nashville Symphony’s Pops and Movie Series performances and presentation performances without orchestra. The role supports the institution’s artistic mission, audience development, and operating revenue through ticket sales. Working with artistic leadership and the Director of Programming, the Senior Manager develops and implements engaging programs that align with the Symphony’s artistic vision and available financial resources. The position collaborates with Marketing & Communications, Artistic Administration, Production, and library staff, and helps manage the Nashville Symphony Chorus. It also contributes to conducting staff searches and hiring processes, builds productive relationships with artists and their managers, and supports the organization’s commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and serving the community.

Requirements

Proven experience with artistic planning and work in the artistic or operations department of an orchestra, arts organization, or related field.
Knowledge of orchestra management and production, orchestral repertoire, 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 budget skills and a demonstrated ability to balance artistic goals with fiscal needs.
Leadership skills, including building consensus, facilitating group discussions, and engaging thoughtfully with people with diverse viewpoints and life experiences.
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to schedule priorities to maximize 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 work as a team leader with a positive, helpful attitude in developing creative responses and solutions.
Ability to work independently and exercise independent 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.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in music or arts administration, or equivalent education and experience.

Responsibilities

Develop, design, and implement concerts in consultation with artistic leadership and the Director of Programming, balancing artistic vision with allocated financial resources.
Generate and contribute programming ideas to support artistic planning.
Develop programs and engage artists for Movie Series concerts, popular programming, and presentations without orchestra.
Collaborate with Marketing & Communications on programming ideas and strategies to support institutional alignment and box office success.
Work with Artistic Administration to help manage the operations of the Nashville Symphony Chorus.
Determine availability and negotiate contracts and riders for conductors, guest artists, soloists, and presentation artists.
Plan and manage the artistic operating budget with the Director of Programming, and demonstrate accountability for it.
Collaborate with Marketing & Communications on program notes, brochures, and other audience communications.
Communicate artist bookings promptly and effectively to Production and Marketing & Communications, meeting agreed-upon deadlines.
Coordinate communication of score-related needs to the Librarians with the Director of Programming, meeting agreed-upon deadlines.
Create a welcoming and musically exciting experience for conductors and guest artists, and nurture productive relationships with artist managers.
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.