Senior Director of Artistic Planning

SENIOR DIRECTOR OF ARTISTIC PLANNING JOB DESCRIPTION

Department: Artistic Planning

FLSA Status: Exempt

FT/PT: Full-time

Work Location: Hybrid

Last Revision Date: April 21, 2025

How to apply: A cover letter is required for consideration of this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address:

-Your specific interest in the position and working at the Detroit Symphony Orchestra

-Outline your skills and experience that directly relate to the responsibilities of the role

The Organization: The Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO) is known internationally for trailblazing performances, collaborations with the world’s foremost musical artists, and a deep commitment to serving our community. Making its home in historic Orchestra Hall at the Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center, the DSO actively pursues its vision to be an inclusive and culturally relevant community where all people can experience their world through music.

The DSO is a complex organization. Operating 365 days per year in historic Orchestra Hall, one of America’s most acoustically perfect concert halls, we are a performing arts institution, an educational facility, and a community center. We are governed by an independent Board of Directors and employ both union and non-union employees as musicians, stage crew, and administrative staff. Creating a unified culture throughout the institution is an organizational imperative, and we are guided by our values of excellence, diversity, resilience, collaboration, and innovation. The DSO is also deeply invested in the city of Detroit; through our Detroit Strategy initiative, we are expanding the DSO’s participation in the growth and well-being of the city.

The DSO offers a unique, fast-paced working environment, an excellent overall compensation package, and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. For more information visit www.dso.org.

Position Summary: The Senior Director of Artistic Planning (SDAP) works closely with the Vice President & Chief Artistic and Operating Officer (CAOO) and the Music Director and is responsible for planning and overseeing planning for all concert programs and presentations of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO) and oversees the DSO’s Artistic Planning department. Programming includes, but is not limited to, the Classical, Pops, Neighborhood, Jazz, Family and Education Series as well as summer programming and special presentations. Responsibilities include contract negotiations in the engagement of guest artists and budget management. The SDAP works collaboratively and cross-departmentally in planning recordings and touring activities. The SDAP adheres to programming standards and quality commensurate with the DSO brand while meeting or exceeding budgeted goals. The SDAP also works in collaboration with DSO marketing teams to help realize audience development goals.

Specific Responsibilities:

-Programs and/or oversees programming for classical music for performances at Orchestra Hall and run-out venues. Advises and participates in the planning of chamber and new music programming relating to DSO musicians Optional Work as needed.

-Programs Community, Patron Appreciation, Gala, and Summer concerts, including concerts at Greenfield Village, Meadow Brook Amphitheatre, and the Edsel and Eleanor Ford House in collaboration with appropriate departments.

-Programs Educational Concert Series and Young People’s Family Concerts as well the Tiny Tots concert series in collaboration with the Learning and Engagement team.

-Oversees and serves as first point of contact for the artistic consultants in programming the DSO’s Pops, Specials, and Jazz programming.

-Works collaboratively with the Marketing department and any artistic consultants to ensure alignment with DSO audience and revenue growth goals across all genres while upholding the DSO’s artistic integrity and excellence and furthers the DSO’s mission.

-Develops and programs partnership presentations, with and without orchestra.

-Exercises overall responsibility for Guest Artist relations, ensuring that the DSO’s standard of excellence is met or exceeded across all series; supervises the logistical follow-up as it relates to guest conductors and visiting artists, including hotels, transportation, rehearsal orders, rehearsal and performance schedules, post-concert entertainment, etc.

-Partners with the CAOO as a primary contact for the Music Director, acting as a liaison for his team and the DSO’s administrative staff and managing and overseeing his off-podium responsibilities.

-Oversees the engagement of cover conductors. Cultivates positive relationships with covers and potential covers.

-Manages DSO commissioning projects from contracting through their premieres. Develops relationships with composers and publishers to keep abreast of commissioning opportunities.

-Lead, manage, coach, and mentor the Artistic Manager and Manager of Popular & Special Programming in their day-to-day operations and annual strategic goal setting. 

-Keeps abreast of diverse and emerging soloists, conductors and composers locally, nationally and internationally. Develops and maintains relationships with both classical and non-classical artist managers and agents.

-Advises on artists and repertoire for broadcasting, recording, television and other electronic media products; lead and participate in the planning of media and special projects.

-Responsible for casting choral works, and ensuring choruses are effectively prepared before appearing with the DSO; oversees contracting and logistics for choirs.

-Prepares and oversees artistic budgets, approximately $2 million.

-Communicates all program information internally in a timely manner. Works closely with the library, personnel office, operations staff and stage and production staff to communicate all necessary information for planning and execution of programs.

-Works closely with the CAOO to ensure processes, communication, and artistic quality are ensured across all product lines and all programs.

-Works closely with the Operations staff to ensure the coordination of rehearsal and performance schedules within the guidelines outlined in the musicians’ union contract.

-Works in partnership with the Advancement team to schedule and plan donor engagements that may include the Music Director, Principal Pops Conductor and Guest Conductors to steward and cultivate relationships.

-Serves as Manager on Duty during DSO concerts approximately several times a month in rotation with other Artistic staff.

-Participates in planning for off-site presentations and touring.

-Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

-Bachelor’s degree in music or arts management and/or equivalent combination of education and experience.

-Minimum of 10 years related professional experience required, including demonstrated management, booking and negotiating skills.

-Thorough knowledge of classical and non-classical music and artists working in the orchestral industry.

-Strong communication, interpersonal, leadership and organizational skills.

-Must be able to work with a broad spectrum of personalities, exhibit patience and understanding and be decisive in reaching and implementing decisions.

-Imagination, flexibility and the ability to work under pressure are extremely important to this creative position.

-Ability to act independently, take initiative, and meet changing priorities. 

-Successful experience working in, and contributing to, a collaborative, team environment. 

-Demonstrated proficiency in PC network environment and experience with Microsoft Office and Windows software is necessary.

Desired Qualifications:

-Familiarity with symphony orchestra structure and practices, symphonic repertory and guest artists/conductors.

-Experience managing and coaching professional staff.

Additional Information:  

-This is a salaried, non-union position.  

-Successful candidates must be available to work a varying schedule, including occasional nights and weekends, to meet the needs of the DSO’s performance schedule. 

-All positions at the DSO require the successful completion of a background check prior to beginning employment. A criminal record does not automatically disqualify candidates.     
  

Physical Requirements:   This role primarily works in an office environment and frequently has prolonged periods of sitting and looking at a computer screen. 

Primary Reporting Responsibility: Vice President and Chief Artistic& Operating Officer

Direct Reports: Artistic Manager; Program Manager of Popular and Special Programming