General Manager

Organization Summary

Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra (OPO) is led by Music Director Eric Jacobsen and is comprised of creative musicians and artists from around the world. As Central Florida’s premier professional orchestra, it presents more than 170 live concerts and impacts more than 70,000 children, youth, and families annually. The mission of the OPO is to unite and inspire Central Floridians through year-round, artistically excellent performances, education, and outreach that foster joy, connection, and a lasting love for music.

Position Summary

The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra is pleased to invite applications for the position of General Manager. The General Manager serves as a senior member of the executive leadership team and plays a key role in organizational strategy, artistic planning, labor relations, and institutional growth. In collaboration with the Music Director, Executive Director, and members of the Senior Leadership Team, this position oversees artistic planning, orchestra operations, and production for the OPO.

The General Manager is also responsible for overseeing the programming calendar and managing the development of rehearsal, performance, and venue schedules in accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement and other labor contracts. The annual operating budget of the OPO is approximately $6.5 million, with an Artistic Operations budget of approximately $4 million.

Essential Job Functions

Artistic Planning
• Lead the planning and execution of all OPO artistic programming, including mainstage concerts, chamber performances, education initiatives, community programs, summer series, and special events, with the Music Director and Executive Director.
• Develop programs with individual conductors, ensuring alignment with the overall artistic vision of the Orchestra and Music Director.
• Oversee the commissioning of new works.
• Keep abreast of existing and emerging artistic talent and repertoire.
• Develop and implement orchestra programs geared toward student and educational audiences alongside the Director of Education & Community.

Operations and Production
• Oversee season scheduling, rehearsal planning, and long-term artistic calendars in accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiated with A.F.M. Local 389.
• Collaborate with orchestra and production teams to ensure timely and effective communication of plans and schedules.
• Serve as a key strategic leader for creative problem-solving related to orchestra services, program design, and audience engagement initiatives.

Labor Relations
• Liaise with Personnel staff on sensitive personnel matters impacting orchestra programming and artist relations.
• Serve as a member of the OPO collective bargaining team.
• Serve as a member of the Labor Relations Committee.
• Maintain awareness of industry trends and labor practices through organizations including the League of American Orchestras, the American Federation of Musicians, and related professional associations.

Financial Oversight
• Prepare and monitor budgets related to artistic planning, concert production, orchestra maintenance, and stage crews, including end-of-year forecasting as needed.
• Collaborate with leadership to maximize the effective use of orchestra services, explore alternative revenue opportunities, and support innovative programming initiatives.

Leadership and Collaboration
• Develop and implement innovative audience development initiatives in collaboration with the Director of Marketing & Sales, Director of Education and Community and Director of Philanthropy.
• Serve as a visible ambassador for the OPO through board engagement, industry relationships, public speaking, and community partnerships.
• Other duties as assigned.

Organizational Priorities
• Advancing innovative and multidisciplinary programming
• Growing audiences and earned revenue
• Expanding community engagement throughout Central Florida
• Strengthening education and accessibility initiatives

Reporting Relationships

The General Manager reports directly to the Executive Director and works closely with the Music Director and Senior Leadership Team. The position supervises the Assistant Personnel Manager, Principal Librarian, Artistic Operations Manager, Production Coordinator, Operations Volunteers, and Operations Interns.

Key internal and external relationships include the Music Director, Board members, orchestra musicians, guest conductors and artists, volunteers, artist managers, union representatives, and professional colleagues throughout the performing arts industry.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience preferred

Experience Required

• 5-10 years of industry experience.
• Experience working within a unionized orchestra environment and familiarity with AFM collective bargaining agreements strongly preferred.
• Formal musical and business training or equivalent experience. Extensive knowledge of classical music repertoire.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Experience with contracts and artist managers.
• Experience supervising and managing complex projects.
• Experience with OPAS or ArtsVision preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and standard organizational software platforms required.

Compensation

This is an exempt, salaried, full-time position, paying $80-$85k. The position is required to be in-person. Evenings and weekends and some holidays are required. The hours may exceed a standard 40-hour week during the orchestral season.

This position qualifies for benefits from the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra including health, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, paid time off, sick days, and an optional 401(k) plan with an employer match.

The successful candidate will need to pass a criminal background check.

Application Instructions
Send cover letter and resume to Executive & HR Administrator Stephanie Madow at smadow@orlandophil.org.

The application deadline is June 21, 2026; however, submissions shall be reviewed on a rolling basis.

No phone calls, please.

All applicants who are offered employment with the OPO will be subject to a background investigation. Offers of employment are contingent on the successful completion of a background investigation as well as reference check.

The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.