Director of Commercial & Popular Programming

Job Purpose:
The Director of Commercial and Popular Programming leads the vision, program planning, talent acquisition and contract implementation of commercial and popular programming presented by the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra (PSO). The primary role of commercial and popular programming is to generate maximum net income and audience engagement from a wide variety of programs with mass appeal. This includes the PNC Pops subscription series (popular music genres or artists with orchestra), the PSO at the Movies series with live orchestra, as well as original artists with orchestra specials (non-subscription concerts). Programs should be drawn from both existing and new-to-the-market original artist programs developed in collaboration between the PSO and high-demand artists.

The Director of Commercial and Popular Programming will manage the contractual and business aspects of the PSO’s commercial and popular program activity and act as the primary point of contact with artists and artist managers.  They will work collaboratively: with the Senior Advisor for Popular Programming and the Marketing Department to identify and evaluate commercially appealing artists and programs; with the Artistic Planning department to help deliver superior artist care; with the Operations department to ensure successful production of programs; and across internal departments to enrich audience experiences and engagement.

Essential Programming and Artistic Planning Responsibilities:

Design and implement the vision and execution of the full portfolio of Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra commercial and popular programming.
Engage artist managers, ascertain artist availability, foster relationships and book artists collaborating with the Marketing Department and external advisors to select successful programs and artists for the Pittsburgh market.
Draft concert budgets for cross-departmental review and approval
Negotiate artist fees, process guest artist contracts, and manage portfolio of commercial and popular programming artist contracts.
Ensure contract details and riders are accurately and timely shared with Operations, Artist Care and Finance team leaders to enable production planning (e.g., program memos), artist advancing/hospitality and artist payment. Support as-needed follow-up with artists and artist managers on behalf of Artist Care, Operations, Marketing and PR to address questions and clarify details necessary for successful sales and production.
Collaborate with the Artistic Planning Team to implement planning of concert duty coverage in close collaboration with the Director of Artistic Planning and Administration. Provide artistic duty at concerts as scheduled.

Essential Administrative Responsibilities:

Build and manage the Commercial and Popular Programming budgets, both in Questica, as well as internal department documents. Oversee expense tracking, provide forecasts for financial reporting and liaise with Finance Department for Commercial and Popular Programming area.
Maintain records for Commercial and Popular Programming, including artists and programs, budgets and fees, as well as building and managing the Commercial and Popular Programming portion of the Artistic Tracker matrix. Collaborate with music librarians and Operations Team to ensure that all program planning information is accurately and completely communicated and entered.
Prepare, disseminate and ensure completion of vital concert documents, including program memos and conductor questionnaires. Process and communicate questionnaire details, as well as artist contract and rider information internally.
Proofread content related to all commercial and entertainment programs, including material for program books, press releases, website and marketing materials.
Contribute to digital and media initiatives.
Serve as liaison together with Front of House, Marketing and Guest Experience Team to create unique and revenue-generating experiences for patrons.
Attend, support and participate in artistic and operational planning meetings.
Other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s Degree in Music or equivalent, with ability to demonstrate strong knowledge in programming and industry. 
At least seven years of experience in arts management or administration, with a minimum of at least three years of experience in large-scale, revenue generating programming.
Outstanding organizational skills with refined sense of attention to detail. 
Excellent interpersonal, as well as written and verbal communication skills. Proven negotiation and contract administration skills.
Strongly self-motivated with ability to multitask, prioritize multiple projects, as well as work with a high level of energy in a fast-paced environment.
Capacity to work efficiently and meet deadlines under pressure.
Ability to exhibit a team-oriented, collaborative and positive demeanor with well-developed problem-solving, critical thinking and strategic planning skills.
Ability to demonstrate high level of empathy and sensitivity, while exhibiting strong ethical standards, emotional intelligence, maturity and discretion with confidential information.
Ability to maintain a professional image and demeanor while working with a wide variety of constituents, including guest artists, orchestra musicians, staff colleagues, and artist managers
Ability to work flexible hours, particularly weekends and evenings.
Strong proficiency in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams.

Preferred Education and Experience:

Master’s Degree in Music or Arts Administration.
Proven experience in project management with supervisory experience.
Proficiency in OPAS database.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to work on a computer.
Ability to stand for long periods of time.

Compensation and Location:
This is a full-time exempt position with an annual salary between $75,000 – $90,000 depending upon experience. We also offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes paid holidays, paid time off, employer paid health benefits, as well as retirement savings options with an employer match. Heinz Hall in downtown Pittsburgh is the work location for this position. The PSO supports a flexible, hybrid work environment, which currently includes three days per week in-person work, including work on weekends and evenings during PSO and Heinz Hall concerts or events. 

Pittsburgh Symphony, Inc. (PSI) provides equal opportunity to all qualified employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, ancestry, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other class or category protected by local, state, or federal law.

The specific statements shown in each section of the description are not intended to be all-inclusive. They represent typical elements and criteria considered necessary to perform the job successfully. 

The PSI recognizes that an individual with a disability may require a job modification/accommodation to enable them to successfully perform a job function.  Consideration will be given to such requests. Such requests should be directed to Human Resources.