Assistant Director, Operations and Production

Are you passionate about creating high impact orchestral performances through smooth, efficient, and exciting technical production? Do you enjoy a vibrant, fast-paced environment? Do you thrive on detail-oriented logistical plans, building venue relationships, and leading a stage/technical crew to ensure the best musician and audience experience? Join a highly accomplished team in a city dedicated to growing arts and culture in the role of Assistant Director of Operations & Production at the Richmond Symphony. Noted by CNN as the number one place to visit, Richmond is also a great place to live! According to CNN, “Richmond is No. 1 on the list thanks to rich arts, culture and history, plus a great food and beverage scene.”

The Richmond Symphony has built a reputation for outstanding musical productions with a top-notch crew. The Symphony has purposely worked to reimagine the music experience for ways to connect more deeply with the Richmond community, and to bring the power of music to participants of all ages through dynamic performances, refined rehearsals, and a significant community presence in parks and unexpected venues.

What exactly would I do?
As the Assistant Director of Operations and Production, you will supervise all technical and logistical elements of concert production from facility rental to equipment management, working alongside the Vice President of Artistic Planning and Operations to oversee a robust schedule of orchestra rehearsals, performances, recordings, runouts and community events, ensuring the best possible physical environment for program production within the parameters of the CBA. You will embody the Symphony’s values of Quality, Inclusion, Passion, Innovation, and Welcoming.

You will bring your experience and ideas to actively contribute to the artistic product by overseeing the visual presentation of the orchestra on stage, including managing lighting design, staging configurations, and overall production aesthetics to enhance the audience experience. You will lead, train, and manage two full time direct reports, part time stage crew, and a wide array of independent contractors to ensure this experience is at its best.

Your days may be spent managing logistics related to load-in, stage set-up, audio, video, lighting, backline, and load out. You will find yourself building budgets, submitting invoices for contractors, or approving department expenses for equipment rental. You may be connecting with the Symphony’s Music Director to ensure stage setup helps meet her artistic objectives for building the sound of the Richmond Symphony. You may find yourself working alongside the community engagement team on community festivals, and technical needs for tent productions. You may be working regionally to ensure the Symphony sounds great throughout Central Virginia. You will also work alongside Development, Marketing and Education departments for special projects aligned with the Symphony’s strategy.

What qualifications and skills do I need?
Five to seven years of experience in orchestra production or operations. Knowledge of orchestral setup, sound, lighting and instrument needs is a must. Enthusiasm and availability for working a robust schedule of evening rehearsals, auditions, performances and community engagement events as well as office time is required. Ability to lift 50-100 lbs. and complete significant physical work of setup and teardown is critical. An agile multi-tasker, savvy time manager, with significant organizational skills and detail-oriented oversite will succeed in this role. A proven track record in technical and logistical planning for orchestral performance is highly anticipated. Experience managing budgets, expense controls, and financial approvals is critical to success. Composure under pressure and the ability to foster positive relationships with artists and technical crew, alike, is vital. A commitment to reaching a diverse array of constituents, to building a strong team, to continual learning, and to effective communication and even more effective listening is key to success.

What’s the compensation and benefits?
This is a full-time position with an annual salary of $60,000. Benefits include health, dental, telemedicine, vision, disability and instrument insurances, a flexible spending or health savings account, flexible paid time off, sick leave, free parking, and a 403(b) plan. While some remote work is possible, this position requires significant in-person participation at evening and weekend events, concerts and community events.

How do I apply?
All applications and communication are done online. Simply click on the apply button at the top of this page, create an account, and you will be guided through the process. Please have your resume, cover letter and two professional references ready to upload. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Any offer of employment is contingent upon a background check.

The Richmond Symphony is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Symphony embraces diversity and equal opportunity in a serious way. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives and skills.