Orchestra Operations & Personnel Manager

The Holland Symphony Orchestra (HSO) is seeking a highly qualified and motivated individual to serve as the Operations and Personnel Manager of the community-supported orchestra. The Holland Symphony Orchestra is a professional orchestra with strong ties to the local community. The orchestra began as the Holland Chamber Orchestra in 1989 and was incorporated as a non-profit organization in 1990. In 2000, the Holland Chamber Orchestra formally changed its name to the Holland Symphony Orchestra to communicate more fully about the growth of the orchestra. The organization consists of one fulltime CEO, a Board of Directors of 18 members, 100 musicians and substitutes from the greater Holland area, an administrative team of 10 independent contractors, and an impressive list of marketing, grant writing, and financial management partners. A typical season includes four classical subscription concerts, one summer pops performance, two Holiday concerts, a free community/family concert, and 6-8 chamber concerts in local libraries, churches, senior living facilities, and community centers. Committed to the power of transformative music education, HSO also manages a Link Up program for 4th grade area wide students, which culminates in two performances each year, as well as three youth orchestra ensembles, an annual young artist competition, a community strings ensemble, a summer orchestra camp, and kids concerts at local libraries.

Position Summary

The Operations/Personnel Manager (OPM) of the HSO is an independent contractor who reports to the President & CEO and is responsible for ensuring that the scheduling and production of all Orchestra events (concerts, rehearsals, run-outs, chamber and kid's concerts, Link Up, youth orchestra performances, and special donor events) run smoothly, effectively, and in a financially responsible manner. This position bridges the gap between artistic leadership and orchestra musicians. The OPM ensures rehearsals and concerts run flawlessly while managing human resources, payroll, and labor contracts for the ensemble. The OPM is also responsible for carrying out policies set by the Board of Directors. The OPM will administer all personnel in matters of the Orchestra. This includes scheduling of musicians, hiring of substitute and extra musicians, and coordination of auditions under the direction of the Music Director. The OPM serves as a liaison between the conducting staff and musicians, the administrative staff and musicians, and the musicians and the Board. The OPM must have a love for music and a comprehensive understanding of orchestral music-making and performance practices.

Primary Duties

• Contract Administration: Oversees compliance with standard local orchestra practices regarding working conditions, rehearsal lengths, breaks, and seating.

• Scheduling & Roster Management: Maintains orchestra directories, tracks musician attendance, and works with the HSO Finance Administrator to accurately process payroll details for contracted, substitute, and extra musicians, as well as stage crews and other event-associated independent contractors.

• Auditions: Coordinates the logistics, advertising, and execution of local and national auditions for open orchestra chairs, frequently collaborating with the HSO Artistic Committee, HSO Concertmaster, HSO Librarian, and HSO Music Director.

• Event Logistics: Manages the day-to-day production of concerts, rehearsals, run-outs, and tours, including transportation of instruments, chairs, stands, risers, and overall venue logistics.

• Stage Management: Works with stage crews and facilities staff to create stage plots, manage equipment setup, and ensure production sheets are executed.

• Budgeting: Assists in developing and managing the operations and personnel budgets, including musician pay rates per level, travel stipends, and musician per diems

• Exercise leadership in developing the total artistic quality of the orchestra.

Non-Musical Responsibilities

• Play a visible and active role in the community; help develop the overall public image of the orchestra in the community and beyond.

• Assist in the general promotion by being available for public appearances.

• Assist in fundraising activities.

• Stay abreast of artistic activities in the orchestra field; recommend to the HSO Artistic Committee new activities that may advance the orchestra's objectives.

• Attend the majority of HSO Artistic Committee and HSO Board of Directors Meetings.

Key Skills & Requirements

Orchestra Labor Relations: Complete understanding of the local orchestra musician pay rates, best practices, per-service fee negotiations, labor laws, and orchestra musician adherence.

Software Proficiency: High familiarity with Microsoft 365 Office. Experience with performing arts ticketing and fundraising CRM software (CueBox) preferred.

Soft Skills: Exceptional diplomacy, conflict resolution, and the ability to maintain confidentiality regarding personnel issues.

Availability: Must be able to accommodate highly irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and occasional travel

Compensation

Compensation for the OPM will be based on experience. The range for this position is $12,000-$15,000 annually, which is paid monthly.

Independent Contractor Relationship

The OPM is an independent contractor position and not an employee of HSO, and shall have exclusive control over the manner, means, and methods of fulfilling his/her/its the responsibilities described above. HSO is not responsible for withholding taxes, fulfilling labor, or employment requirements. HSO does not offer independent contractors benefits such as insurance, retirement, vacation, or paid time off.

Apply

To apply for the OPM position, email a cover letter, updated resume, and a list of three professional references.