Production & Operations Manager - Orchestra

SARASOTA ORCHESTRA IS RECRUITING NOW FOR A PRODUCTION & OPERATIONS MANAGER!

Since 1949, Sarasota Orchestra has inspired and entertained music-lovers across the region and visitors from around the world. A cultural leader in a city known for its vibrant arts community, Sarasota Orchestra’s threefold mission is dedicated to exquisite performance and first-class musical education.

As the oldest continuing orchestra in the state of Florida, each year the 76-member Orchestra performs more than 100 classical, pops, chamber music, and community outreach concerts.

Sarasota Orchestra's acclaimed music education program includes the Sarasota Youth Orchestras, established in 1959 and currently supporting eight student ensembles, as well as the annual Summer Music Camp. Sarasota Orchestra also offers music lessons for students of all ages and abilities and sponsors multiple outreach programs. An annual tradition since 1953, the Orchestra’s Young Person’s Concerts brings the joy and wonder of a symphony orchestra performance to nearly 10,000 Sarasota and Manatee County fourth- and fifth-graders every fall.

Sarasota Orchestra is the parent program of the world-renowned Sarasota Music Festival, founded in 1965. Each June the Sarasota Music Festival welcomes 60 pre-professional fellows from around the globe and 40 faculty artists representing the top conservatories, music colleges, and classical music ensembles for three weeks of intensive study and public performances.

Mission Statement

The mission of Sarasota Orchestra is to engage, educate, and enrich our community through high-quality, live musical experiences.

ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY:

Job Title: Production & Operations Manager

Department: Artistic Operations

Reports to: Director of Artistic Operations

Classification: Salaried / Exempt

Supervises: Assistant Production Manager & Production Assistants

Location: Sarasota, FL

General Summary:

The Production & Operations Manager is responsible for the successful execution of production operations for Sarasota Orchestra (SO). The Manager is responsible for advance planning and handling of all orchestra setups, technical logistics, and production requirements for Orchestra programs and functions. The Production & Operations Manager shall nurture a respectful and positive working relationship with all employees, outside vendors and patrons / customers, supporting an inclusive, respectful culture and Sarasota Orchestra values.

Responsibilities:

IATSE and Non-union Hall Coordination:

- Liaison with local IATSE to coordinate SO schedule with local IATSE crew (or stage/facilities manager of each hall)

- Learn and maintain compliance with Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) especially as it relates to working conditions

Operations:

- Responsible for the advance planning, execution, supervision and management of all SO orchestra service setups and technical logistics (Masterworks, Pops, GE’s, Soiree’s and Chamber run-outs). Handle setups for Youth Orchestra, Sarasota Music Festival and Summer Music Camp

- Work closely, cooperatively, and proactively with artistic operations staff; Technical Director, Director of Facilities, Catering and Events Supervisor and other departments or internal / external customers as necessary for event set ups and production needs

- Operate lighting systems as needed

- Coordinate and schedule piano tunings, and work with Principal musicians on their instrument needs

- Maintain inventory and schedule repairs of SO owned instruments (Pianos, Harpsichord, Harps, String Instruments, Percussion)

- Maintain inventory and schedule repairs for SO owned truck and van

- Coordinate transport of equipment to performance venues

Administration:

- Responsible for the supervision and management of the Assistant Production Manager and part-time production staff

- In partnership with artistic leadership, forecast, plan and manage the production and operations budget

- Learn and proficiently use OPAS database and Visio software

- Follow-up with performance venues to ensure smooth concert and rehearsal logistics

- Work professionally and proactively with other departments and musicians providing the best production customer service; demonstrating and supporting orchestra values.

- Perform other relevant duties and additional projects as assigned. Duties and responsibilities described herein are not a comprehensive list, and additional job tasks may be assigned from time to time as necessitated by the Artistic Operations department and other business needs.

Requirements

Qualifications:

- High school or GED required; Associate or Bachelor’s degree preferred and / or

an equivalent amount of prior skills and experience

- Must have at least 2-3 experience with orchestra production/operations

- Willingness and ability to work extended hours, including nights and weekends

- Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline driven environment, while maintaining

a calm, positive, respectful, and professional demeanor

- Ability to meet deadlines

- Knowledge of orchestral instrumentation and setups

- Basic knowledge of sound and lighting systems

- Microsoft Office proficiency required; OPAS and Visio experience preferred

- Strong attention to detail and accuracy required

- Excellent verbal and written communication skills required

- Ability to maintain positive relationships with all conductors, musicians and staff

- Ability to work well in a team environment and lead with a collaborative management style

- Must have valid drivers’ license and good driving record; prior experience driving vans and box trucks desired

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, sit, stand, walk, bend, crouch, push, pull, lift, grasp, use hands to handle or feel, and reach with hands and arms. The worker is required to have visual acuity to operate a motor vehicle, view a computer terminal, and determine the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of work assigned. This position requires the ability to frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and lift up to 65 pounds overhead. 

Working Conditions:

The job operates in a professional environment including office and performance hall settings and from time to time is required to travel to other work sites in the regional area. The worker is required to function in narrow aisles or passageways. The worker is subject to both inside and outside environmental conditions. In-person office work required.

Notable Accomplishments / Recognition

Sarasota Orchestra recently was recognized as a TOP WORKPLACE in 2025!

Benefits

Sarasota Orchestra offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package for its employees. Full-time classification employees are eligible to commence health insurance-related benefits the 1st of the month following 60 days after the start date of full-time eligibility. Benefit offerings include: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short and Long-Term Disability, FSA, HSA, AFLAC, Long-Term Care Insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program, with additional perks and programs.

Contributions to our 403b retirement program can start immediately for all employees as we have universal availability on our plan. 403b Employer contribution benefits can start for those eligible after meeting plan requirements and guidelines.

Time-Off and Work Life Balance benefits are also offered to include Vacation, Sick, Holidays, Floating Holidays, Jury Duty, and Bereavement.

If you are interested in this opportunity with Sarasota Orchestra, please apply here via Linked In or via e-mail with a cover letter and resume to HR@SarasotaOrchestra.org . Call 941-487-2704 with any questions you may have.

WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.