The Position

The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra seeks an experienced, self-motivated, and dynamic Director of Artistic Planning to lead our artistic planning and programming efforts culminating in over 175 performances each season. This role involves close collaboration with the Music Director and the Vice President of Artistic Operations & General Manager to shape the orchestra's artistic vision and deliver programs that captivate audiences. The Director of Artistic Planning cultivates relationships with guest conductors, vocalists, and instrumental soloists to ensure impactful and engaging performances for our community.

This role regularly interacts with colleagues across the organization including conductors, musicians, and fellow administrative staff members. Frequent evening and weekend work is expected.

Candidate Responsibilities

1. Planning

   - Partner with the Music Director and the VP of Artistic Operations & General Manager to select and   schedule        guest conductors and artists for all programming.

   - Function as the primary booking contact with artist managers and play a key role in the artistic planning         

     process for various concert series, including Classical, Pops, Movies, and Family events.

   - Collaborate with the Resident Conductor on community engagement and educational programs.

2. Management of Guest Artists and Conductors

   - Act as the guest artist contract administrator, overseeing budgets, negotiating fees, and executing contracts.

   - Manage guest artist travel logistics and ensure they have positive experiences with the CSO.

   - Participate in conductor searches.

   - Serve as the primary liaison with the Charlotte Master Chorale.

3. Internal Collaboration and Communication

   - Prepare the CSO artistic budget in consultation with the VP of Artistic Operations & General Manager.

   - Coordinate artist payments and collaborate with the Finance Department on expenses.

   - Ensure compliance with music procurement and distribution deadlines

   - Serve as manager on duty during rehearsals and concerts as scheduled.

   - Facilitate internal communication across departments regarding artist and program details.

   - Organize meetings with the Artistic Advisory Committee to gather musician input for future programming   

     considerations.

The successful candidate will have an undergraduate degree or equivalent training in classical music, a minimum of 4 years of experience working for an orchestra in an artistic planning or related role, and an extensive knowledge of orchestral, opera, and chamber repertoire. They will also have experience in arts administration, working with artistic management databases/tools such as ArtsVision or OPAS.

Expert written and verbal communications, strong decision-making ability, follow-through, and attention to detail are all desired skills. The ideal candidate will work well under pressure and will be able to manage competing priorities and deadlines effectively, working individually and as part of a team.

To apply please contact us:

To be considered, interested candidates should send BOTH a résumé and a cover letter indicating specific interest in this position to employment@charlottesymphony.org using the subject line “Director of Artistic Planning.”  The priority application deadline is Friday, May 30, 2025 by 5pm EST.

About Charlotte Symphony Orchestra

About the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra: The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra (CSO) is one of the premier music organizations in the Southeastern United States and the oldest continuously operating symphony orchestra in the Carolinas. As Charlotte's most active performing arts group, the CSO presents around 150 concerts each season, reaching more than 130,000 music lovers. The 2024–25 season marks a transformative era under the dynamic leadership of newly appointed Music Director Kwamé Ryan. His debut season features an eclectic mix of concerts across the Classical, Pops, Movie, and Family series. Highlights include Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2, Brahms’s A German Requiem, The Music of Queen, Beethoven x Beyoncé, Pirates of the Caribbean in Concert, and performances by clarinetist Anthony McGill, violinist Amaryn Olmeda, and singer/songwriter Cody Fry. With 65 full-time musicians, the Symphony performs throughout the community in a variety of venues, from the Belk and Knight theaters to parks, breweries, community centers, schools, senior care centers, and places of worship. With its new mobile stage, CSO Roadshow, the Symphony extends its reach directly into neighborhoo...ds, bringing live music to communities across the region. Engaging with more than 10,000 students each year, the Charlotte Symphony nurtures the next generation of musicians and music lovers through its four diverse youth orchestras, in-school education programs, instrument coaching, and Project Harmony — which offers free after-school lessons in music and life skills to over 200 students in under-resourced areas. The CSO 2021–2025 Strategic Plan, completed in May 2021, focuses on seven essential areas of strategic focus: artistic vitality and growth, education, financial health and sustainability, innovation, organizational culture, public relevance, and audience development. Strategies to advance the CSO’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion are incorporated within each area. This plan will serve as a road map for the orchestra’s future, pointing towards a Charlotte Symphony that is enterprising and resilient. Now nearing the successful completion of a comprehensive campaign to secure new endowment funds and operating support, the Charlotte Symphony is poised for even greater impact. As it builds on its legacy, the CSO is gaining national recognition for its artistic excellence, innovation, and forward momentum – ensuring a vibrant future for orchestral music in Charlotte and beyond. Founded in 1932, the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra continues to play a vital cultural role in the region and remains committed to the belief that music, accessible to all, enriches and unites our community. The City of Charlotte, NC: Charlotte is one of the 25 largest cities in the U.S. and the largest city in North Carolina. Nicknamed the Queen City, Charlotte and its resident county are named in honor of Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, the queen consort of British King George III during the time of the city's founding. Charlotte consistently ranks as one of the top growing cities and is home to more than 10 Fortune 1000 companies, including household names such as Bank of America, Lowe's, and Duke Energy. Several amenities that make Charlotte a great place to live and work include a variety of sports teams, higher-learning organizations, cultural centers, and healthcare facilities.

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