Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Posted: 24-Nov-25
Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Type: Full Time
Salary: $70,000 - $80,000 annually
Who is the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra?
Known for its artistic excellence for more than 120 years, today the PSO is the region’s national and international cultural ambassador. A two-time 2018 GRAMMY® Award-winning orchestral ensemble credited with a rich history of concerts, performances, and recordings with the world’s finest conductors and musicians, the PSO consistently demonstrates a genuine commitment to Pittsburgh’s citizens, regional communities, and vibrant cultural scene. Now entering its 130th season, the internationally acclaimed Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra (PSO) engages audiences of all ages through unparalleled live musical experiences, community collaborations, and educational programming that enrich every life with great music.
Job Purpose:
The Director of Artistic Planning and Administration is responsible for managing and executing the detailed implementation of the full range of classical programming presented by the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. Additionally, the Director is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Artistic Department and will manage the contractual and business aspects of the PSO’s artistic activity including guest artist contracting and budget administration. The Director acts as a key point of contact with artists and artist managers and will oversee the care and logistics of all guest artists and staff conductors, manage artistic partnerships and new music initiatives, and work collaboratively across internal departments to enrich the audience experience. This position directly supervises the Manager of Artistic Planning and Assistant to the Artist Liaison & Assistant to the Music Director and works closely with the orchestra library and titled conductors (Music Director and Associate Conductors). As an integral representative of the Artistic Planning Department, the Director of Artistic Planning will develop and foster productive relationships with artists, orchestra members, staff colleagues, and community stakeholders ensuring seamless execution of programming details and will be viewed throughout the organization as a valuable source of information on artistic matters.
Key Programming and Artistic Planning Responsibilities:
- Collaborate closely with the Vice President of Artistic Planning to implement the artistic vision and detailed execution of the full portfolio of Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra classical concerts and programs.
- Together with Vice President of Artistic Planning, engage artist managers, ascertain artist availability, book artists and foster relationships with both artists and managers.
- Draft, review, process and oversee contract administration for guest artist contracts and reimbursements. Together with the Vice President of Artistic Planning, negotiate artist fees as assigned.
- Contribute to the artistic planning process with thorough knowledge of classical artists, composers, repertoire, and industry.
- In collaboration with Vice President of Artistic Planning and staff conductors, program and manage the portfolio of non-subscription Classical concerts (Parks, Neighborhood, Americana, Light-Up Night, Summer, etc.). In collaboration with community partners, program Discovery & Drinks and chamber music series.
- Lead the vision, development and execution of two specific community programs:
Lift Every Voice (a celebration of Black musical artistry) and Juneteenth (appearance at local Juneteenth festival). - Create program memo documents for all Classical programs in coordination with Music Director and guest conductors, Director of Orchestra Personnel, and PSO librarians.
- Prepare, disseminate and ensure completion of vital concert documents, including conductor questionnaires. Process and communicate conductor questionnaire details, as well as artist contract information internally.
- Oversee and manage visiting artist visas, including gathering and preparation of materials and application process.
- Collaborate with Vice President of Artistic Planning on commissioning of new works including the research of new commission opportunities. Manage composer communications including the contracting and delivery process for commissions.
- Across the Artistic Team, oversee and direct artist logistic responsibilities, setting the standard for exemplary care and attention to detail before, during and following artist visits.
- Across the Artistic Team, lead concert duty scheduling, as well as participate in artistic duty concert rotations.
- Lead search committee and audition process for staff conductors. Negotiate and manage staff conductor contracts, direct scheduling and assignments (conductor and cover duties, pre-concert talks, hiring of guest cover conductors as necessary).
- In collaboration with Music Director, staff conductors and recording engineer, lead recording notes process for commercial recordings.
- Oversee the preparation and execution of digital concert enhancements, including supertitles, as needed.
- Serve on Operations team for international tours.
Key Administrative Responsibilities:
- Build and manage the classical programming and Artistic Department budgets, both in Questica, as well as internal department documents. Oversee expense tracking, provide forecasts for financial reporting and serve as liaison with Finance Department for Artistic Team.
- Establish and oversee Artistic Department core processes for budget and record-keeping. Maintain all departmental records, including artists and repertoire, budgets and fees, as well as the building and managing of the Artist Tracker matrix. Serve as Artistic Team OPAS lead, collaborating with music librarians and Operations Team to ensure that artistic planning data is accurately and completely entered, including titles of works, composers and rehearsal orders.
- Contract and manage relationship with program note writer. Provide accurate artistic planning information to annotator, as well as marketing, communications and development teams. Write and proofread content for program books, marketing materials, press releases and website.
- Supervise Manager of Artistic Planning and Music Director Assistant/-Artist Liaison positions.
- Attend, support and participate in artistic and operational planning meetings.
- All other duties as assigned.
Required Education and Experience:
- Bachelor's Degree in Music or equivalent, with ability to demonstrate strong knowledge and deep passion for classical music with extensive knowledge of orchestral and chamber music repertoire, performing artists and the orchestra industry.
- At least seven years of experience in music environment with minimum of two years in artistic planning with direct programming experience.
- 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 Performance or Arts Administration.
- Proven experience in project management with supervisory experience.
- Proficiency with OPAS or equivalent.
Physical requirements:
- Ability to work on a computer for extended periods of time.
- Ability to operate related equipment, i.e. computer, copier, scanner.
Compensation and Location:
This is a full-time exempt position with an annual salary of $70,000 - $80,000 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.