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 Profile and Responsibilities
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 with a focus on:
1.Planning
-Partner with the Music Director and the VP of Artistic Operations & General Manager to select andschedule guest conductors and artists for all programming.
-Function as the primary booking contact with artist managers and play a key role in the artistic planningprocess for various concert series, including Classical, Pops, Movies, Family, and special 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 executingcontracts.
-In conjunction with the Operations Coordinator, arrange guest artist travel logistics and ensure theyhave positive experiences with the CSO.
-Participate in conductor searches and strategic planning initiatives.
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 futureprogramming 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.

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 175 concerts each season, reaching more than 165,000 music lovers. The 2026–27 season marks Music Director Kwamé Ryan’s third season at the artistic helm of the Charlotte Symphony and centers on a season-spanning exploration of resilience. Across the Classical, Pops, Movie, and Family series, the season brings together contemporary voices, celebrated guest artists, and repertoire spanning centuries to reflect on heroism, hope, and the resilience of the human spirit. Highlights include internationally acclaimed violinist Joshua Bell, the World Premiere of a new commission by CSO Spotlight Artist Levi Taylor, monumental works such as Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony and Strauss’s Ein Heldenleben, and popular programs showcasing the Orchestra’s versatility, including The Music of Tina Turner and Back to the Future in Concert. With 65 full-time musicians, the Symphony performs throughout the c...ommunity 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 mobile stage, CSO Roadshow, the Symphony extends its reach directly into neighborhoods, bringing live music to communities across the region. Engaging with more than 15,000 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’s 2021–25 Strategic Plan guided a period of significant artistic and organizational development, including the appointment of Music Director Kwamé Ryan, strengthened artistic direction, expanded community partnerships, and the successful completion of the Comprehensive Campaign. The 2030 Strategic Plan, which will be made public this summer, reflects both a continuation of this momentum and a refreshed set of priorities for the years ahead. Having surpassed its $50 million campaign goal for endowment growth 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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