Job Description

The VP of Artistic Administration oversees the full scope of artistic programming for the Nashville Symphony, including Classical, Pops, Movie, Family and Jazz Series, along with special events with orchestra and presentations without orchestra. Working closely with the Nashville Symphony’s artistic leadership, the VP is responsible for developing a programming strategy that will fulfill the institution’s artistic mission, build audiences and generate operating revenue through ticket sales. Integral to their role, the VP oversees all guest artist activity at Schermerhorn Symphony Center, working with the Artistic Administration team to ensure that artists’ travel, lodging and hospitality needs are met.

• In consultation with the Music Director and key management leadership, develop, design and implement creative and artistically engaging concerts that are consistent with the Nashville Symphony’s artistic vision while balancing allocated financial resources.
• Actively generate and contribute compelling programming ideas that assist the Music Director in shaping artistic planning for the Classical Series.
• In consultation with the Principal Pops Conductor and key management leadership, develop programs and engage artists for Pops, Family and Movie Series concerts, special events with orchestra, and Jazz Series programs with orchestra.
• Working with talent booker AC Entertainment and the Director of Artistic Administration, provide counsel and oversight of the process for booking artists to perform presentation concerts without orchestra, with the goal of generating net revenues and building audiences.
• Collaborate with the Marketing & Communications team on all programming ideas and strategies to ensure institutional alignment and box office success.
• Collaborate with the VP of Education & Community Engagement on developing programming ideas for key Education & Community Engagement programs, including Young People’s Concerts, Community Concerts and Chamber Music Series.
• Working with the Manager of Artistic Administration, oversee the operations of the Nashville Symphony Chorus.
• Determine availability and negotiate contracts and riders for conductors, guest artists, soloists and presentation artists.
• Plan, manage and demonstrate accountability for the artistic operating budget.
• Collaborate with Marketing & Communications team on content and presentation of program notes, brochures, and other audience communications.
• Ensure timely and effective communication of all artist bookings to the Production and Marketing & Communications teams, working proactively to meet mutually agreed-upon deadlines.
• Ensure timely and effective communication of all score-related needs to the Librarians, working proactively to meet mutually agreed-upon deadlines.
• Ensure the creation of a welcoming and musically exciting experience for conductors and guest artists, and nurture productive working relationships with artist managers.
• Stay abreast of major composers and emerging composers, in accordance with the Nashville Symphony’s vision of championing new orchestral works; facilitate the negotiation and execution of commissioning activities and related deadlines as directed.
• Serve as a key staff liaison to the Community Engagement & Artistic Planning Committee of the Board and to the orchestra’s Artistic Policy Committee.
• Supervise the Artistic Administration team, providing leadership and direction that properly equip team members to be engaged, effective and successful in their work.
• Supervise and manage the Assistant Conductor, providing leadership and guidance to ensure the conductor’s development both on and off the stage.
• Play an integral role in all searches and hiring processes for conducting staff.
• Embrace the Nashville Symphony’s commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, and actively support the organization’s mission to welcome and serve everyone in our community.

Supervisory Responsibilities

The VP of Artistic Administration supervises the Director of Artistic Administration, Manager of Artistic Administration and Artistic Coordinator. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Supervisory responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in music or arts administration preferred, or a combination of equivalent education and experience.

Experience

• Proven experience with artistic planning and working in the artistic or operations department of an orchestra, arts organization or related field.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of orchestra management and production, orchestral repertoire, instrumentation, current orchestral composers, conductors and soloists.
• Strong familiarity with diverse genres of music, including classical/orchestral, pop/rock, jazz, R&B, hip-hop and country.
• Proven creative skills with emphasis on music programming and concert production/creation.
• Knowledge of and experience with contract negotiations, artist fees and technical riders.
• Strong budget skills and proven track record balancing artistic desires with fiscal needs.
• Leadership skills, including the ability to build consensus, facilitate group discussion, and thoughtfully engage people with diverse viewpoints and life experiences.
• Stellar organizational skills, with attention to detail and the ability to schedule priorities to maximize efficiency and institutional goals.
• Ability to multi-task and work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work with a broad spectrum of personalities and to exhibit patience and understanding.
• Ability to work as a team leader with a positive, helpful attitude in developing creative responses and solutions to needs and issues.
• Ability to work independently and use independent judgment while keeping the COO informed of work activity and issues.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively.
• Ability to maintain the strictest of confidence as needed.
• Ability to respond to urgent matters while maintaining focus and equanimity.

Additional Information

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT The Nashville Symphony prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability, genetics, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

TITLE VI OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1964 The Nashville Symphony is in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 which maintains that no person in the United States shall, on the ground of race, color, or national origin, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance. If you have questions concerning the Nashville Symphony’s compliance with Title VI, please contact CFO Marye Walker Lewis.

This company is a smoke-free workplace in compliance with the Non-Smoker Protection Act, Tennessee Code Annotated §§ 39-17-1801-1810. In accordance with that law and company policy, smoking is prohibited in enclosed areas of company property.