An Equal Opportunity Employer: It is the policy of the Portland Symphony Orchestra to provide all persons with equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, handicap, age, or veteran status. 

 

ADMINISTRATIVE POSITIONS

THERE ARE TWO administrative POSITIONS open at this time

Director of Marketing and Communications, and Production Manager

AUDITIONS

THERE Are three upcoming auditions

Section Violin, Principal Viola, and Principal Trombone

---

 

Administrative Positions

 

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS

STATUS: Full time/non-exempt
REPORTS TO: Executive Director
SUPERVISES: Marketing Manager (FT); Graphic Designer (FT)
ORGANIZATIONAL MISSION: The Portland Symphony Orchestra serves our community by enriching lives through music.

The PSO seeks a Marketing and Communications Director with a proven track record of successfully managing and executing marketing campaigns across a variety of channels, including web, traditional media (Broadcast TV, cable, radio, direct mail), print, OTT, branding, content marketing, experiential marketing, as well as digital, SEO, and social media marketing to generate qualified leads and enhance levels of interest, to support ticket sales and development goals, and boost the overall brand awareness of the PSO in the community.  

As a senior leadership role, this position is responsible for ensuring the team is prioritizing the right initiatives and that creative assets and campaigns meet strategic objectives. This role includes being a key partner to the PSO Senior Staff and overseeing public relations, an outside telemarketing team, the box office, the media strategy, production of the PSO program book, digital distribution of online concerts, front of house procedures, and web strategy. In addition to being strategic and creative, this position requires competency in driving projects forward and addressing directly or delegating effectively the management of resources, workflow, budgets, and reports to constituents. 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS/COMPETENCIES:

• 5+ years managing teams
• 5+ years in marketing, preferably in the performing arts
• Marketing Degree or relevant experience
• Digital marketing certifications: such as Google Ads, Google Analytics, or relevant experience
• Highly motivated with strong strategic, organizational, and communication skills
• Ability to work as part of a team, resolving problems, balancing the needs of diverse groups, and carrying projects through at a high level of excellence
• Ability to independently prioritize and complete work in a complex environment
• Extremely sophisticated time management and prioritization skills
• Excellent written and oral communication skills with experience in marketing writing
• Strong computer skills

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS/COMPETENCIES:

Familiarity with the following is strongly preferred

• Google Analytics & Google Adwords
• Adobe Creative Cloud (with emphasis on Premiere Pro and After Affects)
• Online content management (WordPress)
• Email management and communication (Constant Contact)
• Presentation (MS PowerPoint or KeyNote)
• Strong Excel Skills
• Photography and videography skills
• Video editing and motion graphics skills a plus
• An understanding and appreciation for symphonic music

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Marketing Management/Public Relations

• Plan and implement all aspects of season subscription and renewal campaigns, including direct mail and telemarketing. Oversee the acquisition of prospect lists, production of all campaign materials, and work of outside contractors. Monitor the progress of all campaigns and provide progress reports and analyses of results.
• Plan and implement a year-round single tickets sales campaign, including the design and placement of print, radio, TV (broadcast and cable), OTT, direct mail, OOH, and digital advertising, special promotions, and group sales. Oversee the work of outside contractors; provide periodic progress reports.
• Develop house scale, pricing strategies, and policies that fulfill revenue/attendance goals. Research and recommend any special ticketing policies (i.e., exchanges, discounts) and subscription series makeup in collaboration with box office.
• Liaise with box office. Facilitate friendly, courteous service and customer satisfaction in ticket transactions; engage in customer research as needed. Monitor internal information systems to ensure accurate and efficient ticketing and customer relations systems.
• Develop a program for communicating the PSO’s activities to the media. Work closely with publicists in establishing positive contacts with local media outlets and in conveying an image consistent with the PSO’s strategic plan. Maintain media contacts, act as spokesperson for PSO as needed, and provide public information by request.
• Oversee the development and production of all materials used to support the PSO’s marketing campaigns (subscription, single ticket, and special events) and public relations events, including broadcast TV, cable, OTT, and radio ads, direct mail (such as subscription brochures), print ads, OOH (airport ads, posters), social media, website, e-news, advertising copy, telemarketing, press releases, newsletters, program books, and special promotions. Ensure the quality, consistency, and accuracy of all PSO communications.
• Develop strategic marketing communications plans, including messaging strategy and channel plans, to achieve marketing plan objectives for the organization.
• Work cross-functionally with Development, Artistic Operations, Education/Community, and Finance Directors to support the organization.
• Oversee the planning and development of special public relations events and new subscriber activities; ensure consistency with PSO policies and objectives.
• Conduct audience and market research as needed; develop strategies based on survey analyses. Provide statistical and demographic information to the PSO as requested.

Oversight of Graphic Design and Production

• Manage the development, scripting, production, and distribution of all promotional and collateral materials including print, on-air, and digital media.
• Coordinate mailings through outside vendors.
• Manage proofing and approval process for all materials.
• Oversee lobby, event, and box office signage.
• Monitor and track in-house inventory of print materials.

Budget and Planning

• Establish appropriate goals for the subscription campaign and single tickets sales campaigns, in consultation with the Executive Director.
• Develop a plan for achieving those goals and establish a primary calendar that outlines all campaigns and external communications.
• Develop budgets for each event and campaign; monitor the progress of each, and adjust plans when necessary.
• Identify organizational and market trends that may cause significant problems or present new opportunities for the PSO; recommend a course of action or changes in the current operating plan that takes this information into account.
• Provide information for the Music Director and Artistic Planning Committee in developing programs. Develop and recommend coordinated packaging to achieve maximum sales.
• Work closely with the Executive Director and other designated staff in strategic planning and communications for the PSO.
• Provide guidance and support to all departments in issues regarding patron engagement and/or communications.

Administrative

• Oversee the development and maintenance of all tickets sales systems and records; ensure the accuracy of all ticket revenue reports; provide weekly progress reports.
• Work with the relevant staff in packaging and solicitation of sponsorships/in-kind support for various product lines and campaigns; ensure that media exposure and acknowledgement take place.
• Negotiate contracts and manage ad buys with outside advertising vendors for the provision of direct mail, telemarketing, marketing research, design, and printing services; ensure competitive pricing and the quality of their work.
• Hire, train, manage, and evaluate the performance of all marketing and public relations staff, including vendors, interns, and volunteers.
• Serve as part of the senior management team to assist the Executive Director in setting and implementing administrative and artistic policies established by the Board.

Board of Directors

• Report to the Board on progress of all ticket sales campaigns; provide other reports and public communications as requested.
• Recommend marketing policies and promotion strategies to the Executive Director and Board with the goal of reaching new audiences for the orchestra; ensure that all new promotions demonstrate the highest standards of professionalism and ethical conduct.
• Serve on relevant patron engagement, box office, and artistic planning committees.

Front of House

• Coordinate all Front of House staffing and Marketing/Development materials and set-up at concerts.
• Serve as main liaison between box office and the City of Portland (or other venue partners) to ensure Front of House polices are coordinated and consistent.
• Manage, update, communicate, and coordinate all needed concert safety protocols.
• Hire outside vendors to manage any and all needed concert protocols.
• Manage concert photography.

Digital Distribution

• Coordinate the digital distribution of all PSO online concerts.
• Maintain and manage the PSO TV video platform and coordinate digital sales and access with box office.
• Manage the production and release of trailers and materials to drive digital concert sales.
• Coordinate or create all motion graphics for PSO digital concerts.
• Keep up to date on video distribution trends and platforms to ensure the best value for PSO.
• Maintain and manage digital archive of all filmed concerts.

Other

• Attend and/or run Front of House for select concerts of the orchestra as a PSO representative.
• Develop and maintain relationships with local business and arts leaders to enhance PSO’s marketing and public relations efforts. Work to enhance public understanding of and support for the unique role of the orchestra in the community.
• Represent PSO on the Playbill – Portland Presents consortium.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Director.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Hybrid work environment, with at least 3 days in-office in Downtown Portland expected. The office environment is relatively quiet, temperature controlled, and indoors. Parking is not provided.  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Occasionally need to lift upwards of 25-35 pounds for Front of House concert set-up. Also expected to stand for at least a few hours at a time when working Front of House. This is NOT a requirement of the job and accommodations can be made. Consistently operates a computer and other office equipment such as a copy machine and computer printer. Must be able to remain in a stationary position 75% of the time. 

TRAVEL: Travel to local outside meetings and concerts expected. Most trips will not require an overnight stay.  

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice. 

COMPENSATION: Full Time, Salaried Exempt, Commensurate with Experience 

COMPENSATION RANGE: $65,000 – $70,000.  

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS: 

• plus 2% retirement contribution 
• Health and dental benefits 
• Generous time off policy: 10 vacation days annually, growing to 20 vacation days after 10 years of service.  
• Additional time off includes a one-week office closure each summer, and a one-week office closure at the end of December each year. 

HOURS: 8 AM to 4 PM or 9 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday with additional work hours expected at select concerts. 

TO APPLY:  Please email resume + cover letter to Carolyn Nishon, Executive Director, at cnishon@portlandsymphony.org with subject line “PSO Marketing Application” by Sunday, August 28, 2022.  Format: .pdf preferred / .doc accepted. No phone calls please.

For more information on the Portland Symphony Orchestra (Maine), please visit PortlandSymphony.org

VACCINE POLICY: The Portland Symphony Orchestra requires staff members to be fully vaccinated with a CDC-approved COVID-19 vaccine, including any CDC-recommended booster shots. The Portland Symphony agrees to comply with the applicable Equal Employment Opportunity Commission guidance regarding mandatory employer vaccination programs under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.

 

 

Production Manager

STATUS: Full time/non-exempt
REPORTS TO: Director of Artistic Operations

The Portland Symphony is seeking a full-time Production Manager to join the Operations team. The PSO annually presents over 40 performances to Portland and surrounding communities. The Symphony’s mission is to serve our community by enriching lives through music.

The Production Manager is responsible for critical “behind-the-scenes” activities related to the Symphony’s performances. This includes proper placement of orchestral equipment, as well as careful management and storage of equipment. The Production Manager reports to the Director of Artistic Operations and works closely with the Music Director, musicians, Merrill Auditorium technical staff, guest soloists and conductors, stagehands, and vendors.

Concert Production and Planning

• Work closely with the Operations team to plan for each concert set, including the preparation of stage plots, planning of stage changes, cue sheets, and hiring stage crew.
• Supervise IATSE stagehands in setting and striking the stage in a timely manner and ensure that the proper number of chairs and stands for the orchestra, conductor and soloists are on stage.
• Supervise the focusing of general concert lighting and coordinate audio reinforcement, when needed. Ensures that good, clean light exists with adequate sight lines for all stands.
• Serve as Stage Manager for all PSO concerts, including runouts and summer programming.
• Ensure that contractual obligations for the stage environment are met, that stage and backstage areas and dressing rooms are clean, that doors are lighted and open for arriving musicians, and that signs are posted directing musicians and soloists to dressing rooms as needed.
• Generate and coordinate additional Audio-Visual elements run during concerts including Supertitles and other graphics.

Administrative

• Act as primary Symphony liaison with Technical Staff of Merrill Auditorium, IATSE stagehands, and audio-visual vendors.
• Generate and maintain Setup Sheets used by the City of Portland and PSO Departments for scheduling and planning.
• Work with the Director of Artistic Operations to generate budget estimates each year. Submit invoices for production vendors (including IATSE, audio-visual contractors, etc.).
• Inventory and schedule maintenance/tuning of Symphony-owned equipment. Manage lending and rental of all Symphony-owned equipment.
• Coordinate rental or purchase of additional equipment or instruments as specified by the Personnel Manager.
• Schedule rentals of trucks for the transportation of Portland Symphony-owned equipment to and from storage to performance sites. Drive truck.
• Serve as driver for guest conductors and/or guest artists, as needed
• Assist the Director of Artistic Operations with arranging transportation and lodging for guest artists
• Manage procurement of supplies, equipment, and services for operational purposes

Additional Responsibilities

• Advise and assist Development Office with off site projects non-concert related (Forte, Gold Baton dinner)
• Assist with coordinating office needs, including moving equipment and furniture
• Oversee the production of Maine Public Classical Radio Broadcasts including generating the Mainstage broadcast schedule, scheduling studio time for voice over and editing sessions. Deliver completed broadcast sound files to Maine Public Classical within the deadline.
• Maintain archive of PSO audio recordings
• “Other duties as assigned” – yes, we know this phrase is often feared and often criticized! At the PSO we work as a tight-knit team to make the music happen. We also prioritize work-life balance and taking care of all our people. But, strange things can and do happen – such as a guest artist getting locked outside the hall at 9pm on a Sunday night in the middle of winter – we get the job done (and rescue the poor soloist).

Required Qualifications

• Sincere interest in orchestral repertoire and artists
• Excellent communication skills, and diplomacy to work with different constituency groups (musicians, staff, stagehands, vendors)
• Ability to work nights and weekends required for concert and rehearsal coverage
• Strong computer skills
• Ability to work well under pressure, in a fast-paced environment
• Working knowledge of sound, lighting, and video systems
• Driver’s license, with a clean driving record

Preferred Qualifications

• 2-3 years experience in orchestra administration
• Bachelor’s Degree
• Experience with stage plot software

Physical Demands/Work Environment

• 70% office work at a computer
• 30% standing, walking, driving, bending, frequent use of hands, stooping and heavy lifting (at least 50 pounds)
• Work is primarily conducted indoors, except for 3-4 summer concerts annually which can involve heat and inclement weather.
• Noise level is moderate to low

Schedule

• Regular work hours during non-concert weeks are 9am-5pm, Monday through Friday. On concert weeks (approximately 20 weeks per year), the schedule will shift to include nights and weekends based on orchestra rehearsal/performing schedules. Will remain within 40 hours, except for possibly during Magic of Christmas (mid-December).
• Work is centered in Portland, ME at the PSO offices and Merrill Auditorium. Travel around the state includes site visits (1-2 times per year), summer programming in Old Orchard Beach (3-4 programs per year), and any runouts (1-2 per year). PSO Offices are currently remote, with plans to move to a hybrid environment (3 days in office, 2 days remote per week).

Compensation

• $40,000 annual salary, plus 2% retirement contribution
• Health and dental benefits
• Generous time off policy: 10 vacation days annually, growing to 20 vacation days after 10 years of service. Additional time off includes a one week office closure each summer, and a one week office closure at the end of December each year.
• 12 days sick time per year
• Work from home opportunities (all rehearsals/concerts required in person) and flexible schedule

TO APPLY: Send cover letter and resume to Eva Tartaglia, Director of Artistic Operations, at etartaglia@portlandsymphony.orgwith subject line “Production Manager – Your Name.” PDFs preferred, .doc format accepted. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, beginning on August 1, 2022. No phone calls please.

VACCINE POLICY: The Portland Symphony Orchestra requires staff members to be fully vaccinated with a CDC-approved COVID-19 vaccine, including any CDC-recommended booster shots. The Portland Symphony agrees to comply with the applicable Equal Employment Opportunity Commission guidance regarding mandatory employer vaccination programs under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.

 

 

Auditions

 

SECTION VIOLIN 

5 POSITIONS AVAILABLE

Tuesday, September 20, 2022

Highly qualified musicians are invited to send a one-page résumé, due by Tuesday, September 6, 2022, with $50 refundable deposit check (payable to Portland Symphony Orchestra) and proof of full COVID-19 vaccination, with booster, to: 

Portland Symphony Orchestra
Attn. Martin Webster, Orchestra Personnel Manager
85 Exchange Street 4^th Floor
Portland, ME 04101

Email: mwebster@portlandsymphony.org. Emailed résumés in pdf or Word, please. Deposit checks will be returned at the audition or will be destroyed if your audition is cancelled on or before Friday, September 16, 2022. 

Offer of employment at this audition is contingent on winning candidate’s ability to furnish proof of current ability to work in the US. Employment will begin during the 2022-2023 season. The PSO is a per-service orchestra offering approximately 80 services in the 2021-2022 season. Current scale for this position is $128.14 per service.  

The PSO’s 2022-23 vaccination policy is in the process of being determined. The 2021-22 season included a vaccine requirement for all performers and staff, with exemptions available for medical or religious reasons.

The Portland Symphony Orchestra audition committee reserves the right to dismiss any candidate not meeting the highest professional standards. 

The audition will be held at Merrill Auditorium in Portland, Maine. 

The Portland Symphony Orchestra is passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. In an effort to reduce the financial barriers for auditioning musicians, there is financial support available through NAAS (National Alliance for Audition Support) grant programs for auditioning Black and Latinx musicians: https://www.sphinxmusic.org/naas-grants 

 

REQUIRED AUDITION REPERTOIRE

SOLO

1st movement (exposition only) from one of the following concerti

• BARTOK #2
• BEETHOVEN
• BRAHMS
• DVOŘÁK
• MENDELSSOHN
• PROKOFIEV #1 or #2
• SIBELIUS
• TCHAIKOVSKY

ORCHESTRAL EXCERPTS
All excerpts are VIOLIN 1

BERLIOZ                         Symphony Fantastique — Movement 1: 1 after #4 to #6

BEETHOVEN                   Symphony #9 — Movement 3: measures 99-114

BRAHMS                         Symphony #4 — Movement 1: Beginning to 4 before “C”; Movement 2: “E” to “F”; Movement 4: 8 before “B” to “D”

DEBUSSY                       “La Mer” — #19-#20; #33-#39

MOZART                         Symphony #39 — Movement 1 Beginning to “C”; Movement 4 Beginning to “A”

MENDELSSOHN            “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” Scherzo — Beginning to 7 after “C”

STRAUSS                       “Don Juan” — First page

 

 

PRINCIPAL VIOLA

WEDNESDAY, September 21, 2022

Highly qualified musicians are invited to send a one-page résumé, due by Wednesday, September 7, 2022, with $50 refundable deposit check (payable to Portland Symphony Orchestra) and proof of full COVID-19 vaccination, with booster, to: 

Portland Symphony Orchestra
Attn. Martin Webster, Orchestra Personnel Manager
85 Exchange Street 4^th Floor
Portland, ME 04101

Email: mwebster@portlandsymphony.org. Emailed résumés in pdf or Word, please. Deposit checks will be returned at the audition or will be destroyed if your audition is cancelled on or before Friday, September 16, 2022. 

Offer of employment at this audition is contingent on winning candidate’s ability to furnish proof of current ability to work in the US. Employment will begin during the 2022-2023 season. The PSO is a per-service orchestra offering approximately 80 services in the 2021-2022 season. Current scale for this position is $192.21 per service.  

The PSO’s 2022-23 vaccination policy is in the process of being determined. The 2021-22 season included a vaccine requirement for all performers and staff, with exemptions available for medical or religious reasons.

The Portland Symphony Orchestra audition committee reserves the right to dismiss any candidate not meeting the highest professional standards. 

The audition will be held at Merrill Auditorium in Portland, Maine. 

The Portland Symphony Orchestra is passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. In an effort to reduce the financial barriers for auditioning musicians, there is financial support available through NAAS (National Alliance for Audition Support) grant programs for auditioning Black and Latinx musicians: https://www.sphinxmusic.org/naas-grants

 

REQUIRED AUDITION REPERTOIRE

SOLO

First movement exposition of Bartok, Walton, or Hindemith concerto

SOLO ORCHESTRA EXCERPTS

GINASTERA                    Variaciones concertantes — 1 measure before 32 to end of variation

RAVEL                             Mother Goose Suite — Mvt. V. Rehearsal #2 to rehearsal #4 – solo line only

STRAUSS                        Don Quixote — 4 m. after #14 to 5 m. after #16; 6 m. after #29 to #34

TUTTI ORCHESTRA EXCERPTS

BEETHOVEN                   Symphony No. 5 — II. Andante con moto beginning through letter C, standard passages.

BRAHMS                         Variations on a Theme by Haydn — Variations V, VII, VIII

MENDELSSOHN             Midsummer Night’s Dream — Scherzo. C to D; E to G 

MOZART                         Symphony No. 35, “Haffner” — IV. Finale m. 134 to m. 181

RAVEL                             Daphnis and Chloe Suite No. 2 — Reh. 158-166; Reh. 212-218

SHOSTAKOVICH            Symphony No. 5 — Mvt. I. Moderato Reh. 15 to 17 

STRAUSS                       Don Juan (beginning to D) 

TCHAIKOVSKY              Symphony No. 6, “Pathetique” — Mvt. 1. Allegro non troppo through 6 m. after letter C

Sight reading may be requested at any round.

 

 

PRINCIPAL TROMBONE

MONDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2022

Highly qualified musicians are invited to send a one-page résumé, due by Monday, October 10, 2022, with $50 refundable deposit check (payable to Portland Symphony Orchestra) and proof of full COVID-19 vaccination, with booster, to: 

Portland Symphony Orchestra
Attn. Martin Webster, Orchestra Personnel Manager
85 Exchange Street 4^th Floor
Portland, ME 04101

Email: mwebster@portlandsymphony.org. Emailed résumés in pdf or Word, please. Deposit checks will be returned at the audition or will be destroyed if your audition is cancelled on or before Wednesday, October 19, 2022. 

Offer of employment at this audition is contingent on winning candidate’s ability to furnish proof of current ability to work in the US. Employment will begin during the 2022-2023 season. The PSO is a per-service orchestra offering approximately 80 services in the 2021-2022 season. Current scale for this position is $192.21 per service.  

The PSO’s 2022-23 vaccination policy is in the process of being determined. The 2021-22 season included a vaccine requirement for all performers and staff, with exemptions available for medical or religious reasons.

The Portland Symphony Orchestra audition committee reserves the right to dismiss any candidate not meeting the highest professional standards. 

The audition will be held at Merrill Auditorium in Portland, Maine. 

The Portland Symphony Orchestra is passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. In an effort to reduce the financial barriers for auditioning musicians, there is financial support available through NAAS (National Alliance for Audition Support) grant programs for auditioning Black and Latinx musicians: https://www.sphinxmusic.org/naas-grants 

 

REQUIRED AUDITION REPERTOIRE

SOLO

First movement of a concerto by David or Grondahl

ORCHESTRA EXCERPTS
All excerpts are Trombone 1 unless otherwise noted

BERLIOZ                         The Damnation of Faust — Hungarian March. (6 before #4 through 2 after #5)

BERLIOZ                         Symphonie Fantastique — Mvt. 4, March to the Scaffold (#56 through 6 after #57)

BRAHMS                         Symphony No. 1 — Mvt. 4, Letter C for 15 measures

MAHLER                         Symphony No. 3 — Mvt. 1 (3 after #13 through #17; 1 before #33 to 2 after #34)

MOZART                         Requiem — Tuba Mirum (2^nd trombone)

RAVEL                             Bolero (2 after #10 through #11)

RAVEL                             L’enfant et les Sortilèges — #33 through 2^nd m. of #35

RIMSKY-KORSAKOV      Scheherazade — Mvt. 4 (4 after K through 8 before M)

ROSSINI                         Overture to William Tell — C through 9 after D

SAINT-SAËNS                Symphony No. 3 — Mvt. 1 (Q through 2 after S)

R. SCHUMANN              Symphony No. 3, Rhenish — Mvt. 4 (opening through 3 after A)

R. STRAUSS                   Also Sprach Zarathustra — (5 after #15 through #16; #50 through 1 after #51)

STRAVINSKY                  Firebird Suite — Infernal Dance

R. WAGNER                   Lohengrin — Prelude to Act 3 (B through 3 before C)

R. WAGNER                   Die Walküre — Act 3, Scene 1. Ride of the Valkyries (pickup to #6 through 2 after #7)