The Nashville Symphony inspires, entertains, educates and serves through musical performance, innovation, collaboration and inclusion. Led by music director Giancarlo Guerrero, the orchestra performs more than 150 concerts annually, with a diverse repertoire that includes classical, pops, jazz, movies, and more. It is one of the most active recording orchestras in the U.S., with a total of 14 GRAMMY® Awards and 27 nominations.

Job Description Vice President of Operations and Production

The Vice President of Operations is a Senior Staff position overseeing Orchestra operations, concert planning, production, and electronic media projects for the Nashville Symphony. This role also sets operational direction for all concert and production activity and fosters collaboration across departments to support the strategic, artistic, and financial objectives of the organization.

I. Summary Reports to: Chief Operating Officer

   Employment Status: Full-time, Exempt

II. Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Work in close partnership with the COO and Senior Staff colleagues to foster a collaborative and supporting work environment among musicians and staff.

• Manage the Orchestra calendar to utilize Orchestra services in the most efficient and effective manner in accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement. Maximize the utilization of ArtsVision as a tool for the scheduling and confirmation of dates and calendar entries at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center and runout venues.

• Serve as a primary management liaison to the Orchestra Committee and AFM Local 257. Guide the Orchestra Personnel Manager in sensitive personnel matters with a sensitive and musician-forward approach.

• In collaboration with the Music Director and conductor leadership, artistic/operations/education teams, and the COO, oversee the production of all Nashville Symphony concerts and Schermerhorn presentations.

• Serve in rotation with Senior Staff colleagues as Senior Manager on Duty for Nashville Symphony concerts and Schermerhorn presentations to gain insight into the performance of the Orchestra, the quality of production elements, and audience experience.

• In collaboration with the VP Artistic Administration and VP Communications, research, plan, and implement the Nashville Symphony’s media and recording strategies. Maintain a thorough working knowledge of signatory agreements such as the Integrated Media Agreement (IMA) and the Sound Recording Labor Agreement (SRLA).

• In collaboration with the COO and the Vice President of H.R. and EDIB, execute strategies to advance EDIB in the recruitment and retention of Orchestra operations, and production personnel. Work to promote a culture that supports EDIB initiatives in hiring and promotion.

• Prepare and monitor budgets for concert productions, as well as departmental budgets for the Orchestra, stage crew, operations, and production.

• Provide advice and support to the COO in the Nashville Symphony’s collective bargaining process with Local 257 of the American Federation of Musicians to help ensure productive negotiations that support the strategic framework and maintain a harmonious relationship with the Orchestra.

• Proactively and transparently communicate with the Orchestra regarding concert operations, schedule and building updates, and other timely information.

• Provide advice on capital expenditures related to concert operations and production and monitor equipment.

The duties listed above are not all inclusive. The person in this position is expected to perform other work-related duties as assigned even though they may not be considered primary duties.

III. Supervisory Responsibilities Supervises the Orchestra Operations & Production departments. Direct reports include Director of Production and Orchestra Personnel Manager. Fulfills supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Work Requirements and Responsibilities

Education:

Essential: Bachelor’s Degree in Music, Music Business, Business Administration or similar degree with general classical music and standard business practices knowledge. Preferred: Master’s Degree in Arts Administration, Technical Theater, or equivalent professional experience.

Experience:

Essential: Seven years of experience in a senior- or director-level position with orchestra or performing arts organization.

Preference given to candidates with substantial expertise in CBA negotiations and electronic media projects. 

Successful candidates will have experience working in a complex, fast-paced environment with numerous programs, venues, events, and stakeholders.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Extensive knowledge of orchestral music, understanding of best practices in orchestra management, and a strong desire to work collaboratively with musicians.

Commitment to collaborate with colleagues across departments to problem solve using an analytical yet collaborative approach.

Dedication to the EDIB work of the institution.

Capacity for dealing with a broad spectrum of personalities while exhibiting patience and understanding.

Capability to work independently and use autonomous judgment while keeping supervisor closely informed of work activity and issues.

Facility for creating, analyzing, and interpreting complex documents and reports.

Proven ability to maintain the strictest of confidence and discretion. Aptitude for balancing sense of urgency and low priorities without displaying panic. A good sense of humor is key.

The Nashville Symphony Association reserves the right to revise this job description at any time. This job description is not a contract for employment. All employees are expected to adhere to all terms and conditions of the Association’s Policies and Procedures outlined in the Employee Handbook.  

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.