Orchestra Manager

The Orchestra Manager oversees the day-to-day operations of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago and contributes to planning of future seasons. Primary responsibilities include oversight of personnel and operations for all rehearsals, sectionals, concerts and events; leadership of annual auditions and recruitment; collaboration with the CSO Musicians who serve as Civic Orchestra Coaches; and coordination of Principal Conductor, guest conductor and guest artist schedule and hospitality. To learn more about the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, visit cso.org/civic.

1. Personnel, Operations and Auditions:

• Oversee all Civic Orchestra activity including rehearsals, sectionals, concerts and other events.
• With the Director of the Negaunee Music Institute, plan the weekly schedule for the current season as well as future seasons. Contribute to artistic planning of Civic Orchestra concerts as requested.
• With input from CSO Coaches, populate and distribute the personnel roster for each concert program. Respond to absence requests and hire substitute players as needed. Ensure that Civic Members adhere to all policies and procedures per the handbook.
• With the Operations Coordinator, liaise with the CSO Stagehands on production needs for all Civic Orchestra activity.
• Hire and supervise the Civic Librarian. Ensure proper function of the Civic Library.
• Manage annual Civic auditions. Develop and lead recruitment efforts that identify new Regular Members, Associate Members and Fellows.
• Participate in select components of the Civic Fellowship program, especially projects that relate to the full orchestra.

2. CSO Coaches, Principal Conductor and Guest Artists:

• Serve as the primary contact for CSO Coaches, developing and implementing a season-long curriculum that includes sectionals, mock auditions, conversation panels, master classes and private lessons.
• Function as the primary contact for the Principal Conductor, guest conductors and soloists during rehearsals and concerts.

3. General Administration, Development and Marketing:

• Manage the annual Civic Orchestra budget.
• Prepare contracts for guest conductors and soloists. Liaise with artist managers as requested.
• Support ongoing engagement of Civic Orchestra Alumni. Serve as the staff liaison to the Civic Alumni Task Force.
• Contribute to Civic Orchestra grant proposals and reports.
• Collaborate with the CSOA Marketing Department to ensure large audiences for all Civic Orchestra public concerts and events. Give input on Marketing materials such as the annual Civic concert brochure, Front of House signage and social media assets.
• Initiate regular posting of content to the Civic Facebook page and Instagram accounts.

4. Attend Negaunee Music Institute Board and Committee meetings as requested.

5. Other duties as assigned.