Managing Director (Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra) & Manager of Artistic Administration (Performing a

Job Description

Job Description

The Managing Director, Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra oversees the professional resident orchestra with (74) musicians and fellowship program performing (20+) concerts during the Institution’s summer assembly season, including direct responsibility for operating resources, scheduling and production, negotiating and fulfilling contracts with musicians, venues, and vendors, and managing the details of the orchestra’s recording, electronic media, and outreach projects. In consultation with the VP, the Managing Director collaborates closely with the Music Director on programming and artistic initiatives for the CSO.

The Manager of Artistic Administration for Performing and Visual Arts (PAVA), in collaboration with the VP, Performing and Visual Arts, and SVP /Chief Program Officer, supports the management of artistic and financial operations, liaises with other CI departments (including marketing, advancement, and finance), and serves as a point person for systems and information in PAVA.

The Manager provides artistic administrative support for the Arts at Chautauqua Institution, with major focus on the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra, Chautauqua Chamber Music popular entertainment, family entertainment, and Sunday programming in Chautauqua Amphitheater.

About the Opportunity

About Your Work

Managing Director, Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra

• Align Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra with the Institution’s strategic priorities, values, and artistic, financial, operational, and programmatic goals.
• Directly manage the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra and other classical music artists and ensembles, with the fundamental responsibility to ensure compliance with the orchestra’s Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
• Function as a content expert and data resource for union negotiations.
• In conjunction with the Music Director and VP, responsible for developing programmatic content and booking artists/ensembles for the Orchestra and other classical music.
• Provide industry expertise; stay current on Symphony best practices, trends, and potential partnerships.
• In partnership with the Institution’s Advancement Office, assist with special events and fundraising activities, including identification, cultivation and stewardship of donors for the Orchestra.

Manager of Artistic Administration, Performing and Visual Arts

• Serve as administrative and operational support for mission and vision work and long-range planning for Performing and Visual Arts at Chautauqua Institution, with a major focus on Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra, Chautauqua Chamber Music, and other evening and Sunday afternoon entertainment.
• Program Chautauqua Chamber Music series, with approval from VP and SVP.
• Serve as a cross-functional financial resource partnering with Finance, Accounting, Payroll, Human Resources, Marketing/Ticketing, and IT to ensure accuracy of information and data validity across interworking systems for budgetary and cost controls.
• Serve as a deputy leader of the core PAVA year-round administrative team, owning team meetings, orchestrating retreats, and serving as an on-site resource during fall-winter-spring for a hybrid team.
• Assist with administrative tasks related to talent management and the employment lifecycle through recruitment, selection, onboarding, operational oversight, development/training, performance management, and retention/succession management for PAVA employees.
• Serve as the hiring manager and direct supervisor for seasonal artist liaisons, symphony employees, including personnel manager, music librarian, stage manager, and other seasonal and year-round employees as needed.
• Ensure compliance with federal and state laws regarding performing rights, licensing, and safety.
• Liaise with the Housing & Travel Coordinators to ensure effective and timely accommodation, transportation, and manage changes/emergencies to provide an overall seamless experience for artists visiting the Institution.
• Perform accounts receivable/payable function through Finance for completion and submission of forms and payments for performing rights organisations (ASCAP/BMI/SESAC) and other third-party organisations.
• Serve as project manager for occasional large-scale cross-departmental projects, when appropriate.
• Provide departmental representation and operational support during specific programs as assigned, which will require a deep engagement in the arts and an added commitment of evenings and weekends during the summer assembly season.

About You

Education & Experience

• Demonstrated practice and competency for 5+ years in arts administration, nonprofit management, or a related field—with a solid understanding of artistic planning and operations for a union orchestra—is required.
• A degree in arts administration, nonprofit management, business administration, or a related discipline—or an equivalent combination of education and experience—is preferred.
• Proven experience building and sustaining a national-level professional network to support strategic and operational initiatives is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong project management skills, with the ability to oversee multiple initiatives simultaneously and experience in planning, executing, evaluating, and improving complex organisational processes.
• Excellent organisation and task management skills and attention to detail; meets deadlines promptly, able to draft, review, and process a high volume of documents, including offers and contracts, in a timely manner.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse internal and external stakeholders—musicians, staff, partners, and community stakeholders—on nuanced topics in clear and compelling ways.
• Technological proficiency with modern organisational and production tools, including Microsoft Office applications, and the ability to quickly learn and use NetSuite, ArtsVision, and other software.
• Experience designing and managing operational systems that support artistic planning, production workflows, revenue generation, and institutional effectiveness.
• A demonstrated commitment to Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA), with the ability to lead in ways that create belonging, respect diverse perspectives, and broaden access to classical music.
• Strong management and oversight capabilities, including strategic and operational planning, budgeting and financial oversight, resource allocation, staff management, and team development – particularly in mentorship of seasonal and entry-level colleagues.
• A leader who is value-driven and committed to organisational health, who builds and improves systems, drives routine and long-term priorities, anticipates challenges and opportunities, and adapts effectively in a fast-paced performing arts environment.

Total Rewards for Our Talent

The compensation range for this opportunity starts at $70,000/annual and, with demonstrated experience and qualifications, candidates may earn up to $78,000/annual. Chautauqua Institution’s competitive compensation and benefits suite includes a national health insurance network with Highmark, flexible spending (or health savings) account options, dental and vision insurance, complimentary life insurance, wellness incentives, an employee assistance program, supplemental life insurance, and long-term disability options. The Institution supports planning for retirement through a discretionary employer retirement plan contribution, which has recently been 6% of gross compensation following the designated service period.

About Your Department

The Performing and Visual Arts (PAVA) department's aim is to expand the lives of our audience (and employees) within and beyond the Institution's gates through the power of the performing and visual arts. The team brings artist and creator visions to life by providing behind-the-scenes support for events and programs. The PAVA portfolio includes the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra, Chautauqua Opera Company, Chautauqua Theater Company, Chautauqua Visual Arts, Arts Education, and PAVA Schools – including the School of Music and School of Dance, as well as the following series: popular entertainment, chamber music, and family entertainment. During the summer assembly, PAVA mounts multiple events each day across multiple venues.

About Your Work Schedule & Location

This position is based on-site at Chautauqua Institution’s Main Campus in Southwestern New York (Chautauqua County), but may require some travel. The schedule is full-time. The typical schedule outside of the summer assembly is Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm. The schedule will include evening hours and weekends, during the summer assembly and occasional off-season projects.

About Chautauqua Institution

Chautauqua Institution is a not-for-profit global convener of dialogue on the most significant issues of the day through engagement across four pillars of the arts, education, religion, and recreation. The Chautauqua community is located on the shores of Chautauqua Lake in southwestern New York State and comes alive each summer with a unique mix of visual and performing arts, lectures, interfaith worship/programs, and recreational activities. Chautauqua Institution owns and operates Chautauqua Hotel Company, a comprehensive hotel, food & beverage, conference, and events organisation.

About the Referral Program

Chautauqua Institution’s Referral Bonus Program is a talent solution to recruit, develop, and retain a diverse workforce that encompasses all the skills and experience necessary to deliver on our goals and objectives. Chautauqua Institution will provide a $500 referral bonus (less taxes) for active employees referring a new candidate who is hired and remains employed for at least 90 days from the first physical date of work. In the case of seasonal positions working less than 6 months, the new candidate must remain actively employed for at least 30 days from the first physical date of work and until the closing date of the season. The closing date of the season is the last Sunday in August.

Discovering Your Chautauqua Experience

There are countless ways that our talent will engage with our mission, vision, and diverse communities, and you are invited to immerse yourself in our programming as a gateway to this experience. Employees will receive a traditional Chautauqua gate pass, free of cost, which provides access to many of our programs at the Amphitheater.

Our Commitment to IDEA

Chautauqua Institution values Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) as a priority in our strategic plan, 150 Forward. One of our five core values is “The dignity and contributions of all people.” We are committed to creating conditions where everyone can engage as complete and valued participants in the Chautauqua experience. The Institution is an equal opportunity employer committed to equitable and inclusive hiring practices. Applicants and employees will not be discriminated against based on any status protected under federal, state, or local law. We especially welcome applications from those who can demonstrate experience, engagement, and professional expertise in IDEA.

Joining Our Talent Community

Join our talent community online at CHQ.org/employment. You are encouraged to learn more about Chautauqua Institution at CHQ.org and view the 150 Forward Strategic Plan at 150fwd.CHQ.org.