Orchestra Personnel Manager (National Symphony Orchestra)

Company: The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
Location: Washington
Posted on: June 1, 2025

Job Description:

Job Category: Production NSO and WNO -BRequisition Number: ORCHE001023Posted: February 26, 2025Employment Type: Full-TimeLocation: The Kennedy CenterJohn F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts2700 F St NWWashington, DC 20566, USAThe National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) enjoys international renown as one of America's finest professional orchestras. The Orchestra has gained recognition through national and international touring, recording, radio and television broadcasts, and its excellent work in education and community engagement in the greater Washington area. The NSO has been in residence at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts since the Center opened in 1971. In 1986, the Orchestra became an artistic affiliate of the Kennedy Center. The NSO's Music Director, Gianandrea Noseda, is widely recognized as one of the leading conductors of his generation.The NSO offers a classical subscription series and a pops series at the Kennedy Center Concert Hall, gives summer performances at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, and celebrates national holidays with televised concerts on the Capitol lawn. Chamber ensembles of NSO musicians perform at the Kennedy Center's Terrace Theatre and Millennium stage and the orchestra participates in an extensive education program. NSO In Your Neighborhood brings more than 30 performances and events to schools, churches, community centers, and other local venues in a single week. NSO Sound Health brings musicians to facilities like Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and National Institutes of Health (NIH). The NSO also continues to tour nationally and internationally.At the Kennedy Center, we strive to foster belonging and empowerment at work. We are able to advance our mission because of our committed and passionate employees. We are fortunate to be able to leverage their diverse perspectives, life experiences and skills to inform how our workplace can be a safe, transparent, and replenishing community. The Kennedy Center is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant based on race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related condition, or any other basis protected by law.Mission Statement: As the nation's performing arts center, and a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy, we are a leader for the arts across America and around the world, reaching and connecting with artists, inspiring and educating communities. We welcome all to create, experience, learn about, and engage with the arts.Why Join UsWe offer a total rewards package to all full-time employees to include:

• Retirement plan with organization matching (after 1 year of employment)
• Qualifying employer for the Public Student Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)
• Commuter programs including pre-tax options for discounted parking and SmartBenefits (WMATA)
• Annual Leave, Sick Leave, and Personal Days available immediately upon hire
• 11 paid holidays per year
• Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits with FSA and HSA options, and paid FMLAThe Kennedy Center strives to design equitable compensation programs. The projected salary range for this position is $71,900 - $82,700, commensurate with experience, and includes a comprehensive benefits package. This is the targeted range of possible compensation for this role at the time of posting. This range may be modified in the future. Base pay within the range is ultimately determined by a candidate's skills, expertise, and experience as it relates to the position qualifications and responsibilities.Job DescriptionThe Orchestra Personnel Manager (OPM) will support the Director of Orchestra Personnel in providing coverage of all National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) rehearsals and concerts, administration and coordination of auditions, communication of NSO policy and other information to the musicians, and assisting musicians with their questions and concerns.Key Responsibilities
  • Manages string rotation with NSO rotation captains, and manages revolving string and front stand seating. Coordinates wind and brass castings with principal players. Keeps leave and attendance records. Using this information, creates seating charts and distributes them to orchestra and NSO staff.
  • Assists OPM at NSO services, and covers services when OPM is not present. This includes taking attendance, making announcements, checking in with conductor, starting service at proper time, calling intermission, cutting off service if necessary, and solving any immediate personnel problems.
  • Posts call sheets, seating charts, and other important information on musicians' portal and on backstage bulletin board.
  • Coordinates flow of audition information, receiving and entering resumes, and mailing repertoire and other information to all audition candidates. Runs backstage audition logistics on audition days.
  • Manages and edits NSO Sub/Extras Handbook. Obtains weekly parking vouchers for substitute and extra musicians. Provides tax forms to new subs and extras and collects appropriate documentation for payment purposes.
  • Assists all NSO departments in coordinating small musical ensembles and musician participation needed for various events.
  • Manages all aspects of musicians' instrument insurance, including updating each musician's instrument information, assisting with claims, and processing payment of premium.
  • Responds to the needs and requests of Kennedy Center management and staff in a professional and expedient manner; Adheres to all employer policies and procedures.
  • Other duties as assigned.Key Qualifications
    • Degree in Music, or in Arts Administration with emphasis on performing arts.
    • Minimum two years experience in an orchestra personnel department, or three years experience in an orchestra production staff.
    • Thorough familiarity with orchestral repertoire and experience working with professional orchestra musicians.
    • Excellent organizational skills, and facility with MS Word, MS Excel, Outlook and OPAS software.
    • Excellent interpersonal skills, including ability to listen and respond quickly to musicians' concerns.
    • Good judgment, grace under pressure, and professional backstage demeanor.
    • Candidate must be local or willing to relocate to the DMV area. Relocation assistance is not provided.Additional Information
      • Audition days require many hours of walking quickly, including up and down stairs, with brief rests in between.
      • The noise level in the work environment is sometimes loud at Pops or Capitol services, but usually reasonable.
      • Travel up to 5% may be required, depending on orchestra tour and runout activities, but tours and all overnight travel are generally covered by the OPM. Local travel is required to numerous local offsite service locations, such as Wolf Trap, the Capitol, or NSO In Your Neighborhood sites.
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