General Manager, National Symphony Orchestra

• Please submit a cover letter for consideration*

About The National Symphony Orchestra

Founded in 1931, the Orchestra has always been committed to artistic excellence and music education. In 1986, the National Symphony became an artistic affiliate of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, where it has performed a full season of subscription concerts since the Center opened in 1971. Located on the banks of the Potomac River in Washington, D.C., the Kennedy Center is the nation's cultural center and living memorial to President John F. Kennedy.

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 Us

We offer a comprehensive range of benefits to all full-time employees including:

• Staff offers for discount tickets

• 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 FMLA

• Flexible work arrangements

• We like to have fun! Check out the Kennedy Center National Dance Day 2023 staff video!

Job Description

The General Manager is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the National Symphony Orchestra including; scheduling and production, tour planning and execution; negotiating and fulfilling contracts with musicians, venues, and vendors; labor relations; and managing the implementation of the orchestra's recordings and electronic media including the IMA.

The General Manager is a key part of the orchestra's leadership team responsible for setting the strategic direction of the institution in collaboration with the Executive Director, Music Director, and VP of Artistic Planning.

The General Manager supervises the operations and production departments, including the Director of Orchestra Personnel, Senior Production Manager, Production and Operations Manager, Production Coordinator, Media Manager and stage crew.

Key Responsibilities

Orchestra Management

• Serve as primary liaison to musicians and Orchestra Committee. Ensure smooth communication and promote positive working relationship between Association and musicians. Including preparation for labor negotiations and resolutions of contract issues.

• Work with the Personnel team on hiring, tenure review, personnel issues, and personnel administration to foster an environment in which musicians have the resources and support to perform at their best.

• Negotiate contracts with musicians in coordination with Personnel Manager and Executive Director.

• Ensure best possible physical working conditions for the orchestra in all situations.

• Lead preparation for labor negotiations, identify core priorities, conduct research, and ensure negotiations are professional, respectful, and resolve in an optimal way.

• Oversee the Director of Orchestra Personnel.

Touring, Media and Special Projects

• Lead the development of and manage all domestic and international tours and runouts.

• Plan and manage all electronic media activities, including recording, streaming and promotional work. Strategically plan all NSO media projects, manage the NSO media label, serve as primary liaison to LSO Live and the EMA, coordinate the timing and release of projects working with marketing, public relations, and KC multi-media.

• Track media fees, media license periods, sync licenses and photo licenses for all media projects.

• Participate in managing the NSO website, particularly in regard to media projects.

• Plan and execute all special projects including Wolf Trap performances, annual Capitol Concerts, and The Anthem series. Primary liaison to external partners.

Scheduling/Operations/Production

• Work with the Executive Director, Music Director and Director of Artistic Planning to develop programs that achieve artistic goals while maximizing revenue opportunities.

• Prepare and manage the orchestra's master schedule. Manage date availability in the KC Concert Hall, serve as a member of the Concert Hall team, and manage the date release and service tracking process.

• Provide oversight of operations/production team to ensure all concert production activities of the orchestra, including facility and equipment needs, staging requirements, and other logistical arrangements are managed at an operationally excellent level including leading process around large capital purchases and improvements and advocating for Concert Hall improvements.

• Serve as a liaison to finance, development, marketing, and communications departments in collaboration with the Executive Director.

Budget Management

• Participate in the development of a multi-year operating budget pro forma, led by the Director of Finance and Administration for the NSO, with the NSO team and KC Finance, help develop project budgets and monitor all production, media, touring, the annual season budget, budgets for all production, media and touring activities.

• Maintain appropriate cost controls while maintaining artistic integrity and upholding the CBA.

• Hire, train, manage, and evaluate performance of all production staff.

• Serve as part of senior management team to assist the Executive Director in setting and implementing strategic priorities including leading and project managing the implementation of strategic goals such as DEIAB objectives.

Miscellaneous

• Administers the instrument collection on loan via the Tarisio Fund in coordination with the Executive Assistant.

• Other duties as assigned.

Key Qualifications

• A college degree in the arts or a related field is required

• 6-10 years of experience in operations and management positions of regional or national orchestras.

• Experience in concert production and knowledge of classical music is highly desirable.

• Experience with financial/budgetary management is highly desirable.

• Experience in negotiating both union and non-union agreements.

• The incumbent must be comfortable working with orchestra production; must possess a detailed knowledge of technical production (including sound, lights and staging); the ability to prepare work schedules and budgets within allowable labor contract regulations; effective management of union and non-union employees, and superior interpersonal skills.

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, are required. Ability to work effectively under pressure is critical.

• Candidate must be local or willing to relocate to the DMV area.