Orchestra Operations Assistant Manager

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 Assistant Manager Orchestra Operations works with the VP & General Manager, Orchestra Personnel Manager, and Manager, Production & Operations to support with long range planning; management of the orchestra schedule; concert production; orchestra and crew relations and working conditions; and logistics for offsite activities including domestic and international tours. This position works proactively to troubleshoot issues, reduce redundancy, recommend and implement improved systems, and takes initiative on leading the NSO team on logistics and process issues. This position ensures the smooth-running of the NSO from many facets including excellent concert productions from the stage.  

Key Responsibilities

Production Management  

• Manage all aspects of advance and production for assigned concerts, and support production for complex concerts requiring more than one production manager.  
• Create, compile, and disseminate production documents including technical schedules, stage plots, and event sheets. 
• Liaise with the stage crew to ensure all lighting, sound, video, and other production elements are of excellent quality. 
• Coordinate with internal and external vendors for equipment and instrument rentals including backline, lighting, sound, video, props, and costumes. 
• Arrange piano tunings, teleprompting services, wardrobe calls in accordance with Local 772 call structures, and Hair & makeup calls in accordance with Local 798 call structures. 
• Ensure safe working conditions for all musicians, crew, artists, and staff onstage. 
• Work proactively to anticipate and solve production issues. 
• Serve as Concert Duty Manager and CDM+1 for concerts as assigned. 
• Manage Concert Duty assignments ensuring fair distribution of evening and weekend hours across the NSO Team. 

Schedule and Data Management 

• Manage and maintain the NSO schedule in both OPAS and ArtsVision, ensuring accuracy in both databases as well as in all information communicated online and via reports.  
• Participate in season planning, proactively finding solutions to schedule conflicts, and working with General Manager and Artistic Department in the future planning data entry process. 
• Attend NSO schedule meetings, Concert Hall Team meetings, and REACH meetings. 
• Serve as OPAS database administrator, working with Kennedy Center IT and the OPAS consultant to troubleshoot database problems, develop reports, and facilitate information flow between OPAS and ArtsVision. 
• Train NSO staff and proactively advocate for increased usage of OPAS and ArtsVision to reduce redundancy and increase accuracy across the entire NSO team. 

Tour & Offsite Logistics 

• Manage runout logistics and schedules including creating load-in and load-out schedules, coordinating equipment transportation with freight companies, scheduling musician transportation, and ordering catering.  
• Organize the data collection and communication process for domestic and international tours, including travel arrangements, cargo and instrument details, tax forms, and visa and passport processing. 
• Prepare and troubleshoot all aspects of tour communications including tour book / tour book app / cell phones / international data plans and access. 
• Support tour operations prior to and during the tour (remote/from the office).   

Administrative 

• Support VP & General Manager as needed with contracts, accounts receivable, financial projections, and special projects.  
• Support day-to-day office management, including but not limited to liaising with the Document Center and mail room, maintaining printer supplies, overseeing supply orders, and other tasks as needed.   

Other duties as assigned.  

Key Qualifications

• College degree, with experience in Production and Arts Management, is required. Minimum of five years of experience in concert production or technical theatre; experience with symphony orchestras is preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills are critical. Must have the ability to interact effectively with a wide variety of people. Works to build productive relationships throughout the organization, outside vendors, and other contacts.   
• Strong organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail with a high degree of accuracy are essential. Must be able to effectively gather and organize information from a wide variety of sources.  Ability to meet deadlines, often under pressure. 
• Excellent computer skills including (but not limited to) proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access) and willingness to learn new programs, such as OPAS, Visio, and ArtsVision are required. 
• Candidate must be local or willing to relocate to the DMV area.

Additional Information

• Must be able to stand for extended periods of time.  The nature of production work may require mobility to cover a lot of ground at the Kennedy Center or runout concert site.   Must have the ability to perform concert production related tasks in outdoor settings, sometimes in unpredictable weather conditions.    
• The noise level in the work environment is variable from normal office activity to rehearsal and concert level sound. 
• Travel up to 5% may be required. 
• Must be able to travel locally in the D.C. metropolitan area and to work evenings and weekends on occasion. Must be able to work holidays, specifically Memorial Day, July 4, and Labor Day when the NSO has Capitol Concerts. Must hold a valid driver’s license in the United States.