Orchestra and Production Manager

Charleston Symphony; Charleston (SC); On-site; USD 36,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) matching

Three weeks of paid vacation

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

The Charleston Symphony is seeking an Orchestra and Production Manager to supervise musician personnel, scheduling, payroll, auditions, and service execution. The role collaborates with the Artistic Director, Librarian, and Operations teams to ensure proper instrumentation and roster planning.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, diplomatic, and able to manage complex budgets and production needs, with experience in orchestral management software such as ArtsVision.

Qualifications

• Oversee musician scheduling, contracts, and payroll coordination.
• Coordinate auditions and recruitment for core and guest musicians.
• Manage budgets and cost estimates for services and productions.
• Maintain accurate personnel records and payroll documentation.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of musician personnel management, including hiring, scheduling, attendance, and records.
• Manage data through ArtsVision: calendars, rosters, call sheets, service records.
• Serve as primary contact for musicians on schedules and personnel matters.
• Design stage plots and coordinate with Artistic Director and musicians.
• Monitor production budgets and communicate needs to staff and venues.
• Coordinate housing for guest musicians and housing support.

Skills

Musician scheduling

Payroll coordination

Auditions management

Budget management

Communication

Diplomacy

Time management

Tools

ArtsVision

Job description

The Orchestra and Production Manager is a key member of the Artistic Operations team and is responsible for the administration and coordination of all orchestra personnel and production activities. This role oversees musician scheduling, hiring, payroll coordination, auditions, and service execution, ensuring alignment across artistic and operational priorities.

Working closely with the Artistic Director, Principal Librarian, Operations team, and Core Principal Musicians, the Orchestra and Production Manager ensures appropriate instrumentation, roster planning, and personnel coverage for all services. This plays a critical role in overseeing productions and fostering strong collaboration across departments to ensure all programs are executed at the highest level.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, and diplomatic, with strong communication skills and the ability to remain flexible in a fast-paced environment. Experience with ArtsVision or similar orchestral management software is preferred.

Core Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of musician personnel management, including hiring, contracts, scheduling, attendance, and recordkeeping


• Manage musician data and communications through ArtsVision, including calendars, rosters, call sheets, and service records


• Serve as the primary point of contact for musicians regarding schedules, assignments, and personnel matters


• Partner with the Artistic Director, Principal Librarian, and principal musicians to ensure proper instrumentation and roster planning


• Develop and maintain a strong and reliable pool of guest musicians


• Maintain accurate personnel records, including contracts, payroll documentation, and service histories


• Collect and verify payroll-related information (including doubling, cartage, and overtime) and submit documentation for processing


• Monitor and manage the musician hiring budget, preparing cost estimates and reports in collaboration with finance

Production Management

• Design stage plots in collaboration with Artistic Director and key Musicians


• Monitor and manage production budgets and payables


• Oversee and communicate musician, equipment, and staging needs to Production Coordinator and part-time Stagehands for all CSO services


• Ensure all Production details are communicated with venues in collaboration with Operations and Production staff


• Coordinate and oversee all orchestra services, including rehearsals, concerts, tours, chamber music, fundraising, and education programs


• Ensure compliance with collective bargaining agreements and service parameters, including start/end times, breaks, and overtime


• Prepare and distribute service schedules and ensure all personnel are informed of expectations


• Partner on-site with production and operations teams to ensure seamless execution of all services

Musician Relations & Communication

• Build and maintain strong, professional relationships with core and guest musicians


• Serve as a liaison between musicians, artistic leadership, and administrative staff


• Communicate clearly and consistently with musicians regarding schedules, expectations, and organizational updates


• Provide guidance on personnel matters with professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality


• Support musician participation in education and community engagement programs

Auditions, Recruitment & Organizational Support

• Coordinate auditions for core and guest musicians, including applications, materials, scheduling, and candidate communications


• Partner with audition committees and support candidate experience and follow-up


• Maintain and expand recruitment pipelines in collaboration with artistic leadership


• Coordinate housing logistics for guest musicians in partnership with housing support


• Collaborate across departments - including production, operations, marketing, and advancement to support organizational initiatives and performances


• Provide additional operational and production support as needed to meet organizational priorities


• Strong knowledge of orchestral repertoire and the operational needs of a professional symphony orchestra


• Familiarity with ArtsVision or similar orchestral management software


• Familiarity with designing stage plots


• Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and time-management skills


• Strong written and verbal communication skills


• Professionalism, discretion, and diplomacy when working with musicians and staff


• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively


• Availability to work evenings and weekends, and to assist with last-minute musician coverage when necessary


• Compensation: Salary up to $60,000 annually


• Benefits: Health insurance, 401(k) matching, three weeks of paid vacation (in addition to holidays), and a comprehensive benefits package


• Schedule: Flexible hours with required evening and weekend availability during performance weeks

Prior to being offered employment with the CSO, all potential employees are subject to the CSO’s administrative hiring procedures, including but not limited to reference checks and background checks.

• Mission: To inspire and engage our community through exceptional musical and educational programs


• Vision: To be a premier cultural destination and leading performing arts organization that sparks lasting connections and transformative impact for all of Charleston

The Charleston Symphony is one of the fastest growing Orchestras in the United States and is a forward-thinking orchestra in one of the nation’s most dynamic and thriving cities. Concert attendance has increased by over 75% since before the pandemic, reflecting the community’s strong support for live music. Following a successful inaugural endowment campaign that surpassed $15 million, a second campaign is underway to further strengthen the Symphony’s long-term artistic and financial foundation. In 2025, the CSO marked a major milestone with its debut at Carnegie Hall.

Rooted in 90 years of artistic tradition and guided by core values of excellence, collaboration, integrity, and innovation, the CSO is focused on attracting and retaining outstanding talent while building a sustainable future that supports competitive compensation and artistic fulfillment. Musicians have the opportunity to play a meaningful role in a thriving orchestra while living and performing in a vibrant cultural city known for its rich history, dynamic arts scene, and coastal beauty.