Production Manager

Stagetime Inc.; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO) is seeking a Production Manager in Detroit to serve as the primary production administrator within the Artistic Operations Department. This role oversees logistics for all DSO performances and provides administrative support to the department.

Responsibilities include coordinating with staff, artists, venues, and crews; preparing reports; managing budgets and vendor relations; and supporting travel, auditions, and streaming terms.

Qualifications

• 3+ years professional experience in orchestra administration, including experience with IATSE stage crew.
• Thorough knowledge of classical and non-classical music; ability to read music.
• Familiarity with symphony orchestra structure.
• Strong written and verbal communication, editing skills, as well as interpersonal, leadership and organizational skills.
• Must demonstrate meticulous attention to detail and tact, discretion and confidentiality.
• Ability to work with diverse personalities, be decisive, and handle changing priorities.
• Problem solving, flexibility, and ability to work under pressure.
• Proficiency with PC networks and Microsoft 365/Windows.

Responsibilities

• Oversees production and logistical details of multi-faceted projects managed by the Operations Department for all orchestra and select non-orchestral presentations.
• Collaborates with the Stage Manager to fulfill contractual production and tech rider needs.
• Collects and enters artist and event information into OPAS, Momentus Elite, and event sheets; prepares reports.
• Attends weekly events meetings as the representative for the Artistic Operations Department.
• Disseminates information to Orchestra members and staff, including directions to venues.
• Assists in logistical arrangements for orchestra travel and outside performances; prepares touring questionnaires.
• Manages operations involving choirs in DSO performances, including scheduling and on-site support.
• Prepares welcome remarks for all DSO concerts and coordinates sponsor recognition with Advancement.
• Manages department expenses, contracts, and payments; maintains expense tracking.
• Works with Stage Manager on budgeting and staffing IATSE personnel.
• Coordinates passenger and small cargo vehicle rentals for concerts.
• Manages artist approvals for on-demand streaming and tracks streaming terms.
• Maintains effective record-keeping systems for the department.
• Organizes workflow within the Artistic Operations department.
• Supports the Orchestra Personnel Office during auditions.
• Acts as Manager on Duty for certain presentations.
• Proofreads Performance Magazine and season brochures; assists with marketing materials.
• Prepares visa petitions for guest artists as needed.
• Assists with artist care as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

Orchestra admin

IATSE experience

Read music

Orchestra structure

Communication

Leadership

Organizational skills

Discretion

Problem solving

MS 365

Team collaboration

Tools

MS 365

Job description

Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience

Description

PRODUCTION MANAGER JOB DESCRIPTION

Department: Operations

FLSA Status: Exempt

Work Location: Primarily onsite with occasional remote work

FT/PT: Full-time

The Organization:

The Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO) is known internationally for trailblazing performances, collaborations with the world’s foremost musical artists, and a deep commitment to serving our community. Making its home in historic Orchestra Hall at the Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center, the DSO actively pursues its vision to be an inclusive and culturally relevant community where all people can experience their world through music.

The DSO is a complex organization. Operating 365 days per year in historic Orchestra Hall, one of America’s most acoustically perfect concert halls, we are a performing arts institution, an educational facility, and a community center. We are governed by an independent Board of Directors and employ both union and non-union employees as musicians, stage crew, and administrative staff. Creating a unified culture throughout the institution is an organizational imperative, and we are guided by our values of excellence, diversity, resilience, collaboration, and innovation. The DSO is also deeply invested in the city of Detroit; through our Detroit Strategy initiative, we are expanding the DSO’s participation in the growth and well-being of the city.

The DSO’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is paramount to who we are; we work to create an environment where all employees are seen, valued, and supported to enable their best every day. This is essential as we pursue our mission to impact lives through unforgettable musical experiences by sustaining a world class orchestra for the city of Detroit and the global community.

The DSO offers a unique, fast-paced working environment, an excellent overall compensation package, and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. For more information visit www.dso.org.

Position Summary

The Production Manager serves as the primary production administrator and is an integral member of the Artistic Operations Department. This is an essential operational position responsible for overseeing the logistical needs of the orchestra and staff for all DSO orchestral and non-orchestral events and providing administrative support for the Artistic Operations Department.

The Production Manager will act as a liaison with staff, DSO musicians, guest artists, venues, stage crew, and partners. This position requires a high level of professionalism, tact and integrity due to the frequency of internal/external contacts and exposure to confidential information.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

• Oversees the production and logistical details of various multi-faceted projects managed by the Operations Department including all orchestra and select non-orchestral presentations including but not limited to the Paradise Jazz Series and Special Presentations without orchestra.
• Works with the Stage Manager to ensure that all contractual production and tech rider needs are fulfilled.
• Collects and enters artist and event information into OPAS, Momentus Elite, and event sheets. Prepares reports as needed by researching, gathering, and summarizing information verbally and in writing.
• Attends weekly events meetings as the representative for the Artistic Operations Department.
• Collects, prepares, and disseminates information to members of the Orchestra and staff. This includes directions to off-site orchestra concert venues and community partner locations.
• Supports the Orchestra Manager in making logistical arrangements for orchestra travel and orchestra-related activity taking place outside of the Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center. Prepares questionnaires relating to out-of-town services and tours.
• Manages all operations related to the involvement of choirs in DSO performances including but not limited to scheduling and providing on-site logistical support.
• Prepares welcome remarks for all DSO concerts on stage, working with the Advancement Department to correctly recognize sponsors.
• Manages all Operations Department expenses, contracts, and payments and maintains Operations Department expense tracking document.
• Works in close collaboration with Stage Manager to ensure proper budgeting and staffing of IATSE personnel.
• Manages all passenger and small cargo vehicle rentals for all concerts.
• Coordinates artist approvals for on-demand streaming and handles tracking of artist streaming terms.
• Establishes and maintains effective record-keeping and filing systems that can be utilized by the entire Artistic Operations department.
• Organizes and expedites the ongoing flow of work through the Artistic Operations department.
• Supports the Orchestra Personnel Office during audition days.
• Serves as Manager on Duty as assigned for presentations with and without the Orchestra.
• Assists in proofreading Performance Magazine, season brochures, and other marketing materials.
• Prepares visa petitions for guest artists as needed.
• Assists with artist care as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• 3+ years professional experience in orchestra administration, including experience working with IATSE stage crew
• Thorough knowledge of classical and non-classical music and technical practices. Ability to read music
• Familiarity with symphony orchestra structure
• Strong written and verbal communication, editing skills, as well as interpersonal, leadership and organizational skills
• Must demonstrate meticulous attention to detail and flawless execution. Must use tact, discretion and diplomacy while maintaining confidentiality
• Ability to work with a broad spectrum of personalities, exhibit patience and understanding, and be decisive in reaching and implementing decisions
• Problem solving, flexibility, and the ability to work under pressure.
• Demonstrated proficiency in PC network environment and experience with Microsoft 365 and Windows software. Ability to act independently, take initiative, and meet changing priorities
• Successful experience working in, and contributing to, a collaborative, team environment

Desired Qualifications:

• 5+ years of professional experience in orchestra administration, including experience working with IATSE stage crew
• Proficiency with OPAS
• Proficiency with Momentus Elite
• Demonstrated experience and investment in issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion

Additional Information:

This is a salaried, non-union position. Successful candidates must be available to work a varying schedule, including nights and weekends, to meet the needs of the DSO’s performance schedule. All positions at the DSO require the successful completion of a background check prior to beginning employment. A criminal record does not automatically disqualify candidates.