APAP Career Center

PRODUCTION MANAGER JOB DESCRIPTION

Department: Operations

FLSA Status: Exempt

Work Location: Primarily onsite with occasional remote work

FT/PT: Full-time

Last Revision Date: July 26, 2024

How to apply: A cover letter is required for consideration of this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address: 

• Your specific interest in the position and working at the Detroit Symphony Orchestra
• Outline your skills and experience that directly relate to the responsibilities of the role

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.  
  
  

Physical Requirements:
This role primarily works in an office environment, and frequently has prolonged periods of sitting and looking at a computer screen. Additional physical requirements include:

Position Reports to: Orchestra Manager

Direct Reports: N/A

About Detroit Symphony Orchestra

The acclaimed Detroit Symphony Orchestra is known for trailblazing performances, collaborations with the world’s foremost musical artists, and a deep connection to its city. Led by Music Director Jader Bignamini since 2020, the DSO makes its home at historic Orchestra Hall within the Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center, offering a performance schedule that features the PVS Classical, PNC Pops, Paradise Jazz, and Young People’s Family Concert series. In addition, the DSO presents the William Davidson Neighborhood Concert Series in metro area venues, as well as eclectic multi-genre performances in its mid-size venue The Cube, constructed and curated with support from Peter D. & Julie F. Cummings. A dedication to broadcast innovation began in 1922, when the DSO became the first orchestra in the world to present a live radio broadcast of a concert and continues today with the groundbreaking Live from Orchestra Hall series of free webcasts. Since its first school concerts a century ago, and particularly since the founding of the Civic Youth Ensembles in 1970, the DSO has been a national leader in bringing the benefits of music education to students, teachers, and families in D...etroit and surrounding communities. The DSO remains committed to expanding its participation in the growth and well-being of Detroit through programs like its Detroit Neighborhood Initiative—cultural events co-created with community partners and residents—and Detroit Harmony, a promise to provide an instrument and instruction to any student in the city who wants to learn. With unwavering support from the people of Detroit, the DSO actively pursues a mission to impact lives through the power of unforgettable musical experiences.

Show more

Show less

Connections working at Detroit Symphony Orchestra