Position Summary: The Director of Orchestra Operations oversees the orchestra personnel and production departments for the LPO. The Director of Orchestra Operations is responsible for the human resources management of the orchestral musicians and ensures the smooth planning and execution of LPO concerts and events. 

Primary Responsibilities

• Department Director
  • Partnering with the other Department Directors and the Executive Director, fulfill a leadership role in determining the LPO's strategic direction through
    organizational planning processes.
  • As the head of an administrative department, recruit, direct, develop, and evaluate a staff that is adept at executing the day-to-day competencies needed
    to fulfill departmental responsibilities.
  • Participate in LPO performances and events; represent the LPO at other civic and cultural events, as appropriate.
  • Create a departmental budget as part of the LPO's annual budgeting process; review and update corresponding data in interim financial reports, including the
    Year End Projection (YEP). 
  • Assist other departments as needed. Actively engage staff, musicians, Trustees, and volunteers consistent with the LPO's collaborative model.
  • Perform other functions as assigned by the Executive Director.
• Orchestra Personnel Management
  • Oversee the processes set forth in the LPO Operating Rules related to auditions, contracts, tenure, leave requests, discipline for full-time musicians, and
    contracting for substitute and extra musicians.
  • Coordinate musician appointments and substitute/extra lists with Music Director and section principals, and create a musician roster for each concert, hiring
    substitute and extra musicians as needed. Arrange travel and housing as needed for substitute and extra musicians.
  • Attend orchestra services; monitor compliance with union contract and Operating Rules; keep official time clock and take attendance at orchestra
    services.
  • Serve as administrative supervisor to LPO musicians; initiate first-step disciplinary procedures with individual members of the orchestra when required.
  • Provide administrative support to and serve as a non-voting member of the LPO Personnel Committee.
  • Coordinate all aspects of auditions including advertising and distributing results.
  • Maintain and file all personnel records of the LPO musicians. Maintain all records of leave, personal days, sick dates, and other absences. Collect all required state and federal forms from new employees.
  • Produce timely and accurate weekly orchestra payrolls, enter weekly payroll data into the online (Paycom) system for musicians and LPO staff, and verify the
    accuracy of the payroll journal prior to authorizing the weekly direct deposit.  
  • Produce all weekly reports and monthly reports, including Project reports and Pension/Dues reports. 
• Production & Orchestra Operations
  • Develop annual production master plans, calendars, and organizational process maps.
  • Create agendas for and lead weekly production meetings. 
  • Provide counsel and support to LPO staff as needed in the development and execution of organizational events.
  • Oversee compliance with the LPO Operating Rules & Policies and AFM Collective Bargaining Agreement, including acting as the primary liaison to the LPO
    Musicians’ Committee to address concerns and refine processes. Request variances to Operating Rules from the Musicians’ Committee as needed.
  • Act as direct liaison with all venues to schedule and prepare contracts for LPO events. Plan and participate in new venue site visits, especially as they pertain to
    potential contracted services.
  • Oversee and provide guidance to the Operations Manager for the implementation of LPO events including sound/lighting/staging needs, technical
    rider implementation, stage plots, instrument rentals, and other production needs.
  • Manage and implement special needs for each LPO event, such as arranging for parking, acquiring special event permits as needed, and generating and
    distributing directions to venues and information particular to a given event.
  • Anticipate and respond to production needs before they become problems.
  • Oversee all aspects of house management, including house manager, ushers, and other front of house activities.
• Other Accountabilities:
  • Represent the LPO in a manner that demonstrates the highest standards of professionalism and ethical conduct.
  • Participate as a member of the senior staff.
  • Assist other departments as needed in carrying out their responsibilities.
  • Review and report monthly budget forecast revisions to the Director of Finance and
    Administration.
    
    

Position Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in arts administration, music performance or theater arts, and professional orchestra performance experience preferred required. Significant relevant work experience may be substituted for degree.
• Minimum of three years of production experience in an organization of similar or larger size, or equivalent experience in a related field.
• Successful experience working with orchestral musicians and conductors.
• Expertise in theatrical sound, lighting, and streaming preferred.
• Ability to work with and maintain confidential data.
• Ability to apply troubleshooting and problem-solving skills as issues arise.
• Ability to promote a positive and passionate work atmosphere by behaving and communicating with internal and external contacts in a manner using considerable
  professionalism, tact and enthusiasm. Ability to interact with others in a manner that inspires trust and confidence.
• Must have passion for excellence along with professionalism, dedication and commitment.
• Excellent planning and organizational skills.
• Outstanding oral and written communications skills.
• Demonstrated success motivating and developing staff, musicians, and volunteers.
• Results and team-oriented work style characterized by a creative and tenacious approach to problem solving.
• Flexible and resilient – comfortable embracing change.
• Unwavering commitment to artistic excellence.
• Ability to use various computer applications including proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office. Significant experience with OPAS and Microsoft Excel preferred.
• Willing to work regular evenings and weekends.
• Reliable transportation required.

About The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra

The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra (LPO) is dedicated to maintaining live orchestral music and a full-scale symphonic orchestra as an integral part of the cultural and educational life of the New Orleans area, the entire state of Louisiana, and the Gulf South region. Formed in 1991, the LPO is the oldest full-time musician-governed and collaboratively-operated orchestra in the United States. The LPO offers a full 36-week season with more than 120 performances, including classics, light classics, pops, education, family, park and community engagement concerts in New Orleans and across multi-parish areas. In addition, The LPO collaborates with and provides orchestral support for other cultural and performing arts organizations, including New Orleans Opera Association, New Orleans Vocal Arts Chorale, New Orleans Ballet Association and Delta Festival Ballet.

Connections working at The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra