Manager of Orchestra Operations & Personnel

The Manager of Orchestra Operations & Personnel serves as the primary management representative for the Washington National Opera Orchestra (WNO) and is responsible for the day-to-day administration of orchestra operations and personnel.

As the department's lead orchestra administrator, the Manager oversees orchestra personnel management, administration of the American Federation of Musicians (AFM) Collective Bargaining Agreement, orchestra scheduling, musician contracting, payroll administration, budgeting, media services, and serves as management liaison to the Orchestra Committee and AFM Local 161-710.

As a member of the Artistic Planning & Operations department, the Manager collaborates closely with Artistic, Music, Production, Finance, Human Resources, Legal, Artist Services, Development, Marketing, and visiting artistic personnel to ensure the successful planning and execution of WNO productions and special events.

The position also supports broader departmental initiatives and may assume selected artistic operations responsibilities and special projects over time, with responsibilities evolving based on departmental priorities and the successful candidate's experience, interests, and demonstrated performance.

Orchestra Operations & Personnel

• Administer and interpret the AFM Collective Bargaining Agreement.
• Serve as primary management liaison to the Orchestra Committee and AFM Local 161-710.
• Foster productive labor-management relationships and resolve contractual and personnel issues.
• Manage musician hiring, contracting, tenure processes, leaves of absence, vacancies, substitute musicians, and roster maintenance.
• Coordinate auditions in collaboration with the Music Director and artistic leadership.
• Develop and administer orchestra schedules and musician assignments.
• Resolve personnel matters and facilitate communication between musicians and management.
• Maintain orchestra personnel records and contractual documentation.
• Partner with Human Resources and Finance regarding payroll, contracts, and employment matters affecting musicians.
• Support collective bargaining preparation and implementation.
• Administer media services, recordings, broadcasts, and electronic media work in accordance with applicable AFM agreements.
• Partner with conductors, librarians, production staff, and artistic leadership to ensure all orchestra needs are met.
• Serve as orchestra management representative during rehearsals and performances.

Departmental Operations & Special Projects

• Support Artistic Planning & Operations initiatives and departmental projects as assigned.
• Coordinate cross-departmental operational initiatives and special projects.
• Assist with artist contracting, production logistics, and operational planning, as assigned.
• Collaborate with members of the Artistic Planning & Operations team to improve departmental systems, workflows, templates, and documentation.
• Assume additional artistic operations responsibilities over time, consistent with departmental priorities and demonstrated experience.

Budgeting & Financial Administration

• Develop and manage orchestra operating budgets.
• Monitor orchestra labor expenses and forecast contractual obligations.
• Collaborate with Finance on annual budget development and forecasting.
• Review payroll, invoices, contractual obligations, and financial reporting.
• Assist with departmental budget administration and financial planning as assigned.

Organizational Collaboration

• Represent WNO in interactions with orchestra musicians, conductors, guest artists, artistic partners, and visiting companies.
• Participate in season planning and production meetings.
• Coordinate with Production, Finance, Human Resources, Legal, Development, Marketing, Community Engagement, and Education to support organizational objectives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Music, Arts Administration, Performing Arts Management, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Five to seven years of progressively responsible experience in orchestra management, orchestra operations, or performing arts administration.
• Demonstrated experience administering AFM collective bargaining agreements.
• Experience managing orchestra payroll, contracts, and budgets.
• Experience working collaboratively across multiple departments in a performing arts organization.
• Supervisory experience preferred.