Careers and auditions
Auditions
Principal Librarian
Core orchestra
2025-26 salary: $62,309.10 + Benefits*
Remote Preliminary Round will take place on Monday, December 16, 2024.
Following the results of the Remote Preliminary Round, musicians will be invited to the Second Round to take place in person in Sarasota:
Friday, January 31, 2025 (Second Round) & Saturday, February 1, 2025 (Final Round)
Employment start date is September 2025.
Principal Librarian
Core orchestra
2025-26 salary: $62,309.10 + Benefits*
Remote Preliminary Round will take place on Monday, December 16, 2024.
Following the results of the Remote Preliminary Round, musicians will be invited to the Second Round to take place in person in Sarasota:
Friday, January 31, 2025 (Second Round) & Saturday, February 1, 2025 (Final Round)
Employment start date is September 2025.
The length of season is 36 weeks (includes 2 paid vacation weeks).
* Benefits include, but aren’t limited to: health insurance (Sarasota Orchestra pays no less than 75% of premium), short- and long- term disability, 403b retirement plan, and Flexible Spending Account.
To apply
- Complete the online application form and upload a resume containing your current contact information (PDF only please).
- Applications and resumes must be received on or before December 9, 2024.
- Applications are not considered complete without an uploaded resume.
- All applicants who submit a completed application by the deadline will receive an opportunity to participate in the Remote Preliminary Round.
All correspondence from Sarasota Orchestra will be by e-mail from [email protected].
Sarasota Orchestra is an equal opportunity employer and a proud partner of the National Alliance for Audition Support (NAAS). For more information on NAAS, please visit www.auditionalliance.org
General information
All questions about this audition should be directed to the Orchestra Personnel Office at [email protected]. No phone calls please.
Information regarding the Remote Preliminary Round will be given upon receipt of resume, and updates will be sent out as needed. Remote Preliminary Round candidates will be anonymous and identified only by a number that will be provided to you.
The in-person Second Round and Final Round will take place at Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center (sometimes referred to as Holley Hall).
Our official address is 709 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, 34236, however, our physical location is on Van Wezel Way, between 10th Street and Blvd of the Arts (6th St.). If you have a GPS, enter 709 Van Wezel Way and that should get you to our front door.
We are not in the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall which is the big purple building across the parking lot. We are a small, white building right on the street with the big Sarasota Orchestra sign outside our main doors.
Park on either side of the building, on the street, or in the southwest corner of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall parking lot.
The audition committee reserves the right to dismiss any candidate not meeting the highest professional standards.
Musicians hired by Sarasota Orchestra are responsible for having and maintaining proper authorization to work in the United States.
Travel information
Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) is approximately 3.5 miles from Symphony Center, approximately an 8-minute drive.
Tampa International Airport (TPA) is approximately 55 miles from Symphony Center. The drive can be 1h 15mins – 2 hours depending on the time of day and traffic. There is a toll bridge on the shorter route from TPA to Sarasota.
There are several hotels near Symphony Center and some near SRQ airport. At this time, Sarasota Orchestra does not have any discounts or affiliations with any hotels. Please use your favorite travel search website to find accommodations that meet your needs.
Sarasota Orchestra is a proud partner of the Sphinx Organization's National Alliance for Audition Support
Administration
Marketing Coordinator
The Marketing Coordinator works closely with the Chief Marketing Officer and five other marketing team members in coordinating work-flow, content and implementation of the marketing plan, and plays an important role implementing communications plans. Serves as the department lead in coordinating activities with the Artistic Planning, Development, and Education functions in support of Sarasota Orchestra’s programs including professional concerts, youth education, and the Sarasota Music Festival. This position will be part of Sarasota Orchestra’s exciting growth as the organization welcomes Giancarlo Guerrero as the organization’s new music director and pursues a transformational project to build a new music center. The Marketing Coordinator shall nurture a positive working relationship with all employees, supporting an inclusive, respectful culture and our orchestra organizational values.
Job Title: Marketing Coordinator
Department: Marketing
Reports To: Chief Marketing and Communications Officer
Classification: Non-Exempt/Hourly
Supervises: None
Location: Sarasota (on-site)
General Overview
The Marketing Coordinator works closely with the Chief Marketing Officer and five other marketing team members in coordinating work-flow, content and implementation of the marketing plan, and plays an important role implementing communications plans. Serves as the department lead in coordinating activities with the Artistic Planning, Development, and Education functions in support of Sarasota Orchestra’s programs including professional concerts, youth education, and the Sarasota Music Festival. This position will be part of Sarasota Orchestra’s exciting growth as the organization welcomes Giancarlo Guerrero as the organization’s new music director and pursues a transformational project to build a new music center. The Marketing Coordinator shall nurture a positive working relationship with all employees, supporting an inclusive, respectful culture and our orchestra organizational values.
RESPONSIBILITIES
• Track and oversee marketing projects to ensure that content quality is at a high level, deadlines are met, invoices are processed, and budgets tracked, while maintaining a master schedule of all department projects.
• Collaborate with CMO and outside agencies to implement communications plans.
• Maintain and build relationships with area non-profits for partnerships such as advertising trades, ticket offers and other collaborations to increase awareness and access to Orchestra events.
• Track and follow-up on all outstanding items through the department project management system (Basecamp). Serve as primary liaison with Development, Artistic Planning and Education departments.
• Support community marketing events and attend concerts as necessary to support marketing and engagement initiatives.
• Create and oversee overall marketing department analytics dashboards. • Manage logistics and scheduling of photo and video shoots. • Oversee the organization’s Harmony Gallery, a rotating, juried exhibit in the Orchestra’s lobby displaying the work of local artists.
• Perform other relevant duties and additional projects as assigned from time to time as necessitated by the Marketing department and business needs.
Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in arts administration, music, marketing or communications required.
• Classical music education or orchestra performance experience through the college level required,
• 1-3 years of work experience in an agency, marketing or orchestra environment, or through relevant internships strongly preferred.
• Excellent teamwork/teambuilding, and verbal/written communication skills required.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize work.
• Works well independently.
• Computer skills including MS Office, including PowerPoint and Excel, a website content management system, and multiple social media platforms.
• Ability to work in office 4-5 days per week. Must be available to work outside of normal business hours, including some evenings and weekends.
Physical Requirements
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, sit, stand, walk, and use hands to finger, handle or feel. The worker is required to have visual acuity to perform an activity such as preparing and analyzing data and figures, and viewing a computer terminal. This position requires the ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.
Working Conditions
The job operates in a professional environment including office and performance hall settings. The environment is generally moderate in temperature and noise level.
If you are interested in this opportunity with Sarasota Orchestra, please e-mail a cover letter and resume to [email protected] or call 941-487-2704 with any questions you may have. Thank you!
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Social Media and Public Relations Associate
Active in facilitating Sarasota Orchestra’s connection to the community through three main roles: overseeing social media for Sarasota Orchestra and its programs; sending out press releases and coordinating press engagements; coordinating community outreach activities at events and concerts. Also serves as support for other department staff and for cross training and back-up.
Job Title: Social Media and Public Relations Associate
Department: Marketing
Reports To: Chief Marketing and Communications Officer
Classification: Full time; Non-Exempt/Hourly
Supervises: None
Location: Sarasota, FL
GENERAL SUMMARY
Active in facilitating Sarasota Orchestra’s connection to the community through three main roles: overseeing social media for Sarasota Orchestra and its programs; sending out press releases and coordinating press engagements; coordinating community outreach activities at events and concerts. Also serves as support for other department staff and for cross training and back-up.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Social Media:
•Coordinates, creates, and implements marketing content for social media.Coordinate with Development, Education, and SMF for cross-departmental needs.
•Coordinate social media engagement, tracking feedback from the platforms.
•Edit video clips for social media and website postings.
•Participate in marketing team analytics meetings to develop, implement, andanalyze marketing strategies across digital platforms.
•Implement boosting campaigns on posts under the direction of marketing department management.
Press and Media Engagement:
•Write and distribute press releases about concerts, programs, institutional initiatives,and events.
•Coordinate interviews and on-air engagements with all media for official Orchestraspokespeople and outside guest artists and conductors.
•Post orchestra events on online calendars
•Maintain database of media contacts, and historical tracking of media coverage
•Coordinate library of images and other assets for internal and external use.
•Maintain archives of department collateral and other relevant materials.
Community Relations:
•Coordinate the Orchestra's presence at public engagement events; attend andrepresent Orchestra, including Farmers Market and other “SO On the Road”opportunities.
Other duties:
•Provide support and cross training for other department staff as assigned.
•Perform other relevant duties and additional projects as assigned. Duties andresponsibilities described herein are not a comprehensive list, and additional job tasksmay be assigned from time to time as necessitated by the Marketing department and business needs.
Qualifications
•Bachelor’s degree in communications, digital marketing, arts management, musicperformance or related field.
•Experience with classical music at a college level strongly preferred.
•1+ years professional experience or relevant internships in marketing coordination withsocial media experience.
•Experience with public relations and community engagement a plus
•Flexibility to work outside of conventional office hours at concerts and special events.
•Strong planning, coordination and writing skills.
•Ability to work well in a team-oriented culture and detail oriented required.
•Valid Driver’s License
Physical Requirements:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, sit, stand, walk, bend, kneel, use hands t finger, handle or feel, and reach above the head with hands and arms. The employee is required to have visual acuity to perform an activity such as preparing marketing work and data, visual inspection of material and files, and viewing a computer terminal. This position requires the ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 – 20 pounds.
Working Conditions:
The job operates in a professional environment including office and performance hall settings. The environment is generally moderate in temperature and noise level. At times, the employee may be outside and be subject to environmental conditions including heat and humidity.
If you are interested in this opportunity with Sarasota Orchestra, please e-mail a cover letter and resume to [email protected] or call 941-487-2704 with any questions you may have. Thank you!
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Vice President of Artistic Planning
Reporting to the Senior Vice President (VP) of Artistic Operations, the VP of Artistic Planning will work in partnership with the music director, CEO, and the artistic leadership and management team in planning activities for upcoming seasons and executing artistic plans for the Sarasota Orchestra and Sarasota Music Festival. Working in a collaborative, team environment, the VP of Artistic Planning will play a central role in advancing artistic excellence across the organization’s performance missions: professional orchestra, Sarasota Music Festival, and education programs. The VP of Artistic Planning shall support our organizational values by nurturing an inclusive, respectful, and positive working relationship with all employees.
Job Title: Vice President of Artistic Planning
Department: Artistic Operations
Reports To: Senior Vice President of Artistic Operations
Classification: Full-time, Salary/Exempt
Supervises: Artistic Administration Manager and Librarians
Location: Sarasota, FL
General Overview:
Reporting to the Senior Vice President (VP) of Artistic Operations, the VP of Artistic Planning will work in partnership with the music director, CEO, and the artistic leadership and management team in planning activities for upcoming seasons and executing artistic plans for the Sarasota Orchestra and Sarasota Music Festival. Working in a collaborative, team environment, the VP of Artistic Planning will play a central role in advancing artistic excellence across the organization’s performance missions: professional orchestra, Sarasota Music Festival, and education programs. The VP of Artistic Planning shall support our organizational values by nurturing an inclusive, respectful, and positive working relationship with all employees.
Responsibilities:
- Artistic Programming
- In partnership with the music director, CEO, conducting staff, and management team, manage repertoire and programming for Masterworks, Pops, Great Escapes, Discoveries, chamber music, Sarasota Music Festival, and other programs
- Compile artistic plans and coordinate preparation with librarians
- Actively participate and collaborate in the process for season calendar planning
- Identify guest conductors, artists, Pops programs, and other ideas that will advance the artistic profile of Sarasota Orchestra
- Contract Management
- Work with agencies and artists’ managers to engage guests and negotiate contracts within agreed-upon budgetary guidelines; supervise the Artistic Administration Manager to ensure that contracts are executed
- Facilitate guest artist participation in donor-related activities and, when required, ensure these engagements are part of contractual agreements
- Oversee the Artistic Administration Manager in the gathering and dissemination of information for artist schedules, rehearsal orders, logistical information, and fulfillment of artists' riders
- Manage foreign visa application process in conjunction with HR and Personnel
- Primary artistic contact for Sarasota Opera, Sarasota Ballet, and other contracted orchestra and chamber music engagements
- Prepare Orchestra contracted service agreements with other organizations such as Opera and Ballet
- Supervise communication between conductors, guests artists, and Librarians
- Administration
- Develop proposals, annual budgets, and manage approved budgets for the artistic department including guest conductors, guest artists, Pops programs, artistic travel, library rentals, and purchases
- Ensure compliance with all CBA requirements within the umbrella of artistic planning and administration
- As required, participate in music director searches and searches for staff conductors
- Communicate artistic plans to Marketing and Development departments, review printed and online content, and provide artistic support for Development events
- Lead and oversee the accuracy of internal program information for staff
- Participate in weekly Artistic Operations team meetings
- Perform other relevant duties and additional projects as assigned. Duties and responsibilities described herein are not a comprehensive list, and additional job tasks may be assigned from time to time as necessitated by the Artistic department and business needs
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Music
- Minimum 5 to 7 years relevant staff work experience in orchestral organizations required
- Thorough knowledge of orchestral repertoire
- Proficiency in computer software including Office and OPAS
- Ability to multi-task with attention to detail
- Ability to work well in a team environment
- Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and deadline-driven
- Ability to work nights and weekends during the season
Physical Requirements:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, sit, bend, and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. Repetitive motion is required while using a computer. The worker is required to have visual acuity to perform an activity such as preparing and analyzing data and figures and viewing a computer terminal. This position requires the ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.
Working Conditions:
The job operates in a professional environment including performance hall and office settings. The environment is generally moderate in temperature and noise level.
If you are interested in this opportunity with Sarasota Orchestra, please apply via e-mail with a cover letter and resume to [email protected] or call 941-487-2704 with any questions you may have. Thank you!
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Senior Director of Donor Engagement – Major Gifts
Known for its unique, team-oriented fundraising culture, Sarasota Orchestra seeks to engage a Senior Director of Donor Engagement – Major Gifts to join an established and successful team of fundraising professionals. This position will focus on cultivation of major gifts, while helping to implement and execute successful Giving campaigns. This position will maintain a keen awareness of Sarasota Orchestra’s overall development program which includes annual giving, foundation and corporate giving and revenue generated from special events. This position will also support the fundraising effort for a new Sarasota Music Center facility. Work and collaborate with fellow Donor Engagement Team members to establish objectives and set goals in a culture that cares deeply about stewardship and working as part of a team of development professionals.
Job Title: Senior Director of Donor Engagement – Major Gifts
Department: Donor Engagement
Reports To: Vice President of Advancement and Strategic Initiatives
Classification: Full-time; Salary / Exempt
Supervises: None – N/A
Location: Sarasota, FL
General Overview:
Known for its unique, team-oriented fundraising culture, Sarasota Orchestra seeks to engage a Senior Director of Donor Engagement – Major Gifts to join an established and successful team of fundraising professionals. This position will focus on cultivation of major gifts, while helping to implement and execute successful Giving campaigns. This position will maintain a keen awareness of Sarasota Orchestra’s overall development program which includes annual giving, foundation and corporate giving and revenue generated from special events. This position will also support the fundraising effort for a new Sarasota Music Center facility. Work and collaborate with fellow Donor Engagement Team members to establish objectives and set goals in a culture that cares deeply about stewardship and working as part of a team of development professionals.
Responsibilities:
- Identify, cultivate, solicit and steward a portfolio of major individual donors as well as prospects to secure Major Gifts, Annual Fund support, and funding for Special Projects
- Interact with major donors, board members, and professional advisors, and participate in fundraising activities to develop relationships with constituencies
- Participate in the tracking and qualifying of new prospects, recording of gifts and development of stewardship and acknowledgement strategies
- Participate in donor cultivation and stewardship at concerts, special events, receptions and outside events
- Meet objectives and budget goals as a member of the Donor Engagement team
- As a member of the Music Center Campaign team, assist with prospect research, gift agreements, and documentation, as well as donor stewardship and cultivation strategies
- Collaborate with the Campaign team in all aspects of the major gifts program of the Capital Campaign and Annual Fund.
- Willingness to embrace other duties as assigned
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree and seven-to-ten years of Development experience
- Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including some evenings and weekends
- Willingness to be hands on when needed and to assist with Development-related events to foster donor/prospect cultivation
- Ability to work with members of a team
- Excellent team player, with strong interpersonal skills
- Excellent organizational skills
- Excellent personal and written communication skills
- Knowledge in Microsoft office products, including Word and Excel, and development software preferably Tessitura
- Experience interfacing with donors, Board members and community leaders
- Excellent personal and written communication skills
Physical Requirements:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, sit, stand, walk, bend, reach, and use hands to finger, handle or feel. Repetitive motion is required while using a computer. The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as preparing and analyzing data and figures and viewing a computer terminal. This position requires the ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.
Working Conditions:
The job operates in a professional office environment and performing arts venues. The environment is generally moderate in temperature and noise level
If you are interested in this opportunity with Sarasota Orchestra, please apply via e-mail with a cover letter
and
resume to [email protected] or call 941-487-2704 with any questions you may have. Thank you!
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Production Assistant (Part-Time)
General Overview:
Assist in the setup and teardown of Sarasota Orchestra and Youth Orchestra events, Sarasota Music Festival, Summer Music Camp, Friedman Symphony Center rentals, and other functions as needed.
Responsibilities:
- Execute set ups for Sarasota Orchestra and Youth Orchestra services in all performance venues, and for rentals at the Friedman Symphony Center
- Load/Unload orchestra equipment truck for transport to other venues
- Assist Facilities Manager in all aspects of building operations/maintenance
- Act as a stagehand for Sarasota Orchestra and Youth Orchestra services when needed
- Properly operate lighting systems in the Friedman Symphony Center
- Maintain positive relationships with orchestra musicians, conductors, staff, Youth Orchestra parents, students, volunteers, and co-workers
- Perform other relevant duties and additional projects as assigned. Duties and responsibilities described herein are not a comprehensive list, and additional job tasks may be assigned from time to time as necessitated by the Artistic operations department and business needs.
- Weekly hours offered for this position: ranging from 14 – 20 hours.
Qualifications:
- High School Diploma or equivalent
- Strong communication skills
- Ability to work well in a team environment
- Attention to detail and accuracy
- Ability to work under supervision and independently
- Ability to work long hours during season
- Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends
- Ability to lift up to 65 lbs.
- Experience with orchestra production/operations a plus
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Please e-mail a cover letter and resume to [email protected].
Ticket Agent
Responsible for selling performance tickets and providing excellent customer service.
Job title: Ticket Agent
Department: Box Office
Reports To: Box Office Manager
Classification: Hourly / Non-Exempt
Supervises: None – N/A
Location: Sarasota, FL
General Overview:
Responsible for selling performance tickets and providing excellent customer service.
Responsibilities:
- Work within computerized ticketing system to sell tickets via phone, in person and at off-site venue performances; enter accurate customer data
- Maintain familiarity with various Sarasota Orchestra concerts, donor and volunteer events and the website, while providing helpful information to assist patrons.
- Balance own daily sales
- Assist in transport of box office supplies to off-site performances
- Perform other relevant duties and additional projects as assigned. Duties and responsibilities described herein are not a comprehensive list, and additional job tasks may be assigned from time to time as necessitated by the Box Office department and business needs.
Qualifications:
- High School Diploma or equivalent
- Proficiency in using a computer terminal and related basic office computer programs required. Previous work in a database or customer relations software a plus, but not required.
- Highly customer-focused; professional demeanor
- Ability to communicate programs and policies to customers
- Ability to accurately handle money and customer information
- Ability to follow directions and learn computerized ticketing system
- Flexibility to work outside of conventional office hours as needed, including nights and weekends
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Ability to work well in a team environment
- Ability to work at and commute to all off-site locations
- Ability to transport mobile box office equipment and supplies
- Previous sales/customer service experience preferred
- Knowledge of Classical Music a plus
Physical Requirements:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, stand or sit on a high stool for long periods of time, climb stairs, bend, reach, grasp, and use hands to finger, handle or feel. The worker is required to have visual acuity to perform an activity such as preparing and analyzing data and figures, viewing a computer terminal and visual inspection of tickets. This position requires the ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
Working Conditions:
The job operates in a professional environment including office and performance hall settings. The environment is generally moderate in temperature and noise level.
If you are interested in this opportunity with Sarasota Orchestra, please apply via e-mail with a cover letter and resume to [email protected] or call 941-487-2704 with any questions you may have. Thank you!
If you are interested in an opportunity with Sarasota Orchestra, please apply via e-mail with a cover letter and resume to [email protected] or call 941-487-2704 with any questions you may have.