Careers & Auditions

Section Horn (2^nd)

Core orchestra
2022-23 salary: $43,059.95 + Benefits*

Preliminary Rounds: September 6, 2022
Advanced Rounds: September 7, 2022

Employment to begin as soon as possible.

*Benefits include, but aren’t limited to: health insurance (Sarasota Orchestra pays no less than 75% of premium), instrument insurance, short- and long- term disability, 403b retirement plan, and Flexible Spending Account.

One-page resumé and $75 deposit (check made out to Sarasota Orchestra) must be received on or before August 2, 2022.

Audition Coordinator (2^nd Horn)
Sarasota Orchestra
709 N. Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, FL  34236

Do not e-mail your resumé. It will be considered an incomplete application.

Please list your instrument, e-mail, cell phone and a current mailing address on your resumé. After receipt of your resumé and deposit, all correspondence from Sarasota Orchestra will be by e-mail.

Download Excerpt List

Any questions should be directed to auditions@sarasotaorchestra.org. No phone calls please.

The Sarasota Orchestra tunes to A=440.

No electronic devices are allowed in the audition room during your audition. This includes, but is not limited to: tuners, metronomes, cell phones, and recording devices. 

Auditions will take place at Friedman Symphony Center, 709 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, 34236. The physical location is one block west of Tamiami Trail (towards the water) on Van Wezel Way, between 10^th Street and Blvd. of the Arts (6^th Street). If you have a GPS, enter 709 Van Wezel Way which will take your right to our front door.

The audition committee reserves the right to dismiss any candidate not meeting the highest professional standards. Winning candidates are required to show proof of eligibility to work in the United States. 

Section Viola
Core orchestra
2022-23 salary: $41,009.48 + Benefits*

Preliminary Rounds: September 8, 2022
Advanced Rounds: September 9, 2022

Employment to begin as soon as possible.

*Benefits include, but aren’t limited to: health insurance (Sarasota Orchestra pays no less than 75% of premium), instrument insurance, short- and long- term disability, 403b retirement plan, and Flexible Spending Account.

One-page resumé and $75 deposit (check made out to Sarasota Orchestra) must be received on or before August 2, 2022.

Audition Coordinator (Core Viola)
Sarasota Orchestra
709 N. Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, FL  34236

Do not e-mail your resumé. It will be considered an incomplete application.

Please list your instrument, e-mail, cell phone and a current mailing address on your resumé. After receipt of your resumé and deposit, all correspondence from Sarasota Orchestra will be by e-mail.

Download Excerpt List

Any questions should be directed to auditions@sarasotaorchestra.org. No phone calls please.

The Sarasota Orchestra tunes to A=440.

No electronic devices are allowed in the audition room during your audition. This includes, but is not limited to: tuners, metronomes, cell phones, and recording devices.

Auditions will take place at Friedman Symphony Center, 709 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, 34236. The physical location is one block west of Tamiami Trail (towards the water) on Van Wezel Way, between 10^th Street and Blvd. of the Arts (6^th Street). If you have a GPS, enter 709 Van Wezel Way which will take your right to our front door.

The audition committee reserves the right to dismiss any candidate not meeting the highest professional standards. Winning candidates are required to show proof of eligibility to work in the United States. 

Per-service Viola
Per-service orchestra position
2022-23 per-service rate: $154.25*
Guaranteed minimum 65 services.
Employment to begin as soon as possible.

All rounds will take place on September 10, 2022.

*403b plan offered: 3% of annual wages + 50% employer match up to .5% annual wages.

*Travel for contracted per-service musicians: Florida residents shall be paid travel in accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement. Out-of-state residents must negotiate travel remuneration with Sarasota Orchestra management.

One-page resumé and $75 deposit check (payable to Sarasota Orchestra) must be received on or before August 2, 2022. Send resumé and deposit to:

Audition Coordinator (Per-Service Viola)
Sarasota Orchestra
709 N. Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, FL  34236

Do not e-mail your resumé. It will be considered an incomplete application. 

Please list your instrument, e-mail, and a current mailing address on your resumé. After receipt of resumé and deposit, all correspondence from Sarasota Orchestra will be by e-mail.

Download Excerpt List

Any questions should be directed to auditions@sarasotaorchestra.org. No phone calls please.

The Sarasota Orchestra tunes to A=440.

No electronic devices are allowed in the audition room during your audition. This includes, but is not limited to, tuners, metronomes, cell phones, and recording devices.

Auditions will take place at Friedman Symphony Center, 709 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, 34236. The physical location is one block west of Tamiami Trail (towards the water) on Van Wezel Way, between 10^th Street and Boulevard of the Arts (6^th Street). If you have a GPS, enter 709 Van Wezel Way which will take your right to our front door.

The audition committee reserves the right to dismiss any candidate not meeting the highest professional standards. Winning candidates are required to show proof of eligibility to work in the United States. 

Section Violin
Core orchestra
2022-23 salary: $41,009.48 + Benefits*

Preliminary Rounds: September 24, 2022
Advanced Rounds: September 25, 2022

Employment to begin as soon as possible.

*Benefits include, but aren’t limited to: health insurance (Sarasota Orchestra pays no less than 75% of premium), instrument insurance, short- and long- term disability, 403b retirement plan, and Flexible Spending Account.

One-page resumé and $75 deposit (check made out to Sarasota Orchestra) must be received on or before August 2, 2022.

Audition Coordinator (Violin)
Sarasota Orchestra
709 N. Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, FL  34236

Do not e-mail your resumé. It will be considered an incomplete application.

Please list your instrument, e-mail, cell phone and a current mailing address on your resumé. After receipt of your resumé and deposit, all correspondence from Sarasota Orchestra will be by e-mail.

Download Excerpt List

Any questions should be directed to auditions@sarasotaorchestra.org. No phone calls please.

The Sarasota Orchestra tunes to A=440.

No electronic devices are allowed in the audition room during your audition. This includes, but is not limited to: tuners, metronomes, cell phones, and recording devices.

Auditions will take place at Friedman Symphony Center, 709 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, 34236. The physical location is one block west of Tamiami Trail (towards the water) on Van Wezel Way, between 10^th Street and Blvd. of the Arts (6^th Street). If you have a GPS, enter 709 Van Wezel Way which will take your right to our front door.

The audition committee reserves the right to dismiss any candidate not meeting the highest professional standards. Winning candidates are required to show proof of eligibility to work in the United States. 

Title: Director of Donor Engagement ­– Individual Giving
Department: Donor Engagement
Reports to: Sr. Dir of Development Services
Classification: Full-time, Salary/Exempt
Supervises: None – N/A
Location: Sarasota, FL

General Summary:

As part of the Donor Engagement Team, help set strategies to engage and solicit individuals for the Annual Fund. Participate in fundraising events to develop relationships with constituencies, and manage a portfolio of donors. Work with the Donor Engagement Team to establish objectives and set goals in a culture that cares deeply about stewardship and working as part of a team of development professionals. Work with Sr. Dir of Development Services and Donor Engagement Coordinator to execute the Annual Fund strategy.

Responsibilities:

• Identify, cultivate, solicit and steward a portfolio of individual donors to secure Annual Fund and Special Event gifts
• With Sr. Dir of Development Services, solicit and steward Orchestra Concierge portfolio donors
• Secure new donors and increase contributions from renewing donors to assist in achieving the overall objectives of the organization
• Use and maintain donor database by recording donor notes and updating personal portfolio of donors
• Develop the Annual Fund strategy in partnership with Donor Engagement Team
• Manage donor benefit levels and collateral materials related to the annual appeal
• With Sr. Dir of Development Services, coordinate stewardship strategies for new and returning donors through thank you calls, surprise and delight and other techniques
• Strategically use the Tessitura database to facilitate a successful annual appeal and membership program
• Liaise with Marketing Department to execute digital/multichannel appeal strategies
• Meet objectives and budget goals for the Annual Fund; work with team to develop strategies to attain them
• Participate in donor cultivation and stewardship at concerts, special events, receptions and outside events
• Willingness to embrace other duties 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 Donor Engagement department and business needs.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field
• 3+ years fundraising experience
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and Power Point
• Database management experience – Tessitura preferred
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills
• Ability to work well in a team environment
• Ability to present information concisely and effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Ability to organize and prioritize work
• Strong analytical skills and ability to meet deadlines
• Availability for work outside of typical office hours, including evenings and weekends
• Ability to work independently with little supervision
• Excellent interpersonal 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 contact us at HR@SarasotaOrchestra.org or by calling 941-487-2704. When applying, please include a cover letter and a resume. Thank you!

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer

Title: Director of Donor Engagement - Grants and Corporate
Department: Donor Engagement
Reports To: Sr. Director of Development Services
Classification: Full-time, Salary/Exempt
Supervises: None – N/A
Location: Sarasota, FL

As part of the Donor Engagement Team, help set strategies to engage and solicit corporations and foundations for the Annual Fund. Lead corporate and foundation giving programs including grants. Interact with major donors and board members, and participate in fundraising events to develop relationships with constituencies. Work with the Donor Engagement Team 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:

• Develop strategies to advance corporate, foundation and granting programs
• Identify, cultivate, solicit and steward a portfolio of corporate, foundation and granting donors to secure Annual Fund and Special Event gifts
• Secure new corporate donors and increase contributions from renewing corporate donors to assist in achieving the overall objectives of the organization
• Use and help maintain donor database (Tessitura), by recording donor notes and updating portfolios of donors
• Research and apply for grant opportunities to benefit the organization
• Prepare and submit all reports as required by granting agencies
• Collaborate with all departments to ensure necessary granting reporting needs are obtained, including: development of audience survey questions, education enrollment statistics, marketing strategies, etc
• Maintain keen awareness of overall development program including annual giving, planned and endowment giving and special events
• Meet objectives and budget goals for Corporate and Grants and work with team to develop strategies to attain them
• Contribute to team’s overall achievement of Annual Fund objectives and goals
• Participate in donor cultivation and stewardship at concerts, special events, receptions and outside events, sharing attendance at concerts and events with Donor Engagement Team
• With Marketing department, create, maintain and update corporate collateral materials annually
• Participate as necessary in the development of Annual Fund and Special Event collateral materials
• Collaborate with all departments to ensure proper donor/sponsor acknowledgement including print, web, and electronic materials and collateral
• Willingness to embrace other duties 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 Donor Engagement department and business needs.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree and minimum 7+ years individual/major gifts fundraising experience

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and fundraising software such as Raiser’s Edge or Tessitura
• Self-motivated, well organized, and detail oriented
• Entrepreneurial approach to challenges with and eagerness to learn
• Ability to work with members of a team including open communication, mentoring and supporting team-mates
• Excellent interpersonal and listening skills
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
• Proven track record soliciting and closing gifts of $10k and more
• Direct marketing, and special event experience preferred
• Outgoing personality and ability to initiate and enjoy direct communication with donors and potential donors; customer-service orientation
• Strong analytical skills and ability to meet deadlines
• Availability for work outside of typical office hours, including evenings and weekends
• Interest in classical music desirable

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 contact us at HR@SarasotaOrchestra.org or by calling 941-487-2704. When applying, please include a cover letter and a resume. Thank you!

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer

Job Title: Assistant Production Manager
Department: Artistic Operations
Reports to: Production Manager
Classification: Full-time, Hourly/Non-Exempt
Supervises: 1-3 part-time Production Assistants
Location: Sarasota, FL

General Summary:

Oversee all production setups, technical logistics and production requirements for Orchestra programs and functions as assigned by the Production Manager. This is a dynamic position in our production area, including a combination of production department supervisory, administrative and event support responsibilities.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee all orchestra service setups and technical logistics (Masterworks, Pops, GEs, Soirees and Chamber run-outs); oversee setups for Youth Orchestra, Sarasota Music Festival and Summer Music Camp
• Manage Part-Time Production staff
• Coordinate orchestra set-ups and non-orchestra set-ups with production team, Technical Director, Facilities Manager and Food and Beverage Coordinator; work closely with Operations Staff
• Supervise and manage all technical aspects of orchestra concerts and rehearsals/compliance with technical riders
• Stage Manage concerts and rehearsals
• Coordinate and transport equipment to performance venues
• Operate sound and lighting systems as needed
• Operate VISIO program for orchestra setups
• Liaison with IATSE (and non union house crews) and Orchestra
• Comply with Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA)
• Perform other relevant duties and projects as assigned

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• 1+ years’ experience with orchestra production/operations and stage management
• Knowledge of orchestral instrumentation/setups; familiarity in a musical / stage environment desired
• Valid Driver’s License required
• Ability to work in a fast paced, deadline driven environment while maintaining a calm, professional demeanor

• Willingness to work long hours, including nights and weekends, with ability to vary schedule weekly as needed
• Excel and word experience (OPAS experience preferred)
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to maintain positive relationships with conductors, musicians and staff
• Ability to work well in a team environment

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, sit, stand, walk, bend, crouch, push, pull, lift, grasp, use hands to handle or feel, and reach with hands and arms. The worker is required to have visual acuity to operate a motor vehicle, view a computer terminal, and determine the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of work assigned. This position requires the ability to frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, lift up to 65 pounds overhead, and lift a 100 pound harp.

Working Conditions:

The job operates in a professional office environment. The environment is generally moderate in temperature and noise level. The worker is required to function in narrow aisles or passageways. The worker is subject to both inside and outside environmental conditions.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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 HR@SarasotaOrchestra.org.

GENERAL OVERVIEW:

Responsible for the oversight of all front-of-house operations and volunteer ushers for Sarasota Orchestra and Youth Orchestra Program concerts. Work closely with and collaborate with other House Managers to provide a superior customer experience. Liaison with FOH managers at other venues where the Orchestra performs, serving as a point of contact for Orchestra volunteer auxiliaries.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Responsible for the care and safety of our patrons. Provide excellent customer service by anticipating and fulfilling patron needs, warmly greeting patrons, and overseeing patron seating.
• Work closely with Box Office staff to resolve all seating or FOH patron issues or conflicts while maintaining a customer-first approach to ensure satisfaction and comfort.
• Respond quickly and calmly in emergency situations, providing basic First Aid if/when needed, and generating written documentation after each incident.
• Supervise volunteer ushers at concerts and be able to lead pre-concert usher meetings; distribute tools needed including radios, ticket scanners, doorstops, flashlights and nametags.
• Have details of each musical performance to coordinate appropriate seating breaks, conductor and orchestra personnel, program times, and length of intermission.
• Ensure all public spaces are presentable and safe before, during, and after performances
• Prepare lobby and hall for concerts, including program distribution stations and reserve seating requests.
• Communicate via radio with production, box office, development, facilities, operations, and personnel staff to ensure the house is ready to open and the concerts start on time.
• Complete Post-Performance Reports after concert as assigned.
• Report any equipment malfunctions or safety concerns in the lobby and hall, as well as patron complaints and concerns, to the Patron Services Manager or Facilities Manager in a timely manner.
• Liaison with the house management team at other venues where SO performs to best serve SO patrons.
• May serve as point person for Sarasota Police Department when scheduled for SO concerts at Holley Hall, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, Neel Performing Arts Center, and Sarasota Opera House.
• Perform other relevant duties and additional projects as assigned by management.
• 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 Patron Services Manager and front of house needs.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Demonstrates utmost professionalism outwardly and possesses excellent verbal communication skills.
• 2+ years’ experience with volunteer, team or project management preferred.
• 1-3 years of prior supervisory experience desired.
• Exceptional customer service and timely decision-making skills.
• Ability to work well under pressure while maintaining a positive, patient, and professional demeanor.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and situations concurrently.
• Ability to thrive in a team environment, working together to ensure the individual needs of each patron is met.
• Availability to work a flexible schedule, including weekday mornings, nights and weekends.
• Willingness to receive and maintain CPR/AED, First Aid, and Bloodborne Pathogens certification.
• Knowledge of classical music and or concert/theatre environment preferred.
• Ability to learn and troubleshoot NSCAN electronic ticket devices.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and Outlook.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, sit, stand for extended periods of time, walk, move up and down stairs, bend, lift, use fingers and reach with hands and arms. The worker is required to have visual acuity to view a computer terminal, determine the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of work assigned, and make general observations of seating set-ups. This position requires the ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 35 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 the Sarasota Orchestra, please contact us at HR@SarasotaOrchestra.org or by calling 941-487-2704. When applying, please include a cover letter and a resume.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.