Careers and auditions

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.

Job Title: Director of Legacy Giving
Department: Donor Engagement
Reports To: Senior Director, Development Services
Classification: Full-time; Salary / Exempt
Supervises: N/A
Location: Sarasota, FL
General Overview:

Sarasota Orchestra has long been a cultural beacon in the community. As the oldest continuing orchestra in Florida, we have set a regional standard for diverse performances that inspire people of all ages to experience live music. We have been the foundation for music education across generations, highlighted through both an acclaimed Youth Orchestra program that has nurtured young talent for over 65 years, and an annual music festival for emerging musical artists from around the world. This dedication to exquisite performance and first-class musical education underscores our mission to inspire and engage the community through the transformative power of music.

Known for its unique, team-oriented fundraising culture, Sarasota Orchestra seeks to engage a Director of Legacy Giving to join an established and successful team of fundraising professionals. The incumbent will be a seasoned, collaborative, successful, and ambitious planned giving expert to play a leadership role in all activities related to the development and implementation of strategies for identifying, cultivating, and soliciting annual/major giving prospects for legacy gifts. As the Orchestra prepares for a transformational multi-year capital campaign to build a new Music Center and strengthen the endowment, this role will partner with frontline fundraisers to identify and develop engagement plans for planned giving asks to support this historic fundraising effort.

The Director of Legacy Giving will strengthen gift planning culture at the Orchestra and in the donor community and enhance Encore Society programming to increase membership and engagement. To empower the Orchestra with a broad base of philanthropic support, especially from noncash assets, the incumbent will enhance the donor engagement program across all giving levels to focus on legacy giving. This candidate will manage the communications and training strategies both externally and internally for gift planning.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain holistic and strategic gift planning processes for the Development team, including partnering with frontline fundraisers to support incorporation of planned giving into donor cultivation and solicitation strategies and serve as a resource for planned giving matters and gift conversations. (30%)
• Enhance the legacy giving program, including donor benefits and recognition, the planning and execution of high-quality and effective Encore Society events, and stewardship opportunities across all legacy giving levels. (30%)
• Oversee the gift planning communications strategy as aligned with overall donor communications creating the content for internal- and external-facing legacy giving collateral, including stewardship reporting and marketing pieces. (15%)
• Lead internal and external gift planning trainings on a regular basis with the donor engagement team, volunteer leaders, and the donor community to strengthen the gift planning culture. (15%)
• Support the tracking and management of all reporting for planned giving including the execution and stewardship according to individual donor gift and pledge agreements and addendums. (10%)
• 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.

Necessary Knowledge & Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 7+ years of nonprofit development experience, with a track record of successfully supporting and/or managing major gift and legacy giving programs.
• Knowledge of planning giving vehicles, tax guidelines, and legal requirements.
• Experience working effectively with financial advisors and attorneys.
• Demonstrated ability to achieve fundraising goals while working with prospects in all phases of development: qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including some evenings and weekends.
• Willingness to be hands on when needed, managing and executing legacy society and cultivation events that engage donors, prospects, and volunteer leaders.
• Strong communications skills, both oral and written.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and fundraising CRM (preferably Tessitura).
• Excellent team player, with strong interpersonal skills.

Desired Qualifications:

• Commitment to the mission of Sarasota Orchestra – must adhere to the highest ethical standards, demonstrate an empathetic disposition and perseverance, and convey sensitivity to the needs of donors, volunteers, and staff.
• Experience with capital or endowment campaigns.
• Experience training gift officers, donors, and volunteer leaders in gift planning.
• Presents a high degree of sophistication, self-confidence and self-motivation, with a track record for successfully translating strategic ideas into action and results.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a goal-oriented team environment.
• 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.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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!

Job Title: Director of Campaign Engagement
Department: Donor Engagement
Reports To: Senior Director of Development Services
Classification: Full-time; Salary / Exempt
Supervises: N/A
Location: Sarasota, FL

General Overview:

Sarasota Orchestra has long been a cultural beacon in the community. As the oldest continuing orchestra in Florida, we have set a regional standard for diverse performances that inspire people of all ages to experience live music. We have been the foundation for music education across generations, highlighted through both an acclaimed Youth Orchestra program that has nurtured young talent for over 65 years, and an annual music festival for emerging musical artists from around the world. This dedication to exquisite performance and first-class musical education underscores our mission to inspire and engage the community through the transformative power of music.

Known for its unique, team-oriented fundraising culture, Sarasota Orchestra seeks to engage a Director of Campaign Engagement to join an established and successful team of fundraising professionals. Working closely in collaboration with and reporting to the Vice President of Advancement and Strategic Initiatives, this role will serve as the central coordinator of executing campaign engagement activity with the community. As the Orchestra prepares for a transformational multi-year capital campaign to build a new Music Center and strengthen the endowment, this role will manage the execution of campaign events for volunteers, prospects, and senior leadership to support this historic fundraising effort. The Director of Campaign Engagement will also play an important role as a liaison with other departments that will be vital to the success of the campaign effort.

The role provides strategic support and event planning to activate the campaign with key constituencies and the broader Sarasota community, strengthening the Orchestra’s culture of philanthropy. To empower the Orchestra with a broad base of philanthropic support, the incumbent will enhance the donor engagement program across all giving levels to focus on campaign participation. This candidate will support the management of campaign engagement events in partnership with the communications and building project teams, including Groundbreaking, hard hat tours, and opening celebrations. Working closely with the donor engagement team, the incumbent will be responsible for stewarding leadership campaign gifts, including managing a Founding Donors society. The candidate will effectively cultivate, manage, and leverage campaign volunteer leadership, including Campaign Co-Chairs, a Campaign Committee, and essential campaign ambassadors within the community.

Responsibilities:

• Work closely with the Sarasota Orchestra’s Campaign Team to support stewardship of the Campaign Co-Chairs and Committee, while activating campaign participation within the Development Committee, Board of Directors, and community leaders. (25%)
• Enhance the donor engagement program with a focus on campaign activation, including donor benefits and recognition, the planning and execution of high-quality and effective campaign events, and stewardship opportunities across all giving levels. (25%)
• Oversee campaign donor naming opportunities and the creation of recognition plaques and other stewardship and communications pieces. (20%)
• Responsible for oversight and execution of all reporting for campaign commitments made in individual donor gift and pledge agreements and addendums. (15%)
• Manage and track all campaign-related stewardship and gifts for stakeholders from the CEO and Campaign Committee. (15%)
• 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.

Necessary Knowledge & Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree
• 7-10 years of nonprofit development experience
• Experience supporting campaigns of $100M+
• Excellent attention to details and comfort in multi-tasking multiple deadlines as demonstrated through complex project management experience.
• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including some evenings and weekends.
• Willingness to be hands on when needed, managing and executing campaign events that engage donors, prospects, and volunteer leaders.
• Strong communications skills, both oral and written.
• Experience interfacing with donors, Board members, philanthropists, and community foundations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and fundraising CRM (preferably Tessitura).
• Ability to exercise a high degree of initiative, judgment, discretion, and decision-making to achieve organizational objectives and provide best-in-class engagement of donors, volunteers, and staff.
• Excellent team player, with strong interpersonal skills.

Desired Qualifications:

• Commitment to the mission of Sarasota Orchestra – must adhere to the highest ethical standards, demonstrate an empathetic disposition and perseverance, and convey sensitivity to the needs of donors, volunteers, and staff.
• Presents a high degree of sophistication, self-confidence and self-motivation – ability to keep calm under pressure.
• Experience managing cross-team collaboration of ambitious campaign effort.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a goal-oriented team environment.

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.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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!

Job Title: Digital Marketing Graphic Designer
Department: Marketing
Reports to: Graphic Design Manager

Classification: Full time; Salaried, Exempt
Supervises: None
Location: Sarasota, FL

General Summary

The Digital Marketing Graphic Designer creates visual content for digital platforms, coordinates digital advertising with an outside agency, and performs cross-platform design projects to advance Sarasota Orchestra’s mission and brand.

Responsibilities

• Develop and design digital advertising and social media graphics placed by our outside agency. Project management responsibilities to enable digital campaigns.
• Create captivating motion graphics and short animations for digital advertising, and video editing for our social media and web platforms.
• Maintain metrics on initiatives for the marketing department dashboard and analytics, in collaboration with outside agency.
• Perform graphic design projects for print advertising, printed pieces and digital platforms for concert ticket sales, youth education, Sarasota Music Festival and Development (fundraising) initiatives, under supervision of Graphic Design Manager.
• Create impactful PowerPoint presentations in support of organization’s mission.
• Maintain and archive all projects in the department’s project management software Basecamp.
• Support community marketing events and attend concerts as necessary to support marketing team initiatives.
• 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 graphic design, digital design, multimedia or related disciplines.
• 1-year of professional experience in digital design, or relevant internships with a portfolio of professional samples.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, primarily InDesign, Photoshop and Premiere Pro, as well as the Microsoft Office Suite (especially PowerPoint). Familiarity and proficiency with other industry-standard design tools for video and animation production.
• Detail-oriented with strong communications skills.
• Ability to flourish in a team-oriented culture.
• Knowledge of classical music helpful.
• Ability to work productively in a hybrid work environment.

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. Position requires some in-person office work, with remote work authorized as assigned by Supervisor.

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.

Job Title: Major Gifts Coordinator
Department: Donor Engagement
Reports To: Senior Vice President of Advancement and Strategic Initiatives
Classification: Full-time; Hourly / Non-Exempt
Supervises: N/A
Location: Sarasota, FL

General Overview:

Sarasota Orchestra has long been a cultural beacon in the community. As the oldest continuing orchestra in Florida, we have set a regional standard for diverse performances that inspire people of all ages to experience live music. We have been the foundation for music education across generations, highlighted through both an acclaimed Youth Orchestra program that has nurtured young talent for over 65 years, and an annual music festival for emerging musical artists from around the world. This dedication to exquisite performance and first-class musical education underscores our mission to inspire and engage the community through the transformative power of music.

Known for its unique, team-oriented fundraising culture, Sarasota Orchestra seeks to engage a Major Gifts Coordinator to join an established and successful team of fundraising professionals. Reporting directly to the Senior Vice President of Advancement and Strategic Initiatives, this role will provide critical administrative and execution support to a growing fundraising operation. As the Orchestra prepares for a transformational multi-year capital campaign to build a new Music Center and strengthen the endowment, this is a great opportunity to learn more about nonprofit operations during a historic fundraising effort.

Within the first 6 months, the Major Gifts Coordinator will establish an effective and efficient system to manage the Senior Vice President of Advancement and Strategic Initiatives’ calendar and major gifts portfolio, and independently coordinate department meetings and cross-functional workstreams.

Responsibilities:

Administrative & Operational Support for Senior Vice President of Advancement & Strategic Initiatives: (40%)

• Directly manage scheduling and travel arrangements;
• Prepare agendas, meeting briefings, and other materials for internal and donor meetings;
• Coordinate donor visits, events, and tours and collaborate across various internal teams to ensure successful and engaging visits for donors.

Major Gifts / Fundraising Operations: (40%)

• Draft written donor communications for the Senior Vice President and Chief Executive Officer;
• Track donor outreach and activity for the Senior Vice President’s portfolio;
• Support the fundraising leadership team in scheduling and organizing regular major donor portfolio reviews and maintenance of the campaign pipeline;
• Regularly update Tessitura with donor information for the Senior Vice President’s portfolio and generally for the campaign; leverage reports and dashboards to manage up on outstanding action items;
• Support with the planning, organization, and execution of campaign activity, donor events (i.e., cocktail parties, annual Education brunch, and pre-concert dinners), and personalized recognition and benefits strategies;
• Support execution of ad hoc research for prospects and existing donors.

Team Operations & Team Culture Support: (20%)

• Manage scheduling, agendas, note-taking, and follow ups for regular Advancement department meetings;
• Plan culture-building and recognition activities for the Advancement team (i.e., coordinating celebrations for birthdays, anniversaries, and wins);
• Coordinate a centralized calendar for the Advancement team including the creation and maintenance of standard two-week look-ahead to ensure clarity across the team and alignment with other departments;
• Manage expense reports.
• 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.

Necessary Knowledge & Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 1+ years of experience in nonprofits or fundraising (internships and college experience included).
• Impeccable attention to detail.
• Comfort with technology.
• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including some evenings and weekends.
• Excellent organizational and problem solving-skills.
• Strong written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Capacity to design and manage systems and calendars for a team.
• Motivated to flexibly and quickly learn and adapt.
• Ability to interact professionally with donors, prospects, staff, or directors of the board.
• Interest in working in, and growing within, the world of arts and culture and/or nonprofit fundraising.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a goal-oriented team environment.

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.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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!

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].