Careers and Auditions

Job Title: Director of Donor Engagement - Individual Giving and Corporate
Department: Donor Engagement
Reports to: SVP of Advancement & Strategic Initiatives
Classification: Full Time; Salary/Exempt
Supervises: N/A
Location: Sarasota, FL

General Overview:

As part of the Donor Engagement Team, help set strategies to engage and solicit individual and corporate gifts to the Annual Fund. Participate in fundraising events to develop relationships with constituencies and manage a portfolio of individual and corporate 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. The Director shall support our organizational values by nurturing an inclusive, respectful and positive working relationship with all employees, patrons, and vendors.

Responsibilities:

• Research and develop strategies for identifying new corporate or individual opportunities to benefit the organization
• Identify, cultivate, solicit and steward a portfolio of individual and corporate donors to secure Annual Fund and Special Event gifts
• Assist with identification and qualification of prospects through the Moves Management process
• Secure new individual and corporate 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
• Assist with stewardship strategies for new and returning Individual Giving level donors through thank you calls, surprise and delight and other techniques
• With support from Development Operations team, Solicit and steward Orchestra Concierge portfolio donors
• Meet objectives and budget goals for Corporate and Individual Giving
• Maintain keen awareness of overall development program, including annual giving, planned and endowment giving and special events
• Participate in donor cultivation and stewardship at concerts, special events, receptions and outside events
• With Marketing department, create, maintain and update corporate collateral materials annually
• Collaborate with all departments to ensure proper corporate 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 in a related field
• 3+ years of 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 environment including office and performance hall settings. The environment is generally moderate in temperature and noise level.

Job Title: Donor Engagement and Stewardship Coordinator
Department: Donor Engagement
Reports To: Sr. Director of Development Services
Classification: Full time; Hourly / Non-Exempt
Supervises: N/A
Location: Sarasota, FL

General Overview:

As a member of the Donor Engagement team, the coordinator provides administrative, event, concert, and stewardship support to advance fundraising and donor engagement efforts. This role assists with donor communications, event coordination, database management, gift processing, and donor recognition activities while supporting Individual Gift Officers and concierge portfolios. Working collaboratively with colleagues, patrons, and vendors, the coordinator helps ensure an exceptional donor experience and fosters a culture of stewardship, teamwork, inclusivity, and excellence in support of Sarasota Orchestra's mission and values.

Responsibilities:

• In partnership with the Major Gift Coordinator, manage sponsorship contracts, sponsorship logs and donor recognition in program books. Maintain RSVP lists for development events in database; assist with making phone calls to confirm patron attendance.
• Support individual gift officers and concierge portfolio donors through the planning, coordination, and execution of annual fund and campaign activities, donor events, and stewardship strategies, fostering meaningful engagement and delivering exceptional donor experiences.
• Serve as departmental support for the preparation of event materials, nametags, table signage and guest lists by merging donor and gift data from the database into templates.
• Manage and execute extractions and lists in Tessitura as needed by donor engagement team.
• Create and manage donor engagement concert materials, including concert scripts, sponsor boards, electronic signage, surprise & delight.
• Coordinate ticket voucher allocation for board and development team, speaking engagements, corporate mailings, and campaign events.
• Attend all pre-performance huddles as the donor engagement team representative and coordinate department staffing of concerts/events.
• Attend performances and donor events as required.
• Utilizing Prospect2, design, prepare and execute events and stewardship invitations and communications.
• Provide backup support for daily gift batch processing in Tessitura, assist with constituent record updates and maintenance as needed.
• 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:

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• 1+ years administrative experience
• Strong computer skills in Excel, Word and PowerPoint
• Strong customer service skills
• Ability to create and merge letters and labels
• Database experience (knowledge of Tessitura preferred)
• Well-organized with great attention to detail
• Ability to prioritize and proactively manage tasks independently
• Ability to multitask and work under pressure
• Must work well in a team-oriented environment with a positive, helpful attitude in developing creative responses and solutions to needs and issues
• Ability to work flexible hours including weekends and evenings, on occasion

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 environment including office and performance hall settings. The environment is generally moderate in temperature and noise level. In-office work is required for this position.

Job Title: Receptionist (Front Desk)
Department: Human Resources
Reports To: Director of Human Resources
Classification: Full-Time; Hourly/Non-Exempt
Supervises: None
Location: Sarasota, FL

General Overview:

The Receptionist is responsible for a variety of administrative duties supporting Sarasota Orchestra including answering phones, greeting and directing visitors to the orchestra, and assisting other departments administratively when needed. This position has also been nicknamed the “face” of the orchestra, as it sits centrally at the Front Desk and in our Main Lobby interacting with a wide variety of visitors, patrons, staff, musicians, volunteers and vendors. The individual in this position helps a visitor form an initial impression regarding our organization, so it is a key administrative support role always requiring utmost professional representation. The Receptionist shall support our organizational values by nurturing an inclusive, respectful and positive working relationship with all individuals they come into contact with.

Responsibilities:

• Greet and direct customers, patrons and visitors incoming to the building; answer and screen / transfer incoming phone calls
• Assist with RSVPs, mailings and other administrative support projects as assigned for a variety of departments including Box Office, Donor Engagement, Education, Marketing, Friends, Orchestra, SMF and Human Resources
• Date and distribute USPS mail, FedEx and UPS mail daily in addition to preparation of items for daily mailing or shipping
• Monitors and ensures maintenance/update of postage machine and central copiers
• Monitors and assists with Inventory storage room; coordinate replenishment of marketing materials and office supplies; replenish Orchestra brochures and flyers in lobby
• Schedule building room reservations in OPAS
• Responsible for coordinating with facilities and assisting as needed with the opening and closing of the facility between the hours of 8:30 am and 4:30 pm, ensuring proper doors are opened / closed, or locked / unlocked, and doing walk through of facility, turning on lights, etc. Responsible for reporting any issues to Facility Manager or HR Director.
• Update staff contact phone listing
• Order office supplies
• Assist in ordering nametags, nameplates, business cards or other supplies needed for new hires
• Serves as a member of the Employee Events Committee; supporting events held for orchestra staff and musicians throughout the year
• 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 Human Resources department and other general business needs.

Qualifications & Requirements:

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Ability to work from 8:30am to 4:30pm, Monday through Friday
• Highly customer focused; very professional demeanor required
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work well in a team environment
• Ability to work without supervision
• Good administrative skills required
• Microsoft Office program knowledge and experience required including Word, Excel, etc.
• Ability to multi-task
• Strong attention to details
• Ability to always remain focused and on task while at work

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, sit, stand, walk, bend, use hands to finger, handle or feel, and reach with hands and arms. The worker is required to have visual acuity to see people entering the building and in the lobby. The worker will use a computer and phone system to complete work, and the position is primarily sedentary, with some walking / standing required. This position requires the ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.

Working Conditions:

The job operates in a professional office environment and in-person at the office. The environment is generally moderate in temperature and noise level. Remote work is not available / applicable for this position.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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. The Ticket Agent shall support a respectful and positive working relationship with all employees, outside vendors and patrons / customers, promoting an inclusive, respectful culture and Sarasota Orchestra values.

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.

Job Title: Production Assistant
Department: Artistic Operations
Reports To: Production Manager
Classification: Part-time & Hourly/Non-Exempt
Supervises: None – N/A
Location: Sarasota, FL

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. The Production Assistant shall also support a respectful and positive working relationship with all employees, orchestra musicians, conductors, volunteers, patrons, vendors and customers, supporting an inclusive, respectful culture and Sarasota Orchestra values.

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
• 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.

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Strong communication skills
• Ability to collaborate and work well in a team environment
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to work under supervision and independently
• Ability to work longer hours during season (Sept – May)
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends
• Ability to lift /move up to 65 lbs.
• Experience with orchestra production/operations a plus

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Job Title: Food and Beverage Server (Part-time)
Department: Facilities
Reports to: Facilities & Events Manager
Supervises: None – N/A
Location: Sarasota, FL

General Overview

Set-up and execute various orchestra sponsored functions, rental events and concert concessions related to Food and Beverage, while meeting or exceeding Sarasota Orchestra’s standards of event and guest service. The Server shall support a respectful and positive working relationship with all employees, outside vendors and patrons / customers, promoting an inclusive, respectful culture and Sarasota Orchestra values.

Responsibilities

• Assist with food and beverage service at Orchestra events
• Maintain cleanliness in work area, and food and beverage closet
• Perform inventories on foodstuffs periodically throughout the year
• Work within the rules and regulations of the Sarasota Orchestra bar license
• 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 Facilities department and business needs.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Prior experience in food/beverage/catering industry required
• Creativity with buffet/room set-up/decorations
• Ability to work well and professionally in a team environment
• Ability to complete and pass a TIPS certification
• Excellent customer service and verbal communication skills required
• Work hours required weekly vary based on orchestra events. Flexibility with day, evening or weekend shifts is required.

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, sit, stand, walk, bend, crouch, stoop, push, pull, lift, climb, balance, grasp, use hands to finger, handle or feel, and reach with hands and arms. Standing and being mobile around the facility for extended periods of time is required. This position requires the ability to frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Working Conditions

The job operates in a professional office building environment. The environment is generally moderate in temperature and noise level. The worker is subject to both inside and outside environmental conditions.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.

January 18 – April 30, 2027 (remote) & June 3 – June 20, 2027 (in-person)

Sarasota Orchestra is currently seeking one intern to support the Sarasota Music Festival. The intern will have the opportunity to actively learn about many aspects of festival planning and operational functions necessary for coordinating a classical chamber music festival. This is an outstanding opportunity that will provide the selected intern with valuable experience and knowledge in arts administration.

Internship Summary

The Festival intern will work closely with the Director of Artistic Operations to support the implementation and planning of day-to-day activities of the Festival. The Festival intern’s primary function is to ensure that a variety of events (rehearsals, concerts, masterclasses, community outreach) run smoothly. The Festival intern is expected to orient to and learn about the festival processes overall.

Key responsibilities

• Work with the Director of Artistic Operations to coordinate the fellow application and audition process
• Draft correspondence from Sarasota Music Festival to applicants, accepted fellows, and faculty
• Collate and organize fellow data collected via the Festival Portal, including repertoire, housing, and dietary preferences
• With Director of Artistic Operations, create a dynamic, updatable digital Festival schedule accessible by faculty, fellows, and staff
• Organize travel logistics for fellows and faculty
• Support the efforts of the Artistic Coordinator to ensure artist hospitality needs are met
• Facilitate Festival registration and orientation
• Interface with artistic personnel, administrative staff, Festival Fellows, donors, and patrons
• Liaise with the Marketing department to coordinate radio and television interviews and assist with social media efforts
• Collaborate with the Development team to staff the Festival Pass desk, interacting with donors and patrons, and special guests
• Attend meetings as suggested by the Director of Artistic Operations in preparation and orientation for the Sarasota Music Festival.
• Provide on-the-ground assistance with Fellow community outreach performances

Additional duties will be discussed individually to tailor the experience to the intern’s interests and skills.

Required Skills/Attributes

• Must be organized, detail-oriented, and able to prioritize multiple projects at the same time
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work in fast-paced environment with a variety of personalities
• Valid driver’s license with 3+ years driving experience and willingness to operate large passenger van

Preferred Qualifications

• Graduate student in arts administration
• Bachelor’s degree in music or arts
• Background in classical music with strong knowledge of chamber repertoire
• Interest in pursuing arts administration as a career

Applicants must be able to commit to the entire internship beginning January 18 and concluding June 20, 2027. Specific work dates and time-off can be coordinated with the selected candidate, but this opportunity is for one internship.

Schedule

Remote Internship – February 1 – April 30, 2027 (96 hours, average 8 hrs./week with one week off for spring break)

In-Person Internship - June 3 – June 20, 2027 (114 hours, average 45 hrs./week)

Hours for the remote portion of the internship are flexible, but ideally would occur with regularity. In-person hours vary based on the daily Festival schedule and needs. The Festival hours of operation are 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM Mon.-Sat. and 1:00 PM – 10:00 PM on Sunday.

Compensation

$15/hr

Housing, Meals, and Transportation

Sarasota Music Festival will provide housing within walking distance to Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center for the in-person portion of the internship. Lunch and dinner are provided Monday-Saturday. Transportation to and from Sarasota is the responsibility of the intern.

College Credit

Upon timely request, Sarasota Music Festival is happy to complete necessary paperwork for the intern to receive college internship credit through the intern’s college or university.

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this internship, 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 intern 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 50 pounds.

Working Conditions

The internship operates in a professional environment including office and performance hall settings. The environment is generally moderate in temperature and noise level.

About Sarasota Music Festival

Applicants from top music programs at colleges and conservatories worldwide audition for a limited number of fellowships to participate in the Festival each year. These exceptional musicians work side-by-side with a group of guest faculty artists. On any given day during the Festival, a fellow will rehearse in chamber ensembles with their peers and have the coveted opportunity to play side-by-side with Festival faculty. Fellows will also perform in the Festival orchestra and participate in workshops and seminars.

Co-founded by Paul Wolfe, the Sarasota Music Festival began in 1965 as a one-week event with seven guest mentors. In just two years, the Festival grew to three weeks and was drawing students from across the United States. Over the years, the Festival continued to expand and receive national and international attention. In 1984 it was designated by the Florida State Legislature as the "Official Teaching and Performing Festival of the State of Florida." In 2016 Jeffrey Kahane was appointed the Festival's music director, and his tenure concluded in 2025.

Faculty artists include many of the Festival's own alumni and represent nearly all major American orchestras and a cross-section of renowned music schools, conservatories, and institutes of music. The fellows range from professional-level musicians to superior students from music schools and conservatories. Several travel from other countries to participate.

Festival audiences are spellbound by a wide variety of concert experiences, including several Chamber Showcase performances as well as a Festival Orchestra finale performance.

Questions about the Festival internship should be directed to the Director of Artistic Operations, Olivia Steinman Deems ([email protected]).

Sarasota Orchestra is an Equal Opportunity Employer.