Careers and auditions
Administration
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 HR@SarasotaOrchestra.org or call 941-487-2704 with any questions you may have. Thank you! We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Director of Donor Engagement –Special Events
As part of the Donor Engagement Team, the Director of Donor Engagement -Special Events plays a vital role in advancing the goals of the Donor Engagement Team. This Director leads event strategy planning to support the overall mission of the organization; directs and manages fundraising events, along with donor cultivation and stewardship activities to ensure development fundraising goals are met; interacts with donors and board members and participates in fundraising events to develop relationships with constituencies; and works with the Donor Engagement Team to establish objectives and achieve goals in a culture that cares deeply about stewardship and working as part of a team of development professionals.
Job Title: Director of Donor Engagement –Special Events
Department: Donor Engagement
Reports To: Sr. Dir of Development Services
Classification: Full Time, Salary / Exempt
Supervises: None
Location: Sarasota, FL
General Overview:
As part of the Donor Engagement Team, the Director of Donor Engagement -Special Events plays a vital role in advancing the goals of the Donor Engagement Team. This Director leads event strategy planning to support the overall mission of the organization; directs and manages fundraising events, along with donor cultivation and stewardship activities to ensure development fundraising goals are met; interacts with donors and board members and participates in fundraising events to develop relationships with constituencies; and works with the Donor Engagement Team to establish objectives and achieve goals in a culture that cares deeply about stewardship and working as part of a team of development professionals.
Responsibilities:
Work with Donor Engagement Team and Senior Management to develop an organization-wide event strategy that aligns with and supports the mission of Sarasota Orchestra.
In coordination with the Sr. Director of Development Services, develop and maintain fundraising event and stewardship activity budgets to ensure departmental financial goals are met.
Plan, execute and lead all aspects of the fundraising events and stewardship activities.
Nurture cross-departmental collaboration and communication to ensure a smooth outcome for all fundraising events and stewardship activities. Coordinate event dates and needs with the Orchestra production schedule and other departments as appropriate.
Collaborate with the Marketing Department to develop and design branded promotional materials for all fundraising events and stewardship activities. Work closely with the Marketing team to implement a cohesive marketing communications plan to include website updates, digital communications and social media plans for all events.
Prepare event seating charts, detailed event timelines, meeting agendas, and talking points as needed.
Collaborate with Donor Engagement and Stewardship Coordinator on tasks related to special events, including: RSVP lists, payment processing, donor acknowledgements, event requirements/materials and post event communications to determine patron satisfaction.
Negotiate and coordinate all vendor contracts with catering and venue companies. In coordination with the Director of Donor Engagement – Individual and Corporate, manage key in-kind corporate event sponsor relationships.
Organize, facilitate and communicate with fundraising event chairs, hosts and committees as needed to ensure success of each event.
Oversee set-up and breakdown for all events and manage staffing/volunteer requirements and communication.
Support the planning and execution of Music Center campaign-related events and activities.
Provide special event reports and updates to Senior Management and Sarasota Orchestra Board Development Committee, as needed.
Maintain keen awareness of overall development programs including annual fund, major gift support and planned/endowment giving.
Participate in departmental meetings and provide regular reports on event progress.
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 Donor Engagement department and business needs.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree
3+ years fundraising event planning experience with an understanding of how to work within a budget and maintain fundraising goals
Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Publisher)
Ability to work with members of a team
Excellent interpersonal and listening skills
Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
Strong analytical skills
Well-organized, detail oriented, and able to meet deadlines
Experience with fundraising or CRM software such as Tessitura or Raiser’s Edge a plus
Availability for work outside of typical office hours, including evenings and weekends Interest in classical music desirable Must be able to lift 25 lbs
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 25 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 HR@SarasotaOrchestra.org or call 941-487-2704 with any questions you may have. Thank you!
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Patron Services Manager
Responsible for creating a culture of customer-first service through front-of-house activities for all Orchestra concerts. Supervise the Orchestra’s front of house team, including house managers and volunteer ushers. Collaborate, liaison and maintain professional, positive relations with house management teams at other venues where the Orchestra performs. Establish an Orchestra lobby presence at other venues by extending the warmth which is the brand of the Orchestra, sharing Orchestra information and providing support to other venues’ house management.
Job Title: Patron Services Manager
Department: Patron Services
Reports To: Chief Financial Officer
Classification: Hourly, Non-Exempt
Supervises: Salary/ Exempt
Location: Sarasota, FL
General Overview
Responsible for creating a culture of customer-first service through front-of-house activities for all Orchestra concerts. Supervise the Orchestra’s front of house team, including house managers and volunteer ushers. Collaborate, liaison and maintain professional, positive relations with house management teams at other venues where the Orchestra performs. Establish an Orchestra lobby presence at other venues by extending the warmth which is the brand of the Orchestra, sharing Orchestra information and providing support to other venues’ house management.
Responsibilities
Rental Venue Coordination
- Schedule Orchestra house manager and usher ambassador support for performances at rental venues
- Represent and serve as the Sarasota Orchestra liaison with the FOH team at rental performance facilities; collaborate with rental venue house management to deliver as consistent a patron service as possible within the procedures of the venue, share information about Orchestra programs, and practices
- Assist at rental venues to ensure excellent patron experiences: collaborate to resolve FOH issues; assist house management in tending to any accident/incident that may occur and prepare Orchestra reporting per procedures
- Coordinate marketing archives and materials in venue lobbies
- Support rental venue protocols
Front of House Management
- Create fantastic customer experience through excellent front of house management and usher interactions
- Greet and oversee seating of patrons at Orchestra Center concerts
- Resolve and follow up with customer complaints and concerns, reporting these to appropriate staff/departments
- Tend to and document any accident/incident that may occur at Orchestra Center
- Secure schedules, train and manage House Managers and volunteer ushers for all concerts
- Create and maintain training materials, volunteer usher involvement and recognition program
- Maintain close contact with Box Office staff to troubleshoot ticketing and other patron issues while maintaining customer satisfaction and comfort; maintain close contact with the Development team for sponsor/donor services at concerts
- Communicate with Production staff regarding start time and intermission interval for each performance
- Schedule and lead pre-concert interdepartmental meetings to generate and distribute call sheets
- Ensure compliance with audience safety protocols as may be developed with other staff
- Ensure safety of patrons by scheduling SPD extra duty detail for concerts and assigning a point person to the officer
- 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 Patron Services department and business needs.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree, preferred
- 3+ years’ customer service/front of house experience
- 2+ years’ experience with volunteers
- Ability to maintain a positive, professional and calm demeanor
- Exemplary communication, organizational, teambuilding, leadership skills
- Excellent interpersonal skills with a demonstrated record of working with customers or performing arts patrons
- Knowledge of performance/theatre environment, or customer service experience with a service-oriented organization
- Availability to work many nights and weekends during the season
- Ability to work well in a team-oriented environment.
- Ability to handle multiple tasks and situations concurrently, make decisions with confidence and work under pressure
- Strong computer skills
- Willing to receive and maintain CPR/First Aid/AED/BBP Certification
- Self-starter; ability to independently oversee and manage front of house for the organization
- Appreciation for live music performance preferred
- Knowledge of classical music preferred
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.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Please e-mail a cover letter and resume to HR@SarasotaOrchestra.org.
Facilities Supervisor
Responsible for coordination of facility operations for Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center consisting of office and performance spaces. Ensure building is safe and well maintained while working within approved budgets. Maintain facility department staffing schedule and the building room schedule and reservations.
Job Title: Facilities Supervisor
Department: Facilities
Reports To: Director of Facilities and Special Projects
Classification: Hourly, Non-Exempt
Supervises: Facility Assistant
Location: Sarasota, FL
General Overview:
Responsible for coordination of facility operations for Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center consisting of office and performance spaces. Ensure building is safe and well maintained while working within approved budgets. Maintain facility department staffing schedule and the building room schedule and reservations.
Responsibilities:
- Oversee cleaning and maintenance of the Symphony Center; ensure proper preventative maintenance is performed on building systems and structure.
- Procure and recommend contracts for maintenance and repair work to the Director of Facilities for approval.
- Ensure there is a Facilities presence on-site for all activities in the Symphony Center & ensure staff are aware of how to contact facilities in case of need or emergency.
- Assist Director of Facilities with operational and capital budget development.
- Review and approve invoices for the facilities department.
- Support Director of Facilities on building capital projects, as assigned.
- Ensure sufficient supplies are ordered for the department or building needs as required.
- Enter daily activities, including room reservations into OPAS (Orchestra Planning and Administration System)
- Maintain keys and alarm system
- Compile and distribute the weekly Facilities and Food and Beverage schedule in conjunction with Catering and Event Supervisor.
- All work will be conducted onsite at the facility; individual required to also occasionally be assigned to handle after-hours building issues as needed.
- 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 required
- A.A. degree or other level of higher education preferred
- 2+ years Facilities management experience required
- 2+ years Supervisory experience of personnel
- 2+ years financial reporting and budgeting experience
- Prior handyman or construction / building experience desired
- Ability to interact professionally with staff, musicians, conductors, house manager, ushers, patrons
- Flexible schedule; ability to work nights and weekends
- Computer literacy; OPAS data experience preferred but not essential (will train)
- Familiarity with building systems and project management
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Certification in CPR, First Aid and Bloodborne Pathogens, or willingness to obtain Certification
- Attention to detail and accuracy
- 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, use hands to finger, handle or feel, 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 to make observations of the facility and structure. This position requires the ability to frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
Working Conditions
The job operates in a professional office 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.
Please e-mail a cover letter and resume to HR@SarasotaOrchestra.org.
Catering and Event Supervisor
Plan, coordinate and execute various orchestra-sponsored functions, rental events and concert concessions (related to Food and Beverage and non-orchestral events).
Job Title: Catering and Event Supervisor
Department: Facilities
Reports To: Director of Facilities and Special Projects
Classification: Hourly, Non-Exempt
Supervises: Facility Assistant
Location: Sarasota, FL
General Overview
Plan, coordinate and execute various orchestra-sponsored functions, rental events and concert concessions (related to Food and Beverage and non-orchestral events).
Catering and Events Responsibilities
- Plan food and beverage event requirements with hosting departments for Orchestra and Orchestra-affiliated events.
- Schedule and oversee all rental and non-Orchestra activities in the Symphony Center in conjunction with the Facilities Supervisor.
- Responsible for oversight, review and finalization of set-ups with hosting departments; coordinate logistics with production staff, facilities and front-of-house staff; set up in-house events as needed.
- Schedule and supervise the food and beverage server staff for event support; coordinate with and inform Facilities Supervisor of the Server staff schedules, for inclusion on the overall department schedules.
- Serve as liaison between Orchestra staff, outside caterers and vendors as needed.
- Purchase prepared food and beverages for in-house meetings and receptions, arrange for pickup or delivery, and oversee set-ups.
- Submit linen orders and confirm timely deliveries and pickups.
- Advise and assist renters as needed, including audio setup.
- Perform inventories on foodstuffs throughout the year.
- Responsible for maintaining catering expenses within approved budget limits.
- Keep accurate records of purchases, schedules, event planning, reports and other catering related activities as assigned; files of past events should be maintained, organized, and easily accessible for reference.
- Ensure work areas and food and beverage closet are well organized and clean.
- Work within the rules and regulations of the Sarasota Orchestra bar license and applicable Health Department guidelines.
- Maintain an onsite presence for all events where food and beverage support is required.
- All orchestra catering and event support work would be conducted on site at the facility, and outside the facility only if assistance with the pick up of or drop off of supplies is required.
Facilities Support Responsibilities:
- Occasionally will be assigned, to serve as a secondary Facilities presence when building is open.
- Communicate any building issue to Facilities Supervisor and vendors as necessary.
- 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 required
- A.A. degree or higher education preferred. Work experience can be substituted for years of experience
- 2-3+ years prior experience in food/beverage/catering industry required
- 2+ years prior supervision of food and beverage staff or in a catering/restaurant environment required
- Ability to interact professionally with staff, musicians, conductors, house manager, ushers, patrons
- Familiarity of local caterers/restaurants
- Creativity with buffet/room set-up/decorations
- Microsoft Office Computer experience required; proficient with Excel
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
- Valid Driver’s License
- Ability to work flexible hours (including evenings and weekends)
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Certification in CPR, First Aid and Bloodborne Pathogens, or willingness to obtain Certification
- Attention to detail and accuracy
- 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, stoop, push, pull, lift, climb, balance, grasp, use hands to finger, handle or feel, and reach with hands and arms. The worker is required to have visual acuity to determine the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of work assigned (i.e., viewing a computer terminal, preparing and analyzing data and figures, custodial, food services, general labor) and to make general observations of facilities or structures (i.e. security guard, inspection). This position requires the ability to frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
Working Conditions
The job operates in a professional office 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.
Please e-mail a cover letter and resume to HR@SarasotaOrchestra.org.
Assistant Orchestra Personnel Manager
The Assistant Orchestra Personnel Manager assists with day-to-day activities between Musicians, the Music Director, Guest Conductors and management. As a key administrator of the collective bargaining agreement between Sarasota Orchestra Musicians (AFM Local 427-721) and the Sarasota Orchestra, the Assistant Orchestra Personnel Manager is responsible for proper execution of the agreement. The Assistant Orchestra Personnel Manager shall nurture a respectful and positive working relationship with all employees, supporting an inclusive and respectful culture.
Job Title: Assistant Orchestra Personnel Manager
Department: Artistic Operations
Reports To: Orchestra Personnel Manager
Classification: Full Time, Hourly / Non-Exempt
Supervises: None
Location: Sarasota, FL
General Overview:
The Assistant Orchestra Personnel Manager assists with day-to-day activities between Musicians, the Music Director, Guest Conductors and management. As a key administrator of the collective bargaining agreement between Sarasota Orchestra Musicians (AFM Local 427-721) and the Sarasota Orchestra, the Assistant Orchestra Personnel Manager is responsible for proper execution of the agreement. The Assistant Orchestra Personnel Manager shall nurture a respectful and positive working relationship with all employees, supporting an inclusive and respectful culture.
Responsibilities:
- Assist in engaging (hiring) per service, substitute and extra musicians
- Serve as agent/personnel representative at assigned orchestra performances and rehearsal services
- Serve as Personnel Manager for Sarasota Music Festival orchestra
- Ensure adherence to CBA by personnel office, staff, conductors and musicians
- Assist with scheduling and operational logistics of orchestra auditions
- Assist with maintaining Personnel files and databases
- Assist with preparation and submission of semi-monthly orchestral payroll
- Maintain tracking reports of per service and substitute costs
- 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, arts administration or comparable experience
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office
- Highly organized with great attention to detail
- Ability to work without supervision
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Knowledge of classical music, orchestra repertoire, and instrumentation
- Ability to maintain confidentiality at all times with sensitive matters and personal information
- Ability to work flexible hours including weekends and evenings
- Understanding of Collective Bargaining Agreements and union matters a plus
Physical Requirements:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, sit, stand, walk, 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, viewing a computer terminal, and observing stage set-ups, temperature of rooms and warm-up facilities. 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 HR@SarasotaOrchestra.org 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 HR@SarasotaOrchestra.org.
If you are interested in an opportunity with Sarasota Orchestra, please apply via e-mail with a cover letter and resume to HR@SarasotaOrchestra.org or call 941-487-2704 with any questions you may have.