Opportunities

The Cleveland Orchestra is recruiting two Chorus Managers: a Children’s Chorus Manager who will manage the operations and programs of the Cleveland Orchestra Children’s Chorus and Cleveland Orchestra Children’s Preparatory Chorus (comprised of students in grades 5-8); and a Youth Chorus Manager who will manage the operations and programs of the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Chorus (comprised of students in grades 9-12). These managers will ensure adherence to the highest levels of artistic and organizational excellence by planning, budgeting, scheduling, and managing
auditions, rehearsals, concerts, promotions, and a chamber ensemble program for the Youth Chorus. The managers will collaborate with each other, the adult choruses, and The Cleveland Orchestra on various artistic, educational, and
community engagement initiatives.

The organization seeks to enhance its footprint in Choral music offerings over the next three to five years. This position will collaborate with the Manager of Choruses, Vice President of Artistic Planning, and President & CEO to play a key role in strategic planning for the enhancement and future of Choral programming at The Cleveland Orchestra. Special emphasis will be placed in growing diversity and access for all Cleveland school children to choral music and opportunities for participation. The incumbent should expect that their contributions to this team will be a journey of growth and enhancements in scope and duties.

Responsibilities include the following:

In collaboration with the Choruses Directors, plan, schedule and manage auditions, rehearsals, and concerts.

Chorus Operations:
Oversees and ensures smooth operations of the Choruses inside and outside of Severance Music Center by regularly coordinating and communicating with venues. Primary responsibility for booking external venues for weekly rehearsals and community concerts. Coordinate piano tunings, rental, delivery, and setup of risers as needed. Secure and manage accompanists and any additional instrumentalists needed for all rehearsals and performances. Maintain master calendar for directors and students. Enter and maintain events and activities in ArtsVision. Communicate with Orchestra Operations, Stage, Venues, and Events staff and attend Venue and Events meetings when applicable. Primary coordination of all special events such as summer camps and honor choirs.

Budget and Administrative Management:
In collaboration with the Manager of Choruses, create and manage operational budgets, allocating budgeted dollars to achieve maximum results. Maintain the budget spreadsheet, process and track invoices, and regularly forecast expenses. Create and enforce operating policies that support the artistic and educational goals of the Choruses. Document, communicate, and enforce disciplinary actions when requested by directors. Maintain databases with student, family, and school information, attendance records, emergency medical data, music assignments and attire distribution. Manage the implementation and evolution of educational choral initiatives involving the Choruses. Track student retention and engagement data. Enter student and parent information into Tessitura and keep constituency codes up to date. Communicate music and attire needs to Chorus Coordinator.

Chorus Rehearsals:
Run weekly evening or weekend rehearsals (3-hour rehearsal) at external venues. Transport rehearsal equipment such as keyboard and stand (on sectional dates), music, video camera, microphone, and speaker. Rehearsal duty includes resetting chairs, piano, music stands; setting up video camera, speaker, and microphone; supervising testing sessions; chorus rehearsals; supervising breaks; making business announcements; and providing myriad troubleshooting services involving students, parents, and music directors. Process rehearsal video and upload to website.

Chorus Concerts:
Book venue and arrange for all production aspects including piano tunings, equipment rental and delivery, and coordinating ushers when needed. Create programs when applicable. If concert is at Severance or Blossom Music Center, provide program information to Managing Editor of Content. Coordinate instrumentalists as needed (if not performing with TCO). Coordinate and/or create publicity materials, both digital and hardcopy. Manage needs of the chorus to ensure a successful event.

Communications:
Serve as the point person internally and externally for the Choruses. Maintain regular communication with chorus directors, accompanists, staff, chorus members and their parents, and with local music education professionals. Collaborate with vendors and internal staff whose involvement in the Choruses is critical to ensuring the ensemble’s artistic success. (For example, collaborate with Marketing and Public Relations departments to maximize attendance at concerts and auditions.) Foster positive relationships with parents and students. Maintain Choruses website with current information, such as rehearsal videos, study materials, announcements, calendar, and handbook. Develop marketing and social media strategies to support departmental goals.

Recruitment:
Conduct ongoing recruitment campaign to attract the most talented young musicians for the Cleveland Orchestra Children’s and Youth Choruses. This includes communicating with local music education professionals; creating and distributing promotional materials in a timely fashion (both print and electronic, and through social media); maintaining audition website; and scheduling auditions. Make special effort to engage schools with predominantly minority populations in the recruitment process.

Auditions:
Coordinate with Chorus directors for scheduling; manage and execute communication with all participants. Book audition venues, maintain audition website with resources and information, and Acuity for information and scheduling. Auditions generally take place three times throughout the season.

Marketing and PR Management:
Manage social media and maintain websites, PR, Archives, as well as the development, production, and mailing of all Chorus advertising material with the assistance of the Chorus Coordinator.

Philanthropy & Advancement:
Serve as a primary resource for Philanthropy & Advancement in proposal writing and reporting about the Youth and Children’s Choruses.

Chorus Support:
Provide assistance with rehearsals / performance preparation for other choruses as needed, including Cleveland Orchestra Chorus (COC) Blossom Festival Chorus (BFC), and Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Chorus (MLK). Assistance on tour with the Cleveland Orchestra Chorus as needed.

The successful candidate will meet the following qualifications:

Bachelor’s Degree required, with focus in arts administration, theater, music education, or similar course of study preferred.
2 + years of experience in management of students, parents and logistics.
Computer skills
Microsoft Office Suite (proficient, advanced skills)
Google platforms
Knowledge of databases (i.e. ArtsVision, Tessitura, etc. highly desirable)
Superior interpersonal and communication skills to successfully interact with a broad range of personalities, constituencies, and diverse groups of people.
Requires a creative person with high energy who can be nurturing of students yet authoritative, and able to respond quickly and appropriately in stressful situations.
Excellent writing skills.
Outstanding organizational skills and attention to detail.
Highly adaptable problem solver.
Demonstrated independent, mature judgment.
Ability to consistently maintain a professional image and demeanor.
Ability to work independently and as a collaborative team member.
Ability to quickly assess and resolve conflict in a diplomatic manner.
Ability to successfully prioritize and manage deadlines.
Travel
Must be able to travel between locations (Severance Music Center, Blossom Music Center, offsite rehearsal locations typically in Beachwood and Cleveland Heights)
Must be able to travel to local and regional events.
May be required to travel out of state for domestic tours.
Ability to work a flexible schedule that includes evenings, weekends, and some holidays.

We offer a competitive salary, generous medical and dental plan benefits, 403(b) plan with employer match, complimentary concert tickets, and the opportunity to work with a world-renowned Orchestra.

The Cleveland Orchestra is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer that strongly supports and values diversity and fosters an equitable and inclusive work environment which includes accommodation. Applications from all qualified candidates are welcome, and individuals from all equity-seeking groups are encouraged to apply.