Job Description
Who is the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra? Known for its artistic excellence for more than 130 years, today the PSO is the region’s national and international cultural ambassador. A two-time 2018 GRAMMY® Award-winning orchestral ensemble credited with a rich history of concerts, performances, and recordings with the world’s finest conductors and musicians, the PSO consistently demonstrates a genuine commitment to Pittsburgh’s citizens, regional communities, and vibrant cultural scene. The internationally acclaimed Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra (PSO) engages audiences of all ages through unparalleled live musical experiences, community collaborations, and educational programming that enrich every life with great music.
JOB PURPOSE AND REPORTING STRUCTURE: The Senior Vice President & Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a key strategic and operational partner with the CEO and other organizational leadership in decision making and fulfilling the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra’s mission and goals. The COO is responsible for executing on annual and long-term plans of the PSO through leadership and supervision in the following areas: artistic planning, strategic planning, orchestra-, stage-, and facility-operations, electronic media, technology, orchestra personnel, labor relations, community programs, business intelligence, and general operations. The COO is part of the senior leadership team and works closely with the CEO, the CFO, the CDO, the CREO, the Music Director, the Board of Directors and other members of the leadership team on the execution of mission and strategic direction of the organization.
Direct Reports: Vice President of Artistic Planning, Vice President of Operations, Vice President of Information Technology, Senior Vice President of Learning & Engagement, Director of Commercial & Popular Programming and Executive Administrative Associate.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES: Leadership – the COO provides organizational leadership with a focus on daily internal operations as well as partnering with the C-Suite on strategic planning for the future. The COO provides organizational leadership in the CEO’s absence and is the public face of the organization in the CEO’s absence. The COO provides general oversight of the PSI’s management operating system to ensure that planning processes, management controls, and internal communications effectively deliver the business of the PSI.
Span of Control - the COO supervises and directs all departments responsible for planning, developing and executing the Symphony seasons, Heinz Hall programming and operations, as well as activities related to education, electronic media and community programs. They work closely with the CFO and CEO on budget development and monitoring as well as long-range financial planning for operational expenses. The COO also works in conjunction with senior leadership on the development and execution of the strategic plan, community projects, community relationships, run out and tour relationships as well as fundraising and marketing and communications when appropriate.
Capital Projects - The COO provides executive leadership and oversight for the PSO’s capital projects, ensuring investment strategies align with corporate objectives, operational priorities, growth initiatives, and long-term financial goals. Direct capital planning and resource allocation processes across departments to maximize return and support sustainable organizational growth. Partner with executive leadership and key stakeholders to develop business cases, assess risks, establish funding priorities, and make strategic decisions regarding major capital investments.
Staff Development and Management – The COO is responsible for ensuring that the departments are staffed appropriately and within the financial forecasts. The COO ensures that performance expectations are clearly defined, measured and if needed addressed. The COO, in conjunction with department leadership, identifies opportunities for employee growth and training. The COO leads the efforts to ensure that the work environment allows staff to perform, thrive and succeed.
Labor Relations – The COO, in conjunction with the CEO, CFO, CREO and VP of Operations, is responsible for the labor relations management on behalf of the Symphony and for developing and maintaining collaborative working relationships with the labor unions working within the organization. This includes working closely with the VP of Operations and CREO on regular contract management, grievance processes and the collective bargaining negotiations process with seven unions. The COO ensures that the collective bargaining processes are aligned with the organizational direction strategies and goals. The COO also works with the CEO, VP of Operations and Director of Orchestra Personnel on individual contract negotiations with PSO musicians.
QUALIFICATIONS: - College degree required, advanced degree and musical background preferred.
- Minimum of 10 years of increasing responsibility in operational leadership and strategic planning.
- At least 8 years of experience in arts management, preferably in orchestra management.
- At least 5 years of experience in a senior management role with a professional arts organization.
- Demonstrated experience in motivating, managing and developing teams.
- Experience with large capital projects.
- Experience with labor negotiations and collective bargaining agreements.
- Working knowledge of orchestra repertoire and orchestra operations.
Compensation and Location: This is a full-time exempt position with an annual salary between $200,000 - $270,000 depending upon experience. We also offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes paid holidays, paid time off, employer paid health benefits, as well as retirement savings options with an employer match. Heinz Hall in downtown Pittsburgh is the work location for this position. The PSO supports a flexible, hybrid work environment, which currently includes three days per week in-person work, including work on weekends and evenings during PSO and Heinz Hall concerts or events.
Pittsburgh Symphony, Inc. (PSI) provides equal opportunity to all qualified employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, ancestry, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other class or category protected by local, state, or federal law. The specific statements shown in each section of the description are not intended to be all-inclusive. They represent typical elements and criteria considered necessary to perform the job successfully. The PSI recognizes that an individual with a disability may require a job modification/accommodation to enable them to successfully perform a job function. Consideration will be given to such requests. Such requests should be directed to Human Resources.
Job Tags
Full time, Contract work, Local area, Flexible hours, Afternoon shift, 3 days per week