Job Opportunities

Current Openings

  • POSITION DETAILS
    Title: Artistic Operations Manager
    Reports to: Executive Director, Artistic Advisor
    Hours: Variable, approximately 20 hours/week
    Remote Position: No
    Compensation: Salary range $18,000-$25,000/yr, to be negotiated

    ROLE

    The Artistic Operations Manager is responsible for ensuring that the scheduling, planning, and production of all orchestra events (concerts, rehearsals, tours, run-outs, special events) run smoothly, effectively, and in a financially responsible manner. In consultation with the Artistic Advisor, the Executive Director, and the Personnel Manager, the Artistic Operations Manager ensures the highest quality production of all KWS artistic activities.

    DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

    CONCERT PRODUCTION

    • Plans, manages and supervises all aspects of the technical requirements for KWS productions for local, regional, and national events. Assists or undertake set-ups, strikes and all technical activities as required, and where necessary tours with the orchestra. 

    • Establishes detailed budgets for productions and presentations on an annual basis. Closely monitors and reports against such budgets on a monthly basis with particular attention to ensuring hiring and technical costs are aligned to budget.

    • Creates and manages production contracts, technical riders and guest-artist itineraries, in conjunction with the Artistic Administrator.

    • Creates and manages production documentation and stage plots, in conjunction with the Stage Manager. 
      • Interfaces with all venue staff, including Stage Manager, Stage Supervisor, IATSE and non-union crews.

    • Plans, manages and supervises requirements for instrument transportation associated with the KWS’ schedule, including local, regional, and national touring. Oversees and manage the maintenance and security of orchestral instruments and equipment.

    • Oversees all electronic media projects and contracts including live streaming, radio broadcasts, television broadcasts, recordings, television commercials etc. 

    • In conjunction with the Executive Director and Artistic Advisor, manages bookings with the Centre In The Square and other venues required for rehearsals and concerts. 

    • Plans and administers the season schedule in conjunction with the Artistic Advisor and Personnel Manager. Coordinates activities between library (securing music purchases and rentals), orchestra personnel, and artistic staff.

    • Works with the Executive Director to maintain relationships with musicians’ committees and unions and to negotiate collective agreements and process grievances. Communicates general information and new policies to the orchestra. Supervises orchestra setup for rehearsals and concerts and coordinates with conductors regarding special setup requirements.

    • Arrives backstage early to check all preparations, inform orchestra personnel or stage technicians of any last-minute changes, and determine the actual starting time of concerts

    • Confirms arrangements with recording teams for any taping of concerts

    • Organizes and produces all orchestra tours and run-out concerts.

    ADMINISTRATION

    • Participates in the preparation of  a master schedule for the orchestra in conjunction with the Executive Director and Artistic Advisor, to achieve artistic goals while maximizing services for financial benefit and upholding the requirements of the master agreement.

    • Assists senior leadership in developing and monitoring budgets for all production and touring activities while maintaining artistic integrity and upholding the master agreement.

    • Manages procurement and inventories of supplies (earplugs, sound shields, etc.), music licenses, equipment, and services for operational purposes while also booking space for special performances

    • Serves as part of the senior management team in setting and implementing administrative and artistic policies established by the Board

    • Works closely with senior staff in long-range planning for the Association; prepares budget projections as needed

    • Acts as primary point of contact for all production contractors (video, audio teams, photographers etc). Clears licensing, contracts and media rights and agreements when necessary.

    • Hires additional contract production and/or stage management staff as required

    • Meets on a regular basis with artistic and production staff (minimum once per month) 

    SAFETY AND HEALTH 

    • Oversees and ensures compliance with workplace health & safety requirements. 

    • Ensures compliance with health and safety and accessibility regulations, proactively addressing potential risks. 

    REQUIRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

    •  Bachelor’s degree in Music, Arts Administration, Technical Production, or a related field, or equivalent work/education experience.

    • Demonstrated success and experience in staging professional and commercial productions at the highest artistic level.

    • Strong technical knowledge of stage, lighting, sound, and AV equipment.

    • Experience in creating and tracking budgets.

    • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

    • Highly effective written and verbal skills

    • Demonstrated experience navigating sensitive issues requiring interpersonal skills and ability to mitigate and solve difficult issues with musicians, staff, and artists. 

    • Demonstrated success and experience in budgeting for professional and commercial productions. 

    • Experience in planning, scheduling and managing the production requirements of regional, national and/or international tour

    PREFERABLE SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

    • Strong computer skills and proficiency in job-related software and scheduling tools, and experience in production software.

    • Orchestra operations or similar experience

    • Working knowledge of orchestral and chamber repertoire. 

    HOW TO APPLY

    • Send your resume and cover letter to info@kwsymphony.com before Thursday, July 31, 2025 at 5pm.

  • POSITION DETAILS

    Title: Education and Community Engagement Manager
    Reports to: Executive Director
    Hours: Variable; approximately 20 hours/week
    Remote Position:     No
    Compensation:     Salary Range $18,000-$25,000/yr, to be negotiated

    ROLE

    The Education and Community Engagement Manager is responsible for the creation, implementation, management and evaluation of educational and community engagement programs designed to increase the public value of the KWS beyond concert attendees. This is an opportunity for the successful candidate, in collaboration with the KWS’ senior leadership, to help shape a long-term strategy, to forge essential partnerships, and build broad-based support for the KWS among educational and civic institutions. The successful Manager will draw upon the resources of the orchestra (musicians, artistic staff, volunteers and board) in expanding the KWS’ educational, community engagement, fundraising and strategic goals. As a focus of future programming, the Education and Community Engagement Manager will envision how our resources can support new initiatives in the areas of youth instrumental performance, expansion of diversity- and equity-based programming, and engagement with economically challenged communities.

    DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

    • Oversees all Kitchener Waterloo Symphony education programs, and executes their day-to-day operations. Creates music education programs for school aged children (K-12) and music appreciation programs for the community at large.

    • Develops and maintains relationships with local student performing organizations, public school districts leadership and local music educators from pre-school through collegiate level to identify needs and effectively develop, administer, and modify programs to meet those needs. Initiates and maintains relationships with schoolteachers to increase awareness of and participation in KWS’ programs.

    • Creates or sources “Teacher’s Guides” and similar support materials where appropriate, and manages distribution to schools and partners.

    • Engages with KWS artistic and administrative leadership and musicians to develop plans for educational and community engagement initiatives.
      • Develops annual operating plans with action items, timelines and budgets.

    • Develops and administers Community Engagement programs that meet the KWS’ goals of being more relevant and committed to stakeholders not historically engaged with the KWS, including diverse immigrant and First Nations communities.

    • Working with the Marketing Department, forges partnerships with key civic and educational leaders and organizations in support of Community Engagement goals.

    • Utilizes musician services to accomplish educational and general institutional goals efficiently and effectively. Works with KWS Personnel Manager and Artistic Advisor to hire KWS musicians for education and community programming

    • Develops revenue and expense budgets for each Education and Community Engagement program, monitors progress of each and adjusts as necessary. Sets revenue goals and creatively seeks opportunities to meet those goals.

    • Manages program evaluations and gathers feedback from community partners.

    • Acts as the KWS’ primary spokesperson in education matters; contributes to communications that promote the value of Education and Community Engagement programs.

    • Serves as contact and supervisor for community and educational events.

    REQUIRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

    • Minimum of three to five years of related experience.

    • Working knowledge of orchestral, chamber, and educational repertoire.

    • Passion for learning, music and arts education, and community engagement, and a desire to achieve equity of access to the KWS’ programs.

    • Experience in creating and tracking budgets.

    • Ability to work collaboratively and effectively with internal and external stakeholders to advance strategic objectives.

    • Excellent managerial skills including motivation, leadership, and goal achievement.

    • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

    • Highly effective written and verbal skills

    PREFERABLE SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

    • Degree in music performance, education or arts management.

    • Experience in arts/education administration.

    • Familiarity with the Kitchener-Waterloo area and its stakeholders in general, and with the KWS in particular.

    HOW TO APPLY

    • Send your resume and cover letter to info@kwsymphony.com before Thursday, July 31, 2025 at 5pm.