Vice President of Artistic Planning

JOB OVERVIEW:

In recent years, Utah Symphony Utah Opera (USUO) has made exciting progress toward our overarching strategic plan goal of audience development. We seek a visionary and experienced Vice President of Artistic Planning to support these successes by collaborating with our Music Director Designate, engaging our audiences, further developing our world class ensemble, and participating in USUO’s energetic and committed staff culture.

In alignment with our strategic plan and mission, our VP of Artistic Programming will “connect our community through great live music” by programming repertoire and envisioning new experiences that understand Utah’s communities and guides them to an artistic future of wonder and engagement.

The planning scope includes artistic budgeting and programmatic development of all series during the season from September to May, the Deer Valley Music Festival in Park City each summer, and all other special performances, tours, and run-outs. This individual will positively engage and secure all guest artists/conductors and collaboratively work across departments to drive USUO to success.

As we connect our musicians, artists, board, and staff with our audience and communities, we expect this individual to proactively participate in building and maintaining these connections by being a consummate ambassador for the organization.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

Create artistically excellent and relevant programs that engage listeners, align with our strategic plan, support annual institutional goals, and engender donor support. This work includes envisioning and planning repertoire across all USUO programs, including Education concerts, Pops, Films, Specials, Family Concerts, and the Deer Valley Music Festival.
Engage with community partners to create meaningful impact and solidify our reputation as the foundational arts organization in our communities.
Drive discussions and relay artistic vision to all staff and local partners with or on behalf of Music Director Designate, including educating constituents of artistic, historical, or other significant repertoire or artist insights.
Keep abreast of diverse and emerging artistic talent and repertoire; make relevant recommendations for performances and help galvanize internal and external excitement.
Work with the Sr. VP and COO to create responsible annual artistic budget projections and program timelines that achieve artistic goals.
Work across departments to manage the annual orchestra season calendar with an eye toward balancing USUO operational goals with guest artists’ contractual needs.
With Director of Operations, manage, produce, and execute guest artist contracts, special productions, symphony staged events, and other artistic elements as well as review Pops riders.
Coordinate with the Opera Artistic Director to develop season planning that aligns with and bolsters programming across the institution.
Proactively coordinate with VP of Marketing and Communications to share up-to-date repertoire details, discuss net sales potential, relay artistic goals, and develop community-sensitive programming.
Plan and coordinate extensive run-out series with long-standing partners across Utah.
Work with the Sr. VP and COO and Director of Operations to plan and execute all touring and recording projects, including contracts and budgeting.
Gain detailed working knowledge of the orchestra’s contractual bargaining agreement with the American Federation of Musicians.
Skillfully implement artistic plans by coordinating with the orchestra library, program annotators/publishers, orchestra personnel office, local radio broadcast producers; serve as staff liaison with the musicians’ Artistic Advisory Committee.
Participate in the design and development of education initiatives and outreach activities with the