CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

The Syracuse Orchestra is always looking for talented individuals who can help expand our mission to influence and educate the Syracuse community through the power of music.  View the information below to learn about our available positions and how to apply.  Thank you for your interest in The Syracuse Orchestra!

ARTISTIC JOB OPENINGS

All winning candidates are required to show proof of US citizenship or eligibility to work in the United States.

Should any position be offered to a current Syracuse Orchestra musician, the resulting vacancy may be offered at these auditions.

The audition committee reserves the right to immediately dismiss any candidate not meeting the highest professional standards.

Please note: all audition repertoire is subject to change

The Syracuse Orchestra is proud to be a partner orchestra of the National Alliance for Audition Support (NAAS), an unprecedented national initiative to increase diversity in American orchestras. It will do so by offering Black and Latinx musicians a customized combination of mentoring, audition preparation, financial support, and audition previews. Learn more at http://www.auditionalliance.org.

PRINCIPAL VIOLA & ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL VIOLA

Audition Date: April 29, 2024
Application Deadline: March 29, 2024
A $50 deposit check made out to “The Syracuse Orchestra” and postmarked no later than March 29, 2024 should be sent to:

The Syracuse Orchestra
ATTN: VIOLA AUDITIONS
450 S Salina St. #100
Syracuse, NY 13202

Viola Audition Repertoire
Auditions@SyracuseOrchestra.org
Compensation Information

VIOLA: APPLY HERE

SECTION VIOLIN, B-CONTRACT VIOLIN & ONE-YEAR B-CONTRACT VIOLIN

Audition Date: May 8, 2024
Application Deadline: April 8, 2024
A $50 deposit check made out to “The Syracuse Orchestra” and postmarked no later than April 8, 2024 should be sent to:

The Syracuse Orchestra
ATTN: VIOLIN AUDITIONS
450 S Salina St. #100
Syracuse, NY 13202

Violin Audition Repertoire
AWendland@SyracuseOrchestra.org
Compensation Information

VIOLIN: APPLY HERE

SECOND OBOE/ENGLISH HORN/UTILITY OBOE

Audition Date: May 13, 2024
Application Deadline: April 12, 2024
A $50 deposit check made out to “The Syracuse Orchestra” and postmarked no later than April 12, 2024 should be sent to:

The Syracuse Orchestra
ATTN: OBOE/EH AUDITIONS
450 S Salina St. #100
Syracuse, NY 13202

Oboe/English Horn Audition Repertoire
AWendland@SyracuseOrchestra.org
Compensation Information

OBOE/EH: APPLY HERE

SUBSTITUTE AND EXTRA MUSICIANS

Auditions for Substitute and Extra Musicians are held periodically. To be considered please send a one page résumé to Arvilla Wendland at
AWendland@SyracuseOrchestra.org.

*Acceptance to The Syracuse Orchestra’s Substitute and Extra List does not guarantee employment.

STAFF OPENINGS

Job Title: Development Director

Reports to: Executive Director

Status: In-person, with an option for hybrid work. Full-time, part-time, or contract work depending on mutual agreement between the successful candidate and the Executive Director

Salary Range: Starting offer will be $65,000 annualized for full-time employment, and comparable for a part-time or contract position. Employer-provide benefits provided for full-time employees. Hours and final compensation flexible depending on status.

Location: Syracuse, NY

Organizational Overview: As Central New York’s professional orchestra, The Syracuse Orchestra presents 50+ orchestra concerts each year through its Masterworks, Pops, Casual, Spark, Kids, and free Summer concert series. The Syracuse Orchestra reaches 100,000 people annually in venues ranging from libraries to public parks to its home venue, the Crouse-Hinds Theater at the Civic Center. Presenting every genre of music, from Beethoven to jazz to the music of Star Wars, The Syracuse Orchestra’s mission is to engage and inspire all community members throughout Central New York with outstanding orchestral and ensemble performances, and innovative education and outreach initiatives. Our vision is to contribute to a diverse, vibrant, and culturally rich community through the power of great music, and in so doing, enhance the quality of life and economic vitality of Central New York. Syracuse and Onondaga County are in the heart of Central New York with a population of more than 450,000. It is the hub of a six-county region with a population of more than 1 million. Central New York is poised to grow rapidly over the next decade with the investment of new $100 billion Micron semiconductor plant.

Position Overview: The Syracuse Orchestra seeks a highly experienced development professional with 10+ years of experience. The successful candidate will have a proven record of achievement in development, particularly with major gifts, planned gifts, and development strategy and plan implementation. The candidate will work closely with the Annual Fund and Corporate Giving Manager as well as the Senior Manager for Advancement.

Our current goals for annual contributed income equals $1.9 million, with a goal to increase contributed income by 25% in the near future.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership and Presence

The candidate will:

  • provide positive, engaging leadership of departmental personnel;
  • lead a data-driven development culture;
  • participate in front-line fundraising;
  • participate in staff leadership meetings, board meetings, and relevant board committees;
  • work effectively with the Board of Directors;
  • represent The Syracuse Orchestra at appropriate events in the community
  • periodically provide status reports to the Board of Directors and the Orchestra.

Departmental Strategy and Planning

The candidate will:

  • set strategic goals, build structures, and execute plans for advancing the orchestra through contributed income by sustaining and growing the number of donors and building a pipeline of major donors;
  • develop, oversee, and update programs for planned giving through completion;
  • assess and oversee annual planning for all departmental activities;
  • develop cross-functional and extra-organizational strategic partnerships as appropriate; and
  • develop and oversee special campaigns.

 Functional Oversight

The candidate will:

  • ensure that fundraising goals are met or exceeded
  • oversee the recruitment, onboarding, and ongoing management for departmental personnel;
  • ensure that systems and procedures to track cultivation and acknowledgements are effective, timely, and responsive;
  • manage a portfolio of major donors and prospects;
  • prepare solicitation materials including proposals, collateral for the public, and materials to help others understand progress and challenges the department is facing;
  • oversee CRM usage to ensure that maximum data are collected and utilized to effectively support data-informed fundraising;
  • ensure compliance around sponsor and individual donor recognition and benefits administration;
  • assist with the research of new grant opportunities
  • assist with creating compelling grant applications
  • maintain communication and positive working relations with funders, government agencies, donors, and volunteers;
  • contribute to institutional materials as needed, including annual reports, departmental reports and board updates; and
  • oversee planning and execution of fundraising and stewardship events and ensure an exceptional donor experience.

Finance and Budgeting

The candidate will:

  • work with the Executive Director and the Finance Committee to provide ongoing forecasts to maintain the budget; and
  • manage expenses to budget and adjust spending as necessary.

Qualifications:

  • A deep commitment to The Syracuse Orchestra’s mission and vision and a desire to cultivate a culture of philanthropy within the organization
  • management experience with strong indicators of success in managing both formal and informal relationships, with staff, boards, musicians, patrons, and the community at large;
  • a history of securing gifts with significant institutional impact from individuals, institutions, and government agencies, and planning for and leading successful campaigns;
  • outstanding verbal and written communication skills;
  • solid judgement and a strong customer service ethic;
  • an ability and willingness to work in a fast-paced environment with high productivity demands, and collaborate with other staff;
  • follow-through and an inextinguishable focus on execution;
  • an ability to engage effectively in front-line fundraising with a wide range of constituents with grace;
  • trustworthiness, adaptability, and empathy, combined with intellectual curiosity and insight;
  • proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel and a functional knowledge of a CRM platform, preferably SalesForce;
  • strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills;

Ten or more years of experience in fundraising is required.

 How to Apply: Please email a cover letter, résumé, and 3 professional references in one attachment with Development Director in the subject line to: pmurchison@syracuseorchestra.org

Job Title: Stagehand for The Syracuse Orchestra

Reports to: Stage Manager

Job Description

Responsible for assisting with the physical operation of the orchestra that includes staging, set-up and strike, and storage and maintenance of equipment. Responsible for assisting with the preparation and appearance of the stage for rehearsals and performances; assisting in the production of orchestra services as determined by the Orchestra Manager and/or Stage Manager by performing the following duties.

Duties

  • Assist with the set-up of the orchestra: chairs, music stands, percussion, large instruments, and other equipment as assigned. This may include assisting with set changes for concerts. It also includes providing the best possible working conditions for musicians on and off stage and assisting our staff in anticipating logistical problems.
  • Assist with implementation of stage logistics in all venues, to ensure the rehearsal/performance space meets all criteria outlined in the CBA contract
  • Load and unload the truck at the rehearsal/concert venue in a safe, efficient manner.
  • Assist the stage manager with addressing musician working condition concerns as they pertain to the CBA, such as temperature, lighting or safety. Help implement proactive strategies to minimize musician concerns.
  • Assist with maintaining inventory of all our equipment, making periodic checks on conditions and performing minor repairs or arranging necessary repairs if needed as assigned.
  • Other duties as required by the Orchestra Manager, Stage manager, and other Syracuse Orchestra staff as needed.
  • Conduct oneself with professional decorum at all times, to include language and physical appearance.

Qualifications

  • Minimum 1 year of orchestra or theater stage experience preferred
  • Working knowledge of orchestral instruments, percussion instruments, and orchestral seating conventions helpful
  • Ability to lift, carry and move up to 50 lbs.
  • Ability to work efficiently as a team member in a deadline-oriented environment
  • Ability to work evenings and weekends

Working Conditions

Hours – The Syracuse Orchestra presents a series of concerts throughout the season, with each set consisting of performances at a variety of venues. The schedule is flexible, and stagehands can pick the shifts that fit their schedule. Rehearsals are usually held at any time during the day and are typically 6-8 hours. Out of town concerts times lengthen the call times and vary depending on the location of the event. This position is part time on an AS NEEDED BASIS with advance notice.

Physical Demands – The stagehand will have to lift supplies, instruments and equipment. This person may also need to stand for long periods of time while preparing and running concert events.

Pay Rate is $18.00/hr with a minimum 2 hr call

How to Apply:

Please email a letter of interest, three references, and a resume to:
Ergo Blydenburgh
Orchestra Manager ebly@SyracuseOrchestra.org

Or send a hard copy to:
The Syracuse Orchestra
Attn: Ergo Blydenburgh
450 S. Salina St., Suite 100
Syracuse, NY 13202

INTERNSHIP OPENINGS

Join The Syracuse Orchestra team and experience the excitement of a growing arts nonprofit! Located in downtown Syracuse, The Syracuse Orchestra is Central New York’s professional symphony orchestra and features a core of 50 experienced musicians who are committed to Central New York. Founded in December 2012, The Syracuse Orchestra operates as one of only two cooperatively structured orchestras in the U.S. – with musicians at the heart of the organization. The Syracuse Orchestra currently reaches more than 100,000 Central New York community members of all ages through more than 50 concerts each year in venues large and small, including a summer season of up to 10 free outdoor performances in parks throughout the region.

Our mission is to engage and inspire community members throughout CNY through outstanding orchestral and ensemble performances, and innovative education and outreach initiatives.

MARKETING, including managing social media, post-concert surveys and analysis, website updates and content enhancement, materials distribution, and targeted audience development;

DEVELOPMENT, including donor and sponsor benefit fulfillment and tracking, event coordination and support, on-line foundation and corporate research, and database support;

CONCERT PRODUCTION, including assisting with concert set-up and strike, hospitality for guest artists and conductors, and a variety of pre- and post-concert responsibilities;

EDUCATION & OUTREACH, including communicating with area educators, assisting with the development and distribution of program materials, research and development of program assessment tools, and on-site support for Syracuse Orchestra outreach initiatives.

MUSIC LIBRARY, including preparing music for distribution, expanding our music library database, ordering, copying, and bowing parts, and assisting Syracuse Orchestra’s music librarian as needed.

The successful candidate(s) will demonstrate a commitment to excellence, and the capacity to work both independently and as part of a team. Interns must demonstrate excellent organization skills, computer literacy in all standard programs (graphics expertise a plus), attention to detail, and well developed communication and interpersonal skills. Must be able to lift up to 25 lbs. The Syracuse Orchestra offers a flexible schedule, with a minimum commitment of at least 10 hrs/wk.

TO APPLY

Interested candidates please email a cover letter, resume, and contact information for 3 references to: Pamela Murchison, Executive Director, at PMurchison@SyracuseOrchestra.org. Please include INTERN in the subject line. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until these positions are filled.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

If you are interested in volunteering as an usher for our Spark, Casual or Kids concerts, please contact us at Info@SyracuseOrchestra.org or call the Box Office at (315) 299-5598 x201.

CURRENT EMPLOYEES

Resources for current employees can be found HERE