About The National Symphony Orchestra

The National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) enjoys international renown as one of America’s finest professional orchestras. The Orchestra has gained recognition through national and international touring, recording, radio and television broadcasts, and its excellent work in education and community engagement in the greater Washington area. The NSO has been in residence at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts since the Center opened in 1971. In 1986, the Orchestra became an artistic affiliate of the Kennedy Center. The NSO’s Music Director, Gianandrea Noseda, is widely recognized as one of the leading conductors of his generation.

The NSO offers a classical subscription series and a pops series at the Kennedy Center Concert Hall, gives summer performances at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, and celebrates national holidays with televised concerts on the Capitol lawn. Chamber ensembles of NSO musicians perform at the Kennedy Center’s Terrace Theatre and Millennium stage and the orchestra participates in an extensive education program. NSO In Your Neighborhood brings more than 30 performances and events to schools, churches, community centers, and other local venues in a single week. NSO Sound Health brings musicians to facilities like Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and National Institutes of Health (NIH). The NSO also continues to tour nationally and internationally.

At the Kennedy Center, we strive to foster belonging and empowerment at work. We are able to advance our mission because of our committed and passionate employees. We are fortunate to be able to leverage their diverse perspectives, life experiences and skills to inform how our workplace can be a safe, transparent, and replenishing community. The Kennedy Center is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant based on race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related condition, or any other basis protected by law.

Mission Statement: As the nation's performing arts center, and a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy, we are a leader for the arts across America and around the world, reaching and connecting with artists, inspiring and educating communities. We welcome all to create, experience, learn about, and engage with the arts.

Why Join Us

We offer a comprehensive range of benefits to all full-time employees including:

Staff offers for discount tickets
Retirement plan with organization matching (after 1 year of employment)
Qualifying employer for the Public Student Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)
Commuter programs including pre-tax options for discounted parking and SmartBenefits (WMATA)
Annual Leave, Sick Leave, and Personal Days available immediately upon hire
11 paid holidays per year
Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits with FSA and HSA options, and paid FMLA
Flexible work arrangements
We like to have fun!

Job Description

The Vice President of Operations (VP of Operations) oversees the day-to-day operations of the National Symphony Orchestra. Responsibilities include scheduling and production; tour planning and execution, including fee negotiations with presenters; negotiating and monitoring compliance of all union contracts involving the Orchestra, including managing and implementing the Orchestra’s recordings and electronic media agreements; negotiating and fulfilling contracts with musicians, venues, and vendors; serving as a key staff for the summer season at Wolf Trap; working with Development on fundraising solicitations related to tours and electronic media.

Key Responsibilities

Supervise operations of the Orchestra and ensure compliance with stipulations of union agreement.
Oversee interpretation of contract; set agenda and participate in Orchestra Committee Meetings.
Negotiate individual musician agreements.
Serve as primary liaison to musicians and Orchestra Committee. Ensure smooth communication and promote positive working relationships between the Association and musicians, including preparation for labor negotiations and resolutions of contract issues.
Negotiate and monitor compliance of electronic media contracts.
Joint Executive Producer for recording projects.
Supervise tour and run-out concerts: Plan itinerary; negotiate contracts and fees; problem-solve logistical and sponsorship credit concerns. Develop future touring agenda and strategy.
Plan, organize and monitor budgets for Orchestra services, electronic media, and special concerts and projects in collaboration with the Director of Finance. Oversee and monitor the budgets of subscription season, tours, run-outs, and stage technicians.
Staff liaison to Labor Relations Task Force and Pension Committees of the NSO Board of Directors; provide direction and information for committees.
Supervise the NSO’s Kennedy Center Concert Hall concert operations.
Oversee NSO capital projects including Concert Hall seat replacement project renovation in Summer 2025 and the replacement of the Labor Day tent on the US Capitol lawn.
Concert duty: arrive early backstage to check all preparations are in place; inform Orchestra personnel or stage technicians of any last-minute changes in stage issues; determine the actual starting time of NSO concerts with production; attend receptions for guest artists and conductors as required.
Department head: Recommend and scrutinize policies and activities for the NSO, focusing on Orchestra and Hall operations.
Collaborate with VP Artistic Planning to prepare and manage the orchestra's master schedule. Manage date availability in the KC Concert Hall, serve as a member of the Concert Hall team, and manage the date release and service tracking process.
Represent the NSO Administration at Wolf Trap: participate in negotiations of the Wolf Trap contract, work with the Director of Orchestra Personnel on Orchestra member's leave requests, assist with interpretation of the contract, oversee billing, and attend concerts as needed.
Negotiate contracts with unions and individual union members. Collect comparative data, participate in negotiating teams, and draft contracts.
Supervise special projects as necessary.
Performs other duties as assigned.

Key Qualifications

5-10 years of experience in orchestra operations
Formal musical and business training or equivalent experience; knowledge of classical music repertoire.
Ability to read, interpret, and draft legal documents.
Experience negotiating contracts.
Experience managing complex projects.
Management experience.
Strong communication skills.
Strong budgeting ability.

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The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts jobs

Vice President of Operations, NSO