Connect our community with great live music.

Join our team and help support unforgettable musical experiences for our community at a 501(c3) non-profit organization that values excellence, integrity, trust, and communication.

OPEN POSITIONS

Director of Orchestra Personnel Chief Financial Officer (CFO)Principal Coach Marketing Manager

About Utah Symphony | Utah Opera

Utah Symphony | Utah Opera (USUO) connects Utah communities through great live music, serving as the premier provider of the orchestral and operatic art forms in the Intermountain West. The Utah Symphony, which performs at Salt Lake City’s Abravanel Hall and is led by Music Director Thierry Fischer, is one of the most engaged orchestras in the nation. In addition to numerous regional and domestic tours, it has embarked on seven international tours and performed at Carnegie Hall in 2016 coinciding with the orchestra’s 75th anniversary celebrations. Since 1978, Utah Opera has provided Utah’s citizens with distinguished productions at the historic Janet Quinney Lawson Capitol Theatre that showcase emerging and established artists, celebrate traditional works, and champion the American operatic tradition. USUO reaches 450,000 residents annually in Utah and the Intermountain region through its performances and educational programs, which serve more than 155,000 students annually. USUO produces four full operas and more than 175 symphony performances in each season throughout Utah and an annual summer festival – the Deer Valley® Music Festival – in Park City, Utah.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Utah Symphony | Utah Opera (USUO) is committed to connecting our community through the performance of great live music. In service of that goal and to create an incredible place to work, USUO prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability, genetics, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964

Utah Symphony | Utah Opera is in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 which maintains that no person in the United States shall, on the ground of race, color, or national origin, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance. If you have questions concerning USUO’s compliance with Title VI, please contact the office of the President & CEO.

National Alliance for Audition Support

Utah Symphony | Utah Opera is proud to be a partner in the National Alliance for Audition Support (NAAS), an unprecedented national initiative to increase diversity in American orchestras. The Alliance does so by offering Black and Latinx musicians a customized combination of mentoring, audition preparation, financial support, and audition previews. NAAS is a partnership between the Sphinx Organization, League of American Orchestras, New World Symphony, and over 100 orchestras across the nation and is funded by a generous grant from the Mellon Foundation and contributions from the member orchestras. Learn more at www.auditionalliance.org.

Benefits & Perks at Utah Symphony | Utah Opera

Benefits: Full-time staff receive health coverage (USUO pays 100%), 401(k) contribution plan, and paid time-off and holidays.

Free Tickets: Staff receive complimentary and discounted tickets to Utah Symphony and Utah Opera performances.

Work that Matters: Music touches lives for good and enriches our community. Be part of an organization that brings beauty and happiness to the lives of people all over the state.

The staff supports USUO’s mission to connect the community through great live music by doing everything from promotion and fundraising to artistic planning and operations. View and apply for open positions below.

Open Positions

Director of Orchestra Personnel

JOB OVERVIEW:

Under the direction of the Sr Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (COO), the Director of Orchestra Personnel is the main liaison between USUO administrative staff, Music Director, and orchestra members. The Director is responsible for engaging with and maintaining a collaborative culture while tactfully and expertly guiding Utah Symphony | Utah Opera’s (USUO) execution of its Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). The ideal Director will help strategize and assist musicians and USUO staff in developing a collaborative and mutually beneficial employee workforce ready to “Connect the community through great live music.” Key to that work is maintaining a positive, responsible, communicative, and collaborative environment. This individual serves as an entrusted and knowledgeable resource and counsel for orchestra musicians, supports the day-to-day personnel activities of USUO, and acts as main coordinator of orchestra auditions. We expect this individual to oversee and elevate the role of the Orchestra Personnel Manager through respectful delegation as the Director balances their own workload of case management, payroll, and other organizational needs.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

Foster and maintain an impactful, engaging and collaborative work culture.
Understand, remain current in, and enforce all details of the USUO CBA.
Act as liaison between management and orchestra personnel relative to all rehearsal and performance scenarios.
Liaise between the Music Director and orchestra personnel (meetings, leave requests, etc.).
Keep accurate orchestra attendance records and work with staff team to integrate any needs into systems and best practices.
Field concerns and requests from the players with an eye toward collaborative and respectful problem-solving. Help identify the best answer by balancing institutional and personal needs.
Strategize for, plan, track, and oversee all orchestra auditions.
Proactively communicate necessary information to orchestra personnel regarding schedule, management correspondence, etc. via verbal and/or posted memoranda.
In collaboration with Orchestra Personnel Manager, serve as the official timekeeper for all orchestra services.
Participates in all relevant orchestra and staff meetings, e.g. regular staff meetings, Orchestra Committee meetings, select orchestra subcommittees, and Symphony Operations staff production meetings.
Keep USUO administration updated on personnel activities and provide monthly personnel reports.
Provide regular informed, relevant, and timely input to COO regarding the continued and productive integration of USUO musicians with the greater USUO administration.
Attend rehearsals and performances as required balancing workload with Orchestra Personnel Manager.
Advise and assist COO in providing informed, thoughtful, and creative solutions for CBA updates, when relevant (CBA contract negotiation and renewal).
Under the direction of the COO, productively participate in CBA negotiations.

REQUIRED SKILLS / ABILITIES:

Excellent interpersonal, personnel management, and negotiation skills.
Excellent verbal, aural, and written communication skills.
Excellent collaboration and inclusive planning skills.
Excellent organizational and time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines and function calmly under pressure.
Able to effectively direct teamwork while working collaboratively or independently.
Detail-oriented, organized, able to problem solve and make critical decisions.
Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint).
Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of personnel information and benefit records.
Flexible work schedule required, including nights, weekends, and services away from Abravanel Hall.
Ability to travel for tours and run-outs as needed.

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE

College Bachelor’s degree preferred.
Professional orchestra management experience, experience in orchestra personnel administration, and/or musical background required.
Knowledge of classical music and understanding of orchestral instrumentation required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Prolonged periods of remaining stationary and working on a computer.
Able to move equipment weighing up to 30 pounds.

SALARY:

Pay begins at $85,000

TO APPLY:

Please apply online. Application materials should include a cover letter and résumé. Applications without a résumé and cover letter will not be considered.

Apply Online

Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

JOB OVERVIEW:

Utah Symphony | Utah Opera (USUO) is seeking a visionary and strategic Chief Financial Officer (CFO) with a passion for symphonic music, opera, education, and service to our communities. We expect this CFO to bring the energy and creativity necessary to continue our trajectory into a successful future. Reporting to the President and CEO and serving as a member of our Senior Team, this individual should be a thoughtful and confident advisor at the highest levels while engaging individuals across all levels of the organization. The CFO regularly informs the USUO Board of Trustees and its relevant committees (Finance, Investment, Executive, Audit) of the financial activities and status of the organization. We expect the ideal candidate to understand the joys and challenges of a renowned 501(c)(3) arts organization and to embrace our mission to “Connect the community through great live music.” As an advisor and leader, this individual must be able to tactfully and assuredly inform and guide USUO toward increasing financial success. The CFO will oversee all financial procedures for USUO and act as the Senior Team representative for the Finance Department and the Director of Information Technologies.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

Serve as the organization’s primary strategist for financial success, accounting policies, controls, and compliance. This will include long-term planning and visionary problem-solving while understanding and supporting our status as a Not-For-Profit.
Under the direction of the CEO and with the Chief Operating Officer (COO), help guide all aspects of USUO’s mission, vision, and organizational success.
Develop the annual budget in conjunction with the CEO, COO, Senior Team, Controller, and Department Heads.
Monitor trends and the overall fiscal health of USUO and report any concerns to the CEO and the COO along with suggestions for potential actions.
Advise department heads and Senior Team in developing USUO’s long-range plan, including strategic, artistic, and operational initiatives that meet or improve financial objectives and organizational efficiencies.
Oversees and directs budgeting, audit, accounting, insurances, pension, endowment, physical property, and information technologies.
Direct and prepare monthly financial reports for the Finance Committee, Executive Committee, Board of Trustees, or Senior Team.
Supply accurate and timely financial information, as required, for grants, reports, surveys, etc.
Serve as the liaison with financial institutions handling all USUO accounts including banking, retirement, investment advisors, brokers, and other.
Maintain an open-door policy for financial or general needs from all USUO constituents.
Strategically direct and oversee technology operations, including regular monitoring of organizationally-relevant hardware and software needs, data security, and any AI initiatives.
Attend concerts and performances and engage with organizational partners.

REQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SKILLS:

Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in finance or a related field.
Minimum of 10 years in finance and accounting experience in organizational settings.
Ability to project information and monitor results.
Effectively communicate and interact with administrative staff, musicians, Board members, community partners, patrons, and vendors.
Proven experience and success in all aspects of responsible financial leadership.
Expert Excel skills (formulas, pivot tables, etc.).
Expert analytical and problem-solving skills.
Strong understanding of databases/systems.
Knowledge of MS Great Plains Dynamics a plus.
Expert organizational skills with the ability to handle overlapping details, deadlines, and requests.
Ability to discretely and tactfully handle and secure confidential information.
Extended work schedule regularly required, including nights and weekends, often totaling 50 to 60 hours per week to complete job duties.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Prolonged periods of remaining stationary and working on a computer.
Able to move equipment weighing up to 30 pounds.

SALARY:

Pay begins at $140,000

TO APPLY:

Please apply online. Application materials should include a cover letter and résumé. Applications without a résumé and cover letter will not be considered.

Apply Online

Principal Coach

This is an annual 9-month seasonal position from September through May, with exact dates to be negotiated.

JOB OVERVIEW:

The Utah Symphony | Utah Opera (USUO) Principal Coach is an active and reliable artistic leader in the USUO Opera Artistic Department. As the primary pianist for opera rehearsals, the Principal Coach works closely with guest conductors and music staff to prepare singers for opera production roles and with the USUO Chorus Director to provide primary musical leadership for USUO Choruses. Additionally, this individual collaborates closely and regularly with the Education Department to develop, coach, and craft programs for the USUO Resident Artists. Reporting to the USUO Opera Artistic Director, the Principal Coach is expected to provide assistance in artistic leadership and engagement through their work.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

Artistic

Coach local and guest artists for mainstage productions as requested.
Play harpsichord and other keyboard instruments during Opera and Symphony rehearsals and performances as appropriate, practical, and necessary.
Play local auditions as necessary.
Coach Resident Artist Program artists for roles in opera productions and for USUO concerts and educational presentations.
Participate in casting and repertoire selection as part of the Artistic Director’s planning team.
- Participate in auditions and the selection of artists for the Resident Artist Program as appropriate and practical including planning, promotion, and screening of auditions.
- Conduct artistic research including review of video and audio tapes and attendance at live concerts and performances as requested.
- Participate in long-range repertoire planning discussions.
Participate in the design, development, implementation, and supervision of opera education initiatives and programs in collaboration with Education Department staff.
Play primary role in creation of Resident Artist Program community engagement activities including concerts and run-outs.
Participate as member of guest opera conductor support team during orchestra services.
Attend concerts and performances as required.

Administrative

Coordinate with Education Department in the creation of a weekly schedule for Ensemble Program artists.
Assist Artistic Director with communication of programming with Marketing.
Participate with Opera and Symphony personnel in the planning and execution of performance-oriented development events for Utah Symphony and Opera and Deer Valley Music Festival.
Participate in the appropriate assignment of staff keyboardists to rehearsals in coordination with Production Coordinator, Chorus Director, Stage Management, and Symphony Operations.
Coordinate piano tuning and maintenance schedule for Production Studios and Capitol Theatre.

Other

Prepare and present Prelude Lectures and patron education events for all opera productions.
Perform other duties and assume additional responsibilities as assigned.

REQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SKILLS:

Bachelor’s Degree in Music required. Master’s in piano/coaching and/or 5 years professional experience with professional opera companies. A Collaborative Piano focus is a plus.
High level of pronunciation and translation fluency in Italian, German, and French. Pronunciation and translation fluency in other major singing languages a plus.
Wide knowledge of vocal repertoire and resources, including vocal chamber music.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Team player with proven ability to work collaboratively across departments and maintain effective interpersonal relationships.
Ability to professionally solve problems and meet multiple deadlines when under pressure.
Excellent organizational and project management skills.
Flexible working schedule, including evening and weekend events, required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Prolonged periods of remaining stationary and working on a computer.
Moves equipment weighing up to 30 pounds.
Must have reliable transportation.

TO APPLY:

Please apply online. Application materials should include a cover letter and résumé. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.

Apply Online

Marketing Manager

JOB OVERVIEW:

The Marketing Manager supports the Utah Symphony | Utah Opera (USUO) Marketing, Communications, and Patron Services Department by providing detail-oriented support to the Director of Marketing and supervising the Marketing Coordinator. This role assists with the development and implementation of USUO’s advertising strategies, ensuring the successful creation, tracking, and analysis of marketing assets. The Manager will also be empowered to make informed suggestions for all assets and to identify thoughtful strategies to extend the reach and impact of USUO campaigns—attracting new audiences to performances and supporting the patron journey. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to manage multiple deadlines are essential, as this role collaborates with internal departments, creative freelancers, and advertising partners to manage channels for a broad range of campaigns and initiatives.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

Support the development and implementation of all USUO advertising strategies across varying media channels.
Effectively work to improve communication with our audiences and ensure the proper accuracy, method, and volume of communication with patrons.
Strategically manage the distribution of campaign deliverables (emails, flyers, etc.) to enhance the reach of our campaigns and strengthen connections with our communities.
Manage efforts to connect with and attract emerging audiences through relationships with community partners.
Help provide direction for graphic designers to produce advertising materials—including print, outdoor (billboards, banners, posters), direct mail (postcards, brochures, flyers), and social ads.
Oversee visual brand, including photo selection for promotional materials, and perform light graphic design work as needed.
Actively track, manage, and evaluate the effectiveness of eblasts, direct mail, and other assets. Share results with the team and make suggestions for adjustments as necessary.
Develop and manage brand activations at performances and in the community.
Supervise the Marketing Coordinator and provide support as needed.
Attend Utah Symphony, Utah Opera, and Deer Valley® Music Festival performances in rotation with others in the department and act as an official marketing/PR representative.
Perform other duties as assigned and required.

REQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SKILLS:

Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, or business; or commensurate experience of at least one to two years working in marketing and promotion.
Concert or event promotion experience preferred.
Ability to capture and use data to measure marketing programs and inform decision making.
Skilled in editing marketing collateral for impact, clarity, and correct grammar.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
Proficient with Adobe Creative Suite preferred.
An eye for design and basic graphic design skills.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Understanding of the creative development process and media planning.
Proven ability to find creative ways to reach target audiences.
Team player with proven ability to work collaboratively across departments and maintain effective interpersonal relationships.
Ability to professionally solve problems and meet multiple deadlines when under pressure.
Excellent organizational and project management skills.
Passion for and knowledge of symphonic music and opera preferred.
Flexible working schedule, including evening and weekend events, required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Prolonged periods of remaining stationary and working on a computer.
Moves equipment weighing up to 30 pounds.
Must have reliable transportation.

TO APPLY:

Please apply online. Application materials should include a cover letter and résumé. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.

Apply Online