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!
AUDITIONS
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.
SUBSTITUTE AND EXTRA MUSICIANS
Auditions for Substitute and Extra Musicians are held periodically. To be considered please send a one page resume to Auditions@SyracuseOrchestra.org
*Acceptance to The Syracuse Orchestra’s Substitute and Extra List does not guarantee employment.
STAFF OPENINGS
Development Manager Position
About The Syracuse Orchestra
The Syracuse Orchestra is committed to enriching, inspiring, and educating through the transformative power of music. Our 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, equitable, 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. We value excellence, collaboration, and innovation.
Position Overview
The Development Manager plays a key role in supporting the mission of The Syracuse Orchestra by coordinating the planning and execution of fundraising activities. This full-time, exempt position is responsible for managing donor relationships, giving campaigns, and stewardship activities to achieve the organization’s fundraising goals. Together, the development team works to make it as easy as possible for donors to participate in ways they want and when they want, in support of their reasons for giving. The staff development team consists of the Executive Director, the Special Events Manager, and the Development Manager. The Development Manager reports directly to the Executive Director. At this time, the Development Manager will not have any direct reports. The Syracuse Orchestra is a fast-paced, innovative, and collaborative organization. Staff, musicians, and volunteers work closely together to fulfill the Orchestra’s mission.
Compensation
The position is full-time exempt, with a salary range between $60,000 and $62,500. Compensation includes full employer-paid health benefits for the employee, optional employee-paid dental and vision benefits, paid time off, and some flexibility on work location. The selected candidate will begin as soon as possible.
Work Schedule
The position requires regular weekday hours, Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with occasional evenings and weekends to support concerts, special events, and donor engagement activities. Attendance will be required at monthly development committee meetings and occasionally at monthly meetings of the Board of Directors.
Key Responsibilities
Fundraising
– Implement and update a comprehensive annual giving plan across multiple channels (in-person, email, direct mail, phone, online)
– Design donor segmentation strategies to improve retention and encourage giving level upgrades
– Analyze fundraising data and trends to inform planning and budgeting
– Work with key development staff and volunteers to collect data and create reports on development progress to present to leadership and stakeholders. Pull data from the CRM to create progress reports for leadership and stakeholders.
Donor Relations
– Assist with planning and implementation all phases of donor engagement: identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship
– Ensure prompt donor acknowledgment within 24 hours of receipt
– Ensure delivery of donor benefits and concierge services for corporate and individual donors
– Develop strategies to convert ticket buyers and attendees into regular donors
– Working with development and marketing staff to ensure a cohesive organizational voice, create compelling content for appeals, impact reports, and donor communications as assigned by the Executive Director. This may include providing relevant materials to support press releases and media appearances in conjunction with development and fundraising initiatives.
– Conduct prospect research using iWave or similar tools to support donor development
Administrative & Corporate Support
– Maintain accurate and clean records in donor database according to established protocols
– Prepare and submit corporate sponsorship proposals and applications
– Support the Corporate Membership program, including solicitation and fulfillment of benefits
– Track and distribute discount codes for corporate and organizational partners
Success Metrics
– Achieve individual and organizational development goals. The Orchestra has an ambitious 3-year fundraising goal, and success in this role is a critical part of that plan.
– Improve donor retention rates
– Increase conversion of first-time donors to repeat donors
– Converting regular donors to recurring donors
– Re-engage lapsed donors
– Increase donor renewal and upgrade percentages
– Convert event attendees to donors
Qualifications
– Three or more years of professional or volunteer experience in nonprofit fundraising
– Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects effectively
– Strong communication and organizational skills. The ability to communicate effectively in both larger meetings and 1:1s with donors, staff, and stakeholders is essential.
– Proficiency in donor management software and research tools
– Passion for orchestral music, arts advocacy, and cultural enrichment
Application Process
To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume to Pam Murchison, Executive Director, at PMurchison@SyracuseOrchestra.org. Please use the subject “Development Manager Application” in the email.
Equal Opportunity Statement
The Syracuse Orchestra is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes applicants of all backgrounds.
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 & Responsibilities:
- 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 and skills:
- 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:
Andrew Teller
Orchestra Manager
ATeller@SyracuseOrchestra.org
Or send a hard copy to:
The Syracuse Orchestra
Attn: Andrew Teller
709 James Street
Syracuse, NY 13203
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.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
If you are interested in volunteering as an usher for our Candlelight, Casual, or Kids concerts, please contact us at Info@SyracuseOrchestra.
CURRENT EMPLOYEES
Resources for current employees can be found HERE