Position overview

The Orchestral Operations Coordinator provides operational support to facilitate and enhance the Canberra Symphony Orchestra’s (CSO) role as one of the largest arts employers in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). They provide essential support across orchestral performances, community outreach initiatives, educational programs, musical services and other not-for-profit engagements.

Reporting to the Orchestral Operations Manager (OOM), the Orchestral Operations Coordinator is responsible for the ongoing coordination and implementation of CSO policies, assisting with musician personnel administration, and ensuring continued orchestral operations of the highest standard.

Key relationships

Orchestral Operations Manager (OOM)
Artistic Operations Manager (AOM)
Director, Artistic Planning & Development (DAPD)
Canberra Symphony Orchestra musicians (CSOM)

Key responsibilities:

Orchestra personnel administration

• Administer musician rostering for all CSO performances and engagements, as directed.
• Prepare and distribute contracts for all CSO engagements and events.
• Assist or represent the OOM / AOM at CSO rehearsals, performances and community / education engagements.

Music library maintenance

• Maintain and organise CSO’s physical and digital music library.
• Organise, prepare, and file sheet music for ongoing storage, distribution, and pickup.

Production logistics coordination

• Assist in coordinating staging and production logistics for all CSO concerts and events.
• Draft concert stage plots and production diagrams.
• Coordinate and transport equipment and instruments to venues across Canberra.
• Coordinate instrument and equipment hire with external clients and partners.

Audition support

• Assist the OOM in tracking CSO audition applicants, updating excerpts and documents and coordinating audition schedules.
• Attend in person auditions to assist with the ongoing setup and coordination.

Selection criteria

• Exceptional time management skills with the ability handle multiple competing priorities.
• Ability to take direction and work collaboratively within a small but dedicated team.
• Ability to take initiative and work independently toward clearly defined goals.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills to build rapport and maintain strong relationships with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong awareness of WHS industry standards and ability to safely lift and transport equipment as required.
• Ability to work outside regular business hours, including evenings and weekends, as required for concerts, events, and rehearsals.
• Ability to hold or obtain a Working with Vulnerable People check, Police Check and a valid Australian driver’s license.

Desirable

• Knowledge of classical / orchestral music or experience in the live entertainment industry.
• Familiarity with technical equipment and processes used in production.

Working with the CSO

This is a part time role of 22.5 hours per week, with flexible working hours. It often requires work outside standard business hours, in the evenings and on weekends.

Shortlisted applicants will be contacted to schedule an interview to discuss the position and responsibilities further.

Our culture

At the CSO we’re a diverse and dynamic team, motivated by the opportunity to make a difference in the local community. We are proud Canberrans dedicated to making classical music accessible to everyone, and to enhancing people’s lives through our community outreach programs.

Our small but successful team includes people from all walks of life whose skills and experience contribute to a connected, vibrant and engaged workplace.

The CSO is an equal opportunity employer, where diversity is embraced and valued. All qualified applicants will be considered, and accommodations made for those requiring accessibility support to attend interviews. The CSO encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Due to the potential for conflict of interest, the Orchestral Operations Coordinator cannot hold a regular performing position within the orchestra.

How to apply

Please submit your CV and a covering letter via Seek, or email to recruitment@cso.org.au.
Please contact recruitment@cso.org.au if you have any questions.

Expressions of Interest

Employment type

Contract

About the role

We are seeking a meticulous publications editor to deliver key marketing collateral including our high-quality annual program, individual concert programs and our annual report. These publications are a critical reference point for the award-winning musical and community programming the CSO delivers in Canberra and beyond each year.

The successful contractor will project manage the end-to-end delivery of each publication, from content planning and flat plan development to liaising with external writers, partners and advertisers to ensure accurate, compelling content is submitted on time. You will edit all supplied content to ensure consistency of style, tone and messaging. Your exceptional writing skills will enable you to contribute key content pieces as required.

In addition to working closely with artists and their management teams on supplied content, you will be experienced in negotiating reprint fees for copyrighted works and program notes and ensuring all required permissions are in place.

You will liaise with our external design studio on layouts, manage image requirements and ensure print deadlines are met. You will liaise with key CSO partners on branding and acknowledgements across each publication and determine optimum print run sizes.

This is a contract role with an estimate of one day a week required to deliver the key publications.

About the CSO

Canberra Symphony Orchestra (CSO) is a professional part-time orchestra that enriches and engages a wide audience through artistically vibrant musical experiences. The CSO presents classic and contemporary symphonic works and a diverse suite of chamber, education and community programs. The professional orchestral organisation of the nation’s capital, the CSO champions Australian composers and provides vital pathways for emerging artists. Our rich community programs encourage people with hearing loss, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, autism and other challenges to enjoy the myriad benefits of music.

Direct working relationship

• Internal: Artistic and development, marketing and communications

• External: Graphic design agency; print partner; photography / videography contractors; freelance writers; artists and artists’ agents.

Essential skills and experience

• Exceptional writing and editing skills

• Demonstrated project management skills

• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously

• Experience collaborating with multiple stakeholders

• Ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines

• Forensic attention to detail

• Ability to translate technical/academic subject matter into compelling content
• Knowledge of classical music highly desirable
• Ability to understand and successfully navigate cultural sensitivities

Working with CSO

At the CSO we’re a diverse and dynamic team, motivated by the opportunity to make a difference in the local community. We are proud Canberrans dedicated to making classical music accessible to everyone, and to enhancing people’s lives through our community outreach programs.

Our small but successful team includes people from all walks of life whose skills and experience contribute to a connected, vibrant and engaged workplace.

While this contract role offers the flexibility of working from home where possible, we find most prefer the collegiate, collaborative environment of our Canberra city centre office (the presence of our office dog, Honey Biscuit, may well have something to do with it).

If you’re a go-getter with ideas, enthusiasm and a passion for making a positive contribution, you’ll fit right in here.

Expressions of interest

Please email expressions of interest to recruitment@cso.org.au including a resume.