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

Symphony Education Manager Artistic Planning Coordinator and Assistant to the Music Director Director of Orchestra Personnel Operations Manager Executive Assistant to Senior Vice President & COO

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

Symphony Education Manager

JOB OVERVIEW

The Symphony Education Manager is a key member of the Education & Community Engagement (EdCE) Department at Utah Symphony | Utah Opera (USUO), responsible for ensuring the smooth and effective execution of all symphony education programming. Under the supervision of the Vice President of Education & Community Engagement, this individual oversees the planning, logistics, and day-to-day management of school-based concerts, specialized student programs, and community education initiatives both on-site and off-site.

This role serves as the primary operational lead for symphony education programs and as a critical liaison to internal departments—including but not limited to Symphony Operations, Marketing & Communications, Development, and Orchestra Personnel—ensuring strong coordination and communication across teams. The Symphony Education Manager must demonstrate excellent attention to detail, reliability, and the ability to execute work that supports the broader strategic vision of the EdCE department.

Externally, this individual will represent USUO with professionalism and responsiveness to the Utah State Board of Education’s Professional Outreach Programs in the Schools (POPS), as well as to district arts coordinators, teachers, students, and the general public. This role plays a vital part in delivering education programming that reflects USUO’s commitment to community connection, artistic excellence, and meaningful learning experiences.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

Symphony Education Program Leadership

Design and oversee Utah Symphony’s full spectrum of education programs, including but not limited to: In-School Presentations, Fifth-Grade Concerts, Side-by-Side, Salute to Youth, Education Advisory Committee and Conductor in the Classroom.
Attend all symphony education in-school performances to support program delivery and maintain visibility and quality control.
Lead the administration, content development, and evaluation of age-appropriate educational offerings for K-12 students, adults, and special populations across Utah.
Develop and maintain partnerships with community organizations, schools, and universities to expand the reach and impact of symphony programming.
Collaborate closely with Artistic, Symphony Operations in support of educational programming
Maintain an understanding of the department’s strategic priorities and contribute to their realization through well-informed planning, communication, and execution.

Symphony Educational Materials Creation

Create or commission scripts for in-school presentations.
Design curriculum resources and teacher materials; ensuring alignment with Utah Core Standards.
Ensure content is age-appropriate and pedagogically sound.

Public Liaison to USBE and Public Presentations for Utah Symphony

Act as liaison for Utah Symphony to Utah State Board of Education and membership in POPS, including annual reports, meetings, peer reviews, annual legislative efforts, and communications with District Arts Coordinators.
Represent USUO at special events, public concerts, and donor experiences.

Education Department Management (with USUO Vice President of Education & Community Engagement)

Collaborate with Vice President of Education & Community Engagement in symphony education budget planning.
Support Education Coordinator in recording and tracking relevant data via Tessitura
Support Opera Education programs as needed.

Reporting

Keep accurate records of symphony education activities, utilize Tessitura to track attendance at symphony education events.
Prepare reports of education department activities as needed.

REQUIRED SKILLS / ABILITIES:

Foster a positive and inclusive departmental culture by modeling professionalism, clear communication, and collaboration across all teams and partner organizations.
Ability to prioritize among conflicting deadlines and tasks, including delegating when appropriate.
Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
Ability to adapt to the changing needs of the department and organization.
Ability to work collaboratively both internally and externally to USUO.

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s degree in music, fine art, arts administration, education, or a related field.
Managerial experience as a music educator or team leader preferred.
Strong knowledge of and experience with both symphony and operatic repertoire.
Proven record of successfully working with staff, musicians, artists, and civic engagement.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Remain stationary for prolonged periods and work on a computer.
Move equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
Must have reliable transportation.

SALARY RANGE:

Pay begins at $56,000, plus excellent benefits.

TO APPLY:

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

Apply Online

Artistic Planning Coordinator and Assistant to the Music Director

JOB OVERVIEW:

Under the direction of the Vice President of Artistic Planning, the Artistic Planning Coordinator and Assistant to the Music Director is responsible for assisting in the successful operations of the Symphony Artistic Department with a special eye toward serving as the Music Director’s (MD) assistant. The individual will provide efficient, thoughtful, and collaborative organization of the artistic planning team at Utah Symphony Utah Opera (USUO). With other members of the department, the Artistic Planning Coordinator provides friendly logistical support, high-quality service, and beginning-to-end assistance for visiting artists and their management. Often serving as the first point of communication with internal and external partners at USUO, this coordinator will balance departmental priorities with care in an active and high-paced environment. In reporting to the Vice President, the individual will also collaborate regularly with the Artistic Planning Manager and other members of the Operations Department to provide support for the daily operations of multiple departments and functions. Additionally, the individual will provide professional support of the highest level to USUO’s MD, Markus Poschner. In doing so, they will provide information support for the MD, manage the MD’s calendar as it relates to USUO visits or duties, and represent the MD to members of our organization including staff, musicians, and departments.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

Artistic Planning and Coordination:

Support the Vice President of Artistic Planning by providing logistical organization of the Symphony Artistic Department with internal and external partners.
With the leadership of the Artist Planning Manager, directly engage with guest artists, guest artists’ managers, and other partners in professionally representing USUO and the Symphony Artistic Department.
- Arrange and assist in all guest artist hospitality including travel, accommodations, on-site services, and related logistics.
- Assist in execution of guest artist contracts.
- Create and provide guests artist welcome packets and related itineraries.
- Manage dressing and practice room schedules.
- Assist in processing guest artist payments.
In cooperation with Artistic and Operations Department colleagues, serve concert duty as directed. This may include details such as escorting and directing guest artists backstage during rehearsals or concerts, managing and enforcing backstage lists, and communicating related details with internal and external partners.
With assistance from Human Resources, serve as USUO’s point person for researching, assisting, procuring, and ensuring guest artists’ work visas or employment authorizations.
Collaborate with Symphony Artistic, Operations, Education, Development, and other teams in supporting ancillary events and activities.
Help maintain Symphony Artistic Department records.
With the Opera Assistant Conductor and Chorus Director, support the Utah Symphony Chorus in contracting, communications, scheduling, and execution of rehearsals and performances.
Serve as the galvanizing architect for USUO pre-concert lectures, including collaborating with internal stakeholders such as the Vice President of Artistic Planning, Vice President of Education and Community Engagement, Music Director, Assistant Conductor, Operations Department staff, and others.

Support to the Music Director:

Maintain, coordinate, and communicate the MD’s USUO schedule, including: rehearsals, concerts, community appearances, fundraising events, receptions, meetings with staff members, musicians, board members, guest artists, etc.
Maintain daily appointment schedule including meetings with staff members, musicians, board meetings, interviews, etc.
Assist with business travel when necessary.
Manage PR related activities for MD including reviewing PR/Marketing materials and photos, ensuring accuracy. Review with Music Director and their management for correct branding and imaging.
Assist with time management by gathering, transcribing, formatting, editing, and copying information.
Liaise with other departments with regards to the MD’s schedule.
Record meeting minutes for Orchestra Committee and Department Heads meetings, Artistic Advisory, and other related meetings.
Represent MD in all ways while maintaining confidence and speaking for them as necessary.
Attend meetings on behalf of MD as needed and take notes.
Assume additional responsibilities and perform special projects as needed or directed.

DESIRED EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE / SKILLS:

Minimum of bachelor’s degree or two years’ relevant experience.
Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work discretely and independently and display good judgement in dealing with diverse personalities and potentially challenging situations.
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 organization and time management skills.
Professional work ethic and the ability to collaborate effectively with orchestra and staff colleagues.
Tact and discretion in handling sensitive and confidential information.
Experience with symphonic music and knowledge of symphonic repertoire strongly preferred.
Working knowledge of MS Word, Outlook, Excel, and database systems.
Experience with OPAS Software a plus.
Possess a valid US driver’s license and good driving record.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Prolonged periods of remaining stationary and working on a computer.
Able to move equipment weighing up to 20 pounds.

SALARY RANGE:

Pay begins at $20/hour, plus excellent benefits

TO APPLY:

Please apply online. Application materials should include a cover letter and résumé. Applications with a cover letter will be prioritized.

Apply Online

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.

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

Operations Manager

JOB OVERVIEW:

The Operations Manager will assist the Director of Orchestra Operations with the day-to-day logistical needs of the orchestra including advancing and executing concerts at Abravanel Hall, run-outs and tours across the state, and the Deer Valley^® Music Festival. The Operations Manager works closely with the Director of Orchestra Operations, Director of Production, Front of House Director, Symphony Education Manager, Orchestra Personnel, with colleagues in the Artistic and Marketing departments, and all external concert venue partners of the Utah Symphony. This individual should bring energy and initiative to this active and exciting position. The Manager will be confident in handling logistical details, calm under pressure, a quick learner who supports our team with willingness and motivation, and comfortable both behind the scenes as well as leading in forward-facing roles. Regularly interacting with both staff and musicians, the Operations Manager serves as an integral link between branches of the organization.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

Assist Director of Orchestra Operations in the planning and management of all concert production activities of the Utah Symphony within Abravanel Hall and at other venues (including tours, Deer Valley^® Music Festival, and run-out concerts).
Manage Abravanel Hall space usage for Utah Symphony musicians and staff, including ghost light rehearsals, receptions, meetings, tours, and special events. Ensure current season calendar of events and Abravanel Hall calendar correctly reflect Utah Symphony use and needs.
Work with touring and artist managers to advance Pops, Films, Family, Special and Deer Valley^® Music Festival concerts.
Administrative duties including, but not limited to, creation and dissemination of concert information sheets, maintaining the orchestra calendar and updating OPAS database, generating contracts, and processing check requests/invoices.
Assist and support Director of Orchestra Operations in the organization and execution of travel, lodging and logistics for orchestra tours.
Ensure adherence to the collective bargaining agreements that govern the orchestra musicians as it pertains to rehearsals, concerts and calendaring.
Maintain archive recordings library and continue good working relationship with recording engineer.
Assist Director of Orchestra Operations in formulating and tracking the operations budget.
Attend and contribute to bi-weekly production meetings and monthly orchestra committee meetings.
Participate in regular concert duty rotation.
Schedule orchestra buses for all tours and run-outs and work with other technical vendors as needed.
Other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SKILLS:

Bachelor’s degree in a related field and 1-2 years’ experience working in orchestra operations preferred.
Night and weekend events are an essential part of the job. Individual must maintain a very flexible schedule.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and experience working within a dynamic team.
Strong organizational skills, supremely detail-oriented and self-motivated, with the ability to manage and prioritize simultaneous projects in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to read music and familiarity with orchestral repertoire preferred.
Proven problem-solving skills in a creative workplace.
Ability to develop accurate schedules, work within approved budgets, and meet deadlines.
Working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
Experience working with OPAS a plus.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Prolonged periods of remaining stationary and working on a computer.
Prolonged periods of standing and moving at events.
Ability to move up to 30 pounds.
Prolonged periods of working outdoors in spring and summer months, particularly at Deer Valley.

SALARY: Pay begins at $56,000/year, plus excellent benefits.

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

Executive Assistant to Senior Vice President & COO

JOB OVERVIEW

The Executive Assistant to Sr VP and COO position serves as an amicable and energetic presence to not only directly support the Sr VP and COO in tasks related to all USUO operations, but also to liaise among USUO locations and departments. As this individual learns the workings of the office of the Sr. VP and COO, they will quickly develop further responsibilities related to sensitive information, timely and urgent needs, and a thorough institutional memory that will become vital to smooth and efficient operations. This individual will act both responsively to stated needs as well as proactively to help the department remain future-thinking and creative. Regularly acting as the direct point of contact between the organization and its vendors and guests, this individual will serve in a forward-facing and active role. We desire a responsible, professional, and motivated person to join us in this role.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

Support to the Senior VP & COO

Maintain and coordinate Sr. VP and COO’s daily appointment schedule including meetings with staff members, musicians, board meetings, interviews, etc.
Assist with business travel when necessary.
Prepare COO for meetings; assist with reports, gather information from relevant departments, and schedule and create agendas for Deer Valley Music Festival planning meetings, Strategic Planning Meetings, concert meetings, tour preparation meetings, and other.
Maintain Strategic Planning documents by formatting, tracking, and editing content.
Record meeting minutes for Orchestra Committee and other meetings as necessary.
Help conserve time and create efficiencies and effectiveness of the COO office by assisting in research, reading, and summarizing information, gathering, collecting, and analyzing information and initiating telecommunications.
Represent COO in all ways while maintaining confidence and speaking for COO as necessary.
Attend meetings on behalf of COO as needed and takes notes.
Maintain COO office and office supplies and ensure operation of equipment.
Greet and welcome guests for meetings making them feel comfortable and addressing needs.
Provide historical reference by developing and utilizing filing and retrieval systems both physical and electronic.
Assist with creating and maintaining organizational timelines.
Secure all critical information and data.
Act as main point of contact for the organization: answer phones, provide customer assistance, direct calls, and take messages as necessary.
Supervise the orderly appearance of main office, workroom, and kitchen; ensure a clean and safe work environment; communicate with custodial services as needed and coordinate annual office cleaning day.
Handle petty cash and parking vouchers/validations; monitor cash flow regularly: log, track and reconcile with Accounting Dept.
Organize incoming/outgoing mail and faxes daily; distribute to appropriate staff and contact courier(s), i.e. FedEx; mail drop-off and maintain postage meter; instruct staff in shipping and mailing procedures as necessary.
Work with Information Systems Manager on minor computer and copy machine issues; contact as necessary for maintenance and repair.
Provide administrative support and perform special projects as needed or directed for the Office of the Sr. VP & COO.
Other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED SKILLS / ABILITIES:

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Excellent organizational and time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
Strong attention to detail and ability to work independently or with a team.
Ability to prioritize tasks and remain flexible to department urgencies when appropriate.
Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, and Excel).
Occasional evenings and weekends required.

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s degree or experience in an organizational role at a performing arts organization preferred.
Knowledge of or experience with symphony and opera repertoire preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Prolonged periods of remaining stationary and working on a computer.
Able to move equipment weighing up to 20 pounds.
Must have reliable transportation, especially to move efficiently and regularly between buildings.

TO APPLY:

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

Beginning pay: $20/hour

Apply Online