The Seattle Symphony unleashes the power of music, brings people together and lifts the human spirit. Recognized as one of the “most vital American orchestras” (NPR), the Seattle Symphony is internationally acclaimed for its inventive programming, community-minded initiatives, and superb recordings on the Seattle Symphony Media label. With a strong commitment to new music and a legacy of over 150 recordings, the orchestra has won five Grammy Awards, 26 Grammy nominations, two Emmy Awards and was named Gramophone’s 2018 Orchestra of the Year. The Symphony performs in Benaroya Hall in the heart of downtown Seattle, reaching over 500,000 people annually through live performances and radio broadcasts. 

Position Overview:

The Artist Liaison & Assistant to Music Director provides exemplary care for the Seattle Symphony’s busy roster of guest artists and for incoming Music Director Xian Zhang, before, during and after their concerts. 

The position works closely with conductors, guest artists, musicians and staff to develop artist plans, schedules, and logistics, and to ensure that the artistic elements of concert production are delivered efficiently to the highest level.

This position requires exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, discretion, and commitment to the Seattle Symphony values of Excellence, Innovation, Curiosity, Collaboration, Respect, Inclusivity, Integrity and Service. It supports the Seattle Symphony’s principles of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. 

Key Responsibilities and Duties:

The key responsibilities and duties of the position fall into the following areas: 

1. Artist Liaison

· Organizes and manages guest artist logistics in close partnership with artist managers and Seattle Symphony’s administration. 

· Creates, maintains, and disseminates guest artist & conductor itineraries and welcome packets.

· Acts as first point of contact for visiting artists, providing exemplary care for them before, during and after their concerts.

· Reserves stage, rehearsal, piano selection and access times, dressing room spaces, and maintains artist care supplies.

· Processes guest artist payments and reimbursements as needed.

· Coordinates backstage access to guest artists and ticket allocations for artists’ guests. 

· Covers Artistic Duty at assigned concerts.

· Coordinates media requests by guest artists of performance footage and digital assets. 

· Participates in and contributes to artistic, production and inter-departmental meetings.

· Exercises the utmost discretion and diplomacy with guest artists and gives empathetic and attentive support to their needs.
 

2. Assistant to Music Director

· Works closely with the Music Director on all aspects of her schedule and calendar in Seattle.

· Coordinates and tracks all rehearsals, meetings, concerts, appointments, and special events scheduled for the Music Director.

· Receives and processes meeting requests across Seattle Symphony departments.

· Arranges and coordinates the Music Director’s attendance at private receptions (pre-/post-concert) or meetings with donors, artists, and other stakeholders.

· Coordinates personal correspondence, assists in preparations for her attendance at events.

· Provides exemplary care for the Music Director, which may include running errands and restocking amenities in the Music Director Suite. 

Requirements:

· Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience.

· At least one year of experience as an executive/personal assistant.

· Knowledge and passion for broad musical genres but especially symphonic music and other performing arts is essential to this position.

· Experience working for symphony orchestra/s is strongly desired. 

· High aptitude for organization and the capacity to manage multiple projects simultaneously, with exceptional attention to detail.

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

· This full-time position tracks with the rehearsal and performance schedule of the orchestra and involves evening and weekend work. 

· Ability to prioritize and work with grace under pressure to meet deadlines.

· Ability to manage multiple projects/tasks at once, to solve problems in a fast-paced environment.

· Appreciation for and sensitivity to the needs of performers and orchestra musicians.

· Diplomacy, discretion, and professionalism.

· Computer literacy, including proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, is required.

· Knowledge of ArtsVision and Asana software preferred.

· A valid driver’s license.

Physical Requirements:   

The physical requirements described here must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

· The functions of this position are performed primarily in office and backstage environments.

· Regular activities include frequent sitting, standing, walking, reaching and bending.

· This position may require occasional pulling, lifting and climbing stairs.

· Ability to speak, hear and communicate clearly.

· Specific vision abilities require close visual acuity for viewing a computer screen and reading, preparing, entering and/or analyzing data.

· This position requires repetitive motions of the wrists, hands and fingers for typing at a standard keyboard and regular pinching, picking up and holding pencils and other desk tools.

· This position requires have the ability to lift 30 pounds as needed.

Benefits:

· Excellent Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance (PPO, low deductible)

· Employer paid Long-Term Disability, AD&D and Life Insurance

· 403b retirement savings plan with employer matching at 1 year

· On-site parking pass or ORCA transit card 

· 10 days' Vacation Time, 10 days Sick Time

· 2 personal days

· 11 holidays per year

· Employee Assistance Program

The Seattle Symphony values diversity and inclusiveness in the workplace. Individuals who bring diverse backgrounds and perspectives are encouraged to apply. It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunity (EOE) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.  In addition, the Seattle Symphony will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.