Position Overview:

The Assistant Conductor serves as a primary artistic support to the Seattle Symphony, Music Director Xian Zhang and guest conductors, assisting with the musical preparation of the orchestra at rehearsals and concerts. They prepare all allotted concert programs to performance level as a potential substitute conductor. The Assistant Conductor helps prepare, program and host education and community engagement concerts and regularly conducts them. 

The appointment is for an initial 2-year engagement. The Assistant Conductor is expected to reside in or near Seattle, WA.

Essential Job Functions:

• Attend rehearsals and concerts as requested by VP of Artistic Planning. Prepare all scores to be able to replace a conductor as needed.  
• Assist the VP of Artistic Planning, Music Director, guest conductors, music library and artistic planning team as requested on artistic matters. 
• Work closely with the Education & Community Engagement team on ongoing programs. Conduct rehearsals and concerts for all or most such concerts within the orchestra’s busy schedule. Collaborate to prepare scripts and host education and community      activities, events and concerts. Prepare school and community orchestras for side-by-side rehearsals and concerts with the Seattle Symphony. Facilitate rehearsals and concerts with community composition participants and the orchestra.
• Act as a spokesperson for Seattle Symphony as requested. Raise the profile of the Seattle Symphony through community activities and fundraising events as requested. 

Qualifications:

· Bachelor’s degree in music and significant experience in conducting and/or administrating a symphony orchestra. 

· Background and training in orchestral conducting; ability in developing, narrating, and conducting education and community programs.

· Knowledge of symphony orchestra structure and practice, and guest artists/conductors is required. 

· Demonstrated engagement with symphonic repertoire and particularly with new and potentially less familiar orchestral repertoire, which is an essential element of the Seattle Symphony’s Education and Community Engagement portfolio.

· Familiarity with other types of music (i.e. jazz, pops, etc) and artists associated with these types of music is highly desirable.

· Must demonstrate the ability to manage relationships with guest artists, SSO staff members, musicians, and other constituents.

· Ability to communicate with individuals calmly and efficiently in a wide range of situations. 

· Ability to work days, evenings and weekends as required.

Physical Requirements: 

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

· The ability to conduct an orchestra for extended periods.

· Excellent hearing, listening, speech and communication abilities.

· Close visual acuity for viewing music scores and computer screens, as well as reading, preparing,

entering and/or analyzing music markings and data.

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

· This position requires repetitive motions of the wrists, hands and fingers, excellent fine motor

skills, and regular pinching, picking up and holding pencils and other desk tools.

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

· May require the ability to lift 30 pounds as needed.

Remuneration   

This is a non-exempt, hourly position. The salary is $40.00 per hour based on a standard work week of 35-hours. The Seattle Symphony offers health insurance costs and provides eligibility in company benefit programs based on contracted period.

Application Requirements: 

 Candidates are required to submit the following documents. Please upload materials that include all required information.

*** Incomplete applications will not be considered. ***

Applications will close on Monday, February 16, 2026, 11:59 PM (PST). 

· Cover Letter 

Please outline your specific interest in the position and explain how your experience relates directly to the role. Address how your priorities would align to further Seattle Symphony’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging, and what your vision would be for helping to foster community and family centered programing. 

· Resume

· Artist Biography 

· Up to 3 URL links to recent conducting videos with orchestra demonstrating contrasting styles. At least two should feature standard repertoire. Videos should be captured from the orchestra’s vantage point.

· By submitting your application, you are confirming commitment to attend in-person audition and interviews in Seattle, WA if selected. Please hold April 27 and April 28, 2026. 

Candidates will be notified if they have been selected to travel to Seattle in early March 2026. Repertoire and in-person preparation materials for the audition will be sent at that time. 

Benefits

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

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

· Employer paid ORCA pass for Metro, Sound Transit, or other public transport system

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

· Vacation and Sick Time

· 2 personal days

· 11 paid 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.