Artistic Operations Directors

ARTISTIC OPERATIONS DIRECTOR

• Position Type: Exempt/Salaried
• Compensation: $70,000; full benefits including healthcare, paid vacation, and retirement
• Reports to: Executive Director
• Posted: November 20, 2025
• Apply to: jobs@cmnw.org
• Application Deadline: December 15, 2025 (applications evaluated on a rolling basis)

THE POSITION

The Artistic Operations Director is the key program leader for CMNW, reporting to the Executive Director and working in partnership with the Artistic Directors to help achieve CMNW’s artistic, education, and community engagement goals. The Director serves as the Artistic Directors’ primary support in Portland, and oversees most aspects of artist and manager relations, program execution including operations, and production elements of CMNW performances. The Director supervises the full-time Artistic & Community Programs Coordinator (ACPC) and provides managerial oversight for the part-time Young Artist Institute (YAI) Manager.

JOB DUTIES

Artistic Planning & Operations:

• Serve as the Artistic Directors’ primary administrator for the planning, development, and execution of all artistic programming:
  • Adapt to and accommodate the Artistic Directors’ schedule, planning process, and communication style to effectively support them in performance of their responsibilities.
  • Arrange all concert and program logistics, including the master rehearsal schedule and program calendar, as well as venue booking, instrument rentals, music ordering & distribution, and recording.
  • Represent CMNW in relationships with artists, managers, and other organizations including negotiation of contract terms and contracting.
  • Oversee artist services including communication, scheduling, travel, housing, meals, and visas.
  • Ensure the accuracy of program information included in all print and electronic media through timely communication of program details and content oversight to marketing, development, and other staff.
• Supervise the Artistic & Community Programs Coordinator in supporting the functions above, and in their planning, development, and execution of Education & Community Engagement programs, ensuring alignment with CMNW’s mission and strategic goals.
• Oversee the financial, administrative, and logistical aspects of the Young Artist Institute in collaboration with the YAI Manager, and coordinate YAI activities with development and marketing.
• Hire and supervise stage & house managers, other seasonal staff, contractors, and interns for all performances and the summer festival.
• Provide support for the commissioning and presentation of new works, including contract management, production deadlines, copying, performance rights, delivery of materials, and recording.
• Supervise audio and video recording, editing, artist approvals, and necessary licensing of CMNW performances for promotion, release, broadcast and streaming.

Leadership & Management:

• With the Executive Director and the Finance Director, develop and manage the Summer Festival, Year-Round Season, Young Artist Institute, and Education & Community Engagement programs budgets.
• Assist Executive, Development, and Marketing staff in preparing information, schedules, budgets, data, photos, and anecdotes for fundraising and marketing, including active participation in grant research, writing, and applications where appropriate.
• Establish policies, systems, and procedures, with a special emphasis on professionalism and ethical standards for working with artists, their agents, and community partners, including compliance with employment policies and law.
• Serve as a key member of CMNW’s leadership team to develop, plan, and carry out integrated programs that meet CMNW’s strategic goals and accomplish the artistic, educational, and community service aspects of CMNW’s mission.
• Represent CMNW in the classical music community at events and conferences as appropriate.
• Other duties as assigned.

TRAITS AND CHARACTERISTICS

The Artistic Operations Director must be a mature and poised arts professional with successful experience working with distinguished musicians and/or faculty, agents, staff, and fellows in a musical organization. They will combine broad knowledge of orchestral, chamber, and vocal music literature with the ability to engage artists and develop creative programs for concerts, recitals, and special events. A key part of this job is also a passion for connecting these artists and programs with young people, music students, and our audience through educational activities and community collaborations. The AOD must have strong oral and written communications skills, excellent planning and organizational abilities, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a manner that instills trust, confidence, and stability. The ability to deal with high-pressure situations and occasional crises in a positive, calm and professional manner with a good sense of humor is essential.

EXPERIENCE AND REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor’s degree in a related field and at least three years of successful experience working in artistic administration with a professional musical organization. A healthy respect for music professionals, including musicians and production personnel is essential. The successful candidate will have superb organizational, interpersonal, supervisory, and communications skills, ability to read music, and a reputation for accuracy, responsiveness, meticulous attention to detail, and follow-up. They will have demonstrated skill and success in creating financial-planning/control and action-planning systems. They will have the energy and flexibility required to function effectively in the fast-paced environment of a major music festival and will be able to work effectively with a wide variety of people.

This individual must have a valid driver’s license and a reliable vehicle available for business use. It is critical that they be an experienced user of Microsoft Word, an intermediate knowledge of Excel as a financial planning and budgetary tool, as well as be comfortable using Google-based infrastructures and tools such as Drive, Docs and Sheets.

JOB CONDITIONS

General: This position spends a portion of his/her time out of the office on external appointments with community partners, as well as at CMNW performances, activities, and other community events/meetings. This is an exempt position which requires work outside of the standard 40-hour work week, including extended hours, evenings, and weekends.

This position requires extensive office work including creating and maintaining paper and computer files and communicating using e-mail and telephone. Roughly 75% of time in the office is spent working at a computer workstation or on the telephone. The workspace is lit with fluorescent and natural lighting. The office, computer, desk, and other equipment are not shared and can be adjusted to make them more ergonomically comfortable.

Equipment Used: In addition to a computer workstation and telephone, this position uses copy machine, fax machine and printers to perform duties. Use of other office tools may occasionally be required.

Physical Demands: Administratively, this position requires extended periods of sitting and standing. Concentrated data entry using computer keyboard and mouse, and occasional extended periods of phone work are required.

Operationally, this position requires physical and emotional stamina, the ability to move quickly and carefully in close quarters around valuable instruments and stage equipment, including frequent use of stairs. Occasional lifting tasks are required and are limited to 40 pounds or less without assistance.

Apply to: jobs@cmnw.org

Chamber Music Northwest is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected characteristic.