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John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

Production Manager - National Symphony Orchestra

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Washington, District of Columbia, us, 20022

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Overview

The National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) is one of America's leading professional orchestras, with national and international touring, recording, radio and television broadcasts, and a strong education and community engagement program in the greater Washington area. The NSO has been in residence at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts since 1971, and is an artistic affiliate of the Kennedy Center. The NSO is led by Music Director Gianandrea Noseda. The NSO offers a classical subscription series and a pops series at the Kennedy Center Concert Hall, summer performances at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, and national holiday televised concerts on the Capitol lawn. NSO ensembles perform at the Kennedy Center Terrace Theatre and Millennium Stage, with additional education programs and NSO In Your Neighborhood and NSO Sound Health initiatives. The NSO tours nationally and internationally. At the Kennedy Center, we strive to foster belonging and empowerment at work. We are able to advance our mission through a committed and diverse staff, ensuring a safe, transparent, and replenishing workplace. The Kennedy Center is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related condition, or any other basis protected by law. Mission Statement: As America’s performing arts center and a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy, we lead the arts across the United States and around the world, connecting artists with audiences from all backgrounds. We welcome all Americans, creators, and visitors to discover and engage with the arts. Why Join Us We offer a total rewards package to all full-time employees, including: Staff discounts on tickets Retirement plan with organization matching (after 1 year) Qualifying employer for the Public Student Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) Commuter programs with pre-tax options for discounted parking and SmartBenefits (WMATA) Annual Leave, Sick Leave, and Personal Days available immediately upon hire 11 paid holidays per year Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits with FSA and HSA options, and paid FMLA Fun and engaging workplace culture Pay Details The Kennedy Center aims for equitable compensation. The projected salary range for this position is $72,000 - $82,000, commensurate with experience, and includes a comprehensive benefits package. This is the targeted range of possible compensation at the time of posting and may be modified in the future. Base pay within the range is determined by the candidate’s skills, expertise, and experience as they relate to the position qualifications and responsibilities. Job Description Reporting to the Senior Manager of Production & Orchestra Operations, the Production Manager arranges, provides, and implements day-to-day technical elements and production elements to produce all genres of NSO concerts (classical, pops, education, etc.) and tours. The Production Manager coordinates production, technical, and artistic information for the NSO season, working with NSO and Kennedy Center staff, musicians, crew, guest artists, visiting technicians, and management. The role requires strong time management, organization, communication, and problem-solving skills. The goal is to ensure the highest level of efficiency and professionalism for NSO productions, enabling musicians and crew to perform at their best. Key Responsibilities

Production Management/Concert Production Manage technical and logistical details for NSO rehearsals, concerts, and special events at the Kennedy Center and in the DC area. Produce all NSO programming across Classical, Pops, Young People's Concerts, Family Concerts, and Community concerts. Hire and manage production contractors (lighting designers, stage managers, sound engineers, recording engineers, etc.). Stage manage and call lighting and video cues for rehearsals and performances as needed. Serve as departmental duty for concerts as assigned. Coordinate and arrange instrumental needs including rental, purchase, repair, and tunings; create and maintain production photo documentation; create stage plots; manage advance and production for assigned concerts and complex events. Create, compile, and disseminate production documents (technical schedules, stage plots, event sheets). Liaise with stage crew to ensure high-quality lighting, sound, video, and other production elements. Coordinate with internal and external vendors for equipment and instrument rentals (backline, lighting, sound, video, props, costumes). Arrange piano tunings, teleprompting services, wardrobe and makeup calls per Local 772 and Local 798 call structures. Ensure safe working conditions for all musicians, crew, artists, and staff onstage. Proactively anticipate and solve production issues. Touring/Off-site Concert Management Support NSO tour planning and execution by serving as production liaison for external venues, advancing technical/logistical needs for rehearsals and concerts, managing cargo arrangements, and other tour duties. Accompany the stage crew on tour as needed. Serve as primary production contact for concerts at the US Capitol (Memorial Day, July 4, Labor Day). Ensure production requirements comply with IATSE and AFM union regulations. Orchestra Equipment & Maintenance Coordinate with NSO and Kennedy Center staff on maintaining production-related Concert Hall issues (keyboards, sound, environmental controls). Manage yearly maintenance of the Concert Hall’s Casavant Organ (Rubenstein Family Organ). Design and procure orchestral instrument and equipment touring trunks as needed. Other duties as assigned. Key Qualifications

College degree in music, theater, or related field required. Working knowledge of musical instruments; detail-oriented; able to manage and produce various concerts. At least five years of experience in concert/theatrical production, preferably with a mid-sized or major orchestra. Ability to read music; experience with labor unions (IATSE, AFM) and touring is strongly preferred. Excellent written and spoken communication; ability to interact effectively with a diverse group of people; strong interpersonal skills under pressure. Computer skills: Windows, Word, Excel, Publisher; ability to learn VISIO, OPAS, ArtsVision, and similar programs. Ability to develop and monitor production budgets. Valid United States driver’s license. Local to the DMV area or willing to relocate; relocation assistance not provided. Willing to work onsite. Additional Information

Must travel and work extended hours, including evenings, weekends, and national holidays; a valid driver’s license and a personal vehicle are a plus. Ability to perform production tasks in outdoor settings and potentially in unpredictable weather. Travel up to 15% may be required. Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights under federal employment laws. For more information, review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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