General Manager - Orchestra’s Operations
/ORGANIZATION:
Vancouver Symphony Society
DEADLINE:
November 28, 2025
ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION:
About the VSO
Founded in 1919, the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra (VSO) is the third largest symphony orchestra in Canada and the largest performing arts organization in Western Canada. The VSO creates, curates, and connects irresistible musical experiences—performing over 150 concerts annually in its home, the Orpheum Theatre, as well as at various venues throughout Metro Vancouver and online. The VSO is one of the few orchestras worldwide that operates its own music school, the VSO School of Music. The organization delivers extensive education programs reaching over 50,000 young people annually and community engagement initiatives serving more than 100,000 people. Maestro Otto Tausk is the VSO’s Music Director and Artistic Advisor of the VSO School of Music.
About the VSO School of Music
Founded in 2010, the VSO School of Music is a 25,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility located next to the Orpheum Theatre in downtown Vancouver. Its mission is to enrich lives through the joy of learning, playing, and performing the world’s great music. The School offers accessible experiences for all ages, abilities, and backgrounds and nurtures creative and engaged members of society through musical achievement. With over 1,900 students, the School offers instruction by members of the Vancouver Symphony and other leading educators. The facility also includes Pyatt Hall, a performance and event space used for arts, entertainment, and corporate gatherings.
WEBSITE:
https://www.vancouversymphony.ca/about/careers/
JOB DESCRIPTION:
The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra (VSO) seeks a General Manager (GM) to lead the orchestra’s operations, concert production, touring, media projects, and scheduling. Reporting to the President and CEO, the GM will ensure the seamless execution of the VSO’s performances and initiatives locally and on tour. This vital role requires expertise in orchestra management, production logistics, and touring operations, as well as strong interpersonal and strategic leadership skills. The GM will collaborate with the Music Director, VP Artistic Planning, Resident Conductor, and Executive Leadership Team to achieve excellence in artistic quality, operational efficiency, and financial sustainability.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Orchestra Management
Oversee daily operations of performances across the VSO’s concert seasons.
Collaborate with the Music Director, VP Artistic Planner, and other key staff to maintain efficiency, artistic integrity, and financial accuracy.
Foster a culture of respect, collaboration, and shared ownership among musicians and management.
Serve as liaison between the Executive Leadership Team and the Orchestra Committee.
Ensure compliance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement and manage labor relations.
Lead collective bargaining negotiations and manage musician contracts and hiring.
Plan and execute orchestra auditions and recruitment of artistic talent.
Production and Concert Operations
Oversee all aspects of concert production, including staging, lighting, sound, and stage management.
Supervise the Head Librarian in managing music preparation and distribution.
Negotiate production, vendor, and touring contracts for maximum value.
Coordinate production logistics with Marketing, Development, and Customer Service teams.
Develop contingency plans for production and equipment risks.
Touring Management
Plan and execute regional, national, and international tours ensuring excellence and sustainability.
Negotiate with presenters and venues to secure favorable touring agreements.
Manage all tour logistics, contracts, budgeting, and compliance with regulations.
Collaborate with Marketing and Development teams to enhance touring visibility.
Financial and Strategic Oversight
Develop and manage budgets for production, touring, and operations.
Monitor financial performance and ensure expenses align with institutional goals.
Provide regular reports and adjust strategies as needed for sustainability.
Team Leadership and Collaboration
Lead, mentor, and inspire production, artistic, and administrative teams.
Foster cross-departmental collaboration and promote equity, diversity, and inclusion across the organization.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Minimum 10 years of leadership experience in orchestral or performing arts management.
Proven expertise in concert production, operations, and touring logistics.
Experience with unionized musicians and collective bargaining agreements.
Deep knowledge of orchestral repertoire and performance practices.
Strong financial management, strategic planning, and problem-solving skills.
Advanced degree in Arts Administration, Music, Business, or related field preferred.
Experience with recording, licensing, and digital media operations.
Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Demonstrated ability to build partnerships with donors, sponsors, and government agencies.
HOW TO APPLY:
Please email your resume and cover letter in one document to employment@vancouversymphony.ca with the subject line “General Manager (GM).” The VSO and VSO School of Music thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
REMUNERATION:
$90,000 – $110,000 annually, based on experience
