General Manager - Columbus Symphony Orchestra

General Manager – Columbus Symphony Orchestra

About the Columbus Symphony
The Columbus Symphony is in a period of dynamic growth, renewed artistic ambition, and deepened community engagement. As one of the city’s cultural anchors and poised to celebrate our 75th Anniversary season, we are shaping a future that honors our artistic legacy while embracing innovation, inclusivity, and evolving expectations of our audiences. Under new executive leadership, the Symphony is strengthening organizational culture, building on a sustaining operating model, expanding educational and community impact, and planning a state‑of‑the‑art new concert hall that will elevate not only the Symphony but the entire region.

This is an exciting moment to join a forward‑looking organization poised for transformation.

• Turn artistic vision into seamless, world‑class execution – leading teams, systems, and workflows that make performances shine.
• Strategic problem‑solver who thrives in fast‑paced environments, managing complex logistics, budgets, labor relationships, and cross‑departmental coordination.
• Energized by the chance to help shape a transformational new concert hall and build the operational foundation for a growing, ambitious orchestra.

The General Manager is a key strategic and operational leader at the symphony, overseeing the systems, people, and processes that bring performances and events to life. A member of the senior leadership team, the GM reports to the CEO and works in close partnership with the VP of Artistic Planning & Programs, CFO, Music Director, Principal Pops Conductor, and senior leadership colleagues.

The GM ensures the smooth, efficient, and high‑quality execution of all orchestra operations, manages critical relationships with musicians, venues, unions, and partners, and plays a vital role as we plan and build our future home.

• Organizational Leadership & Collaboration
  • Serve as a member of the senior leadership team in establishing organizational strategy, priorities, goals, and budget and fostering a positive and inclusive organizational culture.
  • Collaborate closely with the CEO, VP of Artistic Planning & Programs, and other department heads to ensure cohesive planning across artistic, operational, and administrative functions.
  • Provide regular updates and analyses to the CEO and, when requested, the Board of Trustees.
  • Model a collaborative, solutions‑oriented approach that reinforces a positive and high‑performing organizational culture.
• Operations Management
  • Lead all aspects of concert and event operations, including scheduling, technical production, stage management, and front‑of‑house coordination.
  • Supervise production and operations staff, stage crew, and venue management personnel.
  • Work with the CFO and finance team to develop and monitor the production and facilities budgets; identify and implement cost‑saving initiatives without compromising artistic quality or mission.
  • Oversee maintenance and capital needs related to production equipment and infrastructure.
  • Manage relationships and logistics related to touring, run‑outs, and community engagement performances.
  • Partner with the VP of Artistic Planning & Programs to align production logistics with artistic intent and programming strategy.
  • Manage the organizational use of file‑sharing and calendar‑management platforms and serve as the main point of contact for IT resources.
• Orchestra Personnel Management & Labor Relations
  • Oversee orchestra personnel management including auditions, hiring, contracting, visa and work authorization, policies and procedures, working with HR to ensure timeliness, accuracy, compliance, and service objectives are met.
  • Administer the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) in partnership with the CEO, CFO and HR; maintain accurate records of CBA compliance and provide guidance to staff and musicians on contractual matters.
  • Serve as principal member of the management negotiating team for musician and stage employee contract negotiations (with AFM and IATSE), preparing analyses, data, and scenario planning to inform discussions.
  • Foster positive, transparent working relationships…