ACO Seeks Program Manager

Reports To: Director of Artist Equity

Supervises: Composer Advancement and Artistic Interns

Position Type: Full-time, Exempt  

POSITION SUMMARY

The Program Manager is an important full-time staff position responsible for supporting the successful execution of the American Composers Orchestra’s NYC-based artistic activities and national EarShot composer advancement programs, providing administrative, logistical and record keeping support. The Program Manager will administer contracting, scheduling, data management, and accounting for concerts, readings, workshops, residencies, and other activities as needed.

ABOUT ACO

American Composers Orchestra (ACO) is dedicated to the creation, celebration, performance, and promotion of orchestral music by American composers. With commitment to diversity, disruption and discovery, ACO produces concerts, pre-college and college education programs, and emerging composer professional development to foster a community of creators, audience, performers, collaborators, and funders. More information at www.americancomposers.org.

ACO’s composer advancement and artistic programs include:

• EarShot Readings in NYC and in partnership with orchestras nationwide
• CoLABoratory, which provides composers with opportunities to workshop and premiere adventurous new work
• Commissions and Consortia, including the Virginia B. Toulmin Orchestral Commissions Program, a program of the League of American Orchestras in partnership with ACO
• Concerts in NYC in partnership with Carnegie Hall, Apollo Theater, Mannes School of Music, and others

ACO supports composers whose work expands the definition of American orchestral music. Within ACO’s composer advancement programs, 79% of participants identify as BIPOC, 37% as female and 5% as nonbinary.

ACO provides a flexible work environment for team members. ACO’s team is currently working remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Team members can work from our NYC office, or create a schedule that balances remote and in-office work. For this role, candidates should be based within the NYC metro area to support ACO’s NYC-based activities. Accommodations are readily available for team members with disabilities and neurodivergent team members.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

We strongly encourage applications from historically marginalized communities and backgrounds currently underrepresented in the orchestra field. This position requires regular presence in NYC to support in-person activities. Candidates not based in the NYC metro area may apply but additional travel reimbursement is not available. We are seeking a creative, resilient, highly organized, and strategic thinker, capable of realizing boundary-breaking work from concept to completion. ACO’s staff is a small and dedicated team who share responsibilities and support each other’s roles. We offer opportunities for learning and growth, and encourage all team members to bring their full selves to our collective work with authenticity. As a mission-driven organization, we are seeking a team member who has a passion for new music, and shares our values of discovery, disruption, and diversity.  

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Production and Program Administration

Supported by the Composer Advancement and Artistic Interns

• Support recruitment efforts by creating promotional materials and processing applications
• Provide logistical support for score review, communications, contracts, and scheduling for national and NYC-based EarShot readings and commissioning consortia with national orchestra partners
• Provide logistical support for score review, orchestral partnerships, and conference convenings for the Virginia B. Toulmin Orchestral Commissions Program in partnership with the League of American Orchestras
• Manage production and logistics for digital professional development programs  
• Finalize agreements and payments for vendors related to artistic productions, including lighting engineers, audio/recording engineers, videographers, equipment rental companies and others.
• Execute licensing agreements with publishers, negotiating music licensing and distribution.
• Issue guest artists’ and composers’ contracts; manage travel logistics and communications.
• Collect and distribute guest artist and composer headshots, bios, and program notes.
• In collaboration with the Development team, monitor ticket sales for concerts and events.

Program Documentation and Evaluation

• Support program assessment with survey creation, dissemination, and analysis for emerging composer programs and all online programming
• Supervise the Composer Advancement and Artistic Interns in maintaining ACO’s composer database

Operations

• Assist the Operations and Production Manager and Director of Artist Equity in  managing project budgets for artistic and composer advancement programs, planning ahead for and reporting any variances.
• With the President, provide supporting documentation to the audit firm for the annual audit report and tax returns.

Development

• Assist the Development Director by providing artistic program data required for grant proposal renewals and reporting.
• Assist the Operations and Production Manager to provide  on-site production support for the annual gala and other cultivation events.
• Edit work samples for grant proposals.

QUALIFICATIONS

• College degree and/or advanced degree in music and/or arts management or equivalent work experience of 1-3 years in program management is required; experience with symphony orchestra administration and program management and knowledge of orchestral repertoire is preferred.
• Familiarity with the New Music scene is an asset.
• Proficiency in MS Office is required; advanced familiarity with Excel and Powerpoint is an asset
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to interact positively with team members, partner orchestra administrators, composers, artists, vendors, and the public.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, attention to detail, and a high degree of accuracy are essential.
• Must be able to operate at the highest level of integrity, managing sensitive and confidential information.
• Ability to think creatively, problem-solve in advance, meet deadlines, and work in a fast-paced environment with minimal direction.
• Available to work evenings and weekends during EarShot New Music Readings, Concerts, and other artistic activities
• Self-directed, with a strong work ethic and collaborative skills.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• Expected salary range between $58,000-$60,000

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BENEFITS INCLUDE

• Health and vision coverage
• Generous paid time off, including annual, personal, medical, and family leave
• 403(b) plan (Roth and traditional) with employer matching
• Flexible work environment
• Visa sponsorship available (O-1, O-1B, others on a case-by-case basis)

TO APPLY

Please visit www.americancomposers.org/careers to submit a cover letter and resume. We are seeking to fill this position immediately.

ACO is an equal opportunity employer. ACO does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations.