HEAD, ARTISTIC PLANNING (DESIGNATE)

Reports to: Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Programmes & Production

Supervises: Artistic Planning & Administration team

The Head of Artistic Planning holds primary responsibility in the company for developing artistic programmes for the Singapore Symphony Orchestra (“Orchestra”) and all intersections with the choral, youth and chamber music programmes. The artistic planning head is expected to be in close, constant communication with the Music Director to develop artistically, socially, and financially compelling seasons for audiences in Singapore, and is expected to take a consultative approach with the leadership team in the company.

The programming also needs to consider the strategic goals and artistic vision of the Singapore Symphony Group (“Company”), balanced against an understanding of operational and resource constraints. This includes working with the Music Director and senior management on the planning of seasons and concert repertoire and ensuring that all artistic elements, such as the booking and scheduling of guest artists and conductors, are professionally planned, contracted, and communicated to production, marketing, and other relevant staff.

The Singapore Symphony Orchestra is at an exciting inflection point in its history with its 50th anniversary coming up in 2029. Candidates who are interested to join a young, dynamic, and mission-driven team with the ambition to build one of the leading orchestras of the 21st century are encouraged to apply.

Candidates with less experience but who are assessed to be suitable for the role may be offered the position of Deputy Head, Artistic Planning instead, to facilitate a longer understudy period with the incumbent head.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Lead artistic planning for the Orchestra

• Work closely with the Music Director of the Orchestra to plan the season.
• Artistic planning should be in close coordination with the Production Team and take into account operational constraints such as venue size, instrumentation limitations, musician health and safety, and a Company-wide view of financial parameters and resources for each production.
• Regular, planned engagement with orchestra musicians to allow for input and dialogue regarding programming.
• Plan for new commissions and execute with the library team on production deadlines for new commissions.
• Oversee all concerts, tours, and audio recording projects of the Orchestra.
• Collaborate with the community engagement team to integrate educational and outreach activities into the artistic programming.

2. Oversee artistic planning and coordination for the Company

• Work closely with Choral Programmes team, including Choral Director and Choirmaster, on programming that features the three choruses (Symphony Chorus, Youth and Children’s Choirs) in compelling performances with the Orchestra.
• Work closely with the Singapore National Youth Orchestra (SNYO) team, including the Principal Conductor, to plan side-by-side concerts with the Orchestra on a regular basis. These projects should contribute to the development of the SNYO.
• Coordinate guest artist appearances in areas such as philanthropic, marketing and engagement activities, as part of artist contract discussions.

3. Contract Negotiation and Management

• Negotiate and manage contracts with guest artists, conductors, and composers, and ensure all contractual obligations are met.

4. Build relationships

• Establish positive relationships with the international symphonic music community, as a representative of the SSG and SSO, and build the SSO as a world-class performing organisation.

5. Management responsibilities

• As a head of department, focus on the well-being and professional development of direct and indirect reports.
• As a member of the senior management team, demonstrate leadership and company values by example, including prioritising company shared goals over individual or departmental goals, and contribute to building a strong and positive organisational culture.
• Coordinate with HR and Finance on budget and company policy requirements.
• Regularly and proactively report, communicate and update other departments on activities and plans.
• Assist with special projects as assigned.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree or higher, with in-depth knowledge of symphonic repertoire and their historical and musicological significance, and a familiarity with current guest artists, composers and conductors.
• Passion for classical music and a minimum of 6 years senior-managerial-level artistic planning experience with a full-time professional symphony orchestra. Candidates with less experience but assessed to be suitable for the role may be offered the position of Deputy Head, Artistic Planning instead, to facilitate a longer understudy period with the incumbent head.
• Excellent communication skills to work collaboratively and pro-actively with different internal and external stakeholders. Candidates who demonstrate strong communication skills and values that are compatible with the open, communicative, and collaborative organisation culture we are building will be prioritised.
• Exceptional organisational and planning skills, good initiative and the ability to work under pressure, with experience supervising the execution of artistic administration, and a broad understanding of orchestral personnel and logistics operations.
• Familiarity with planning software such as Arts Vision would be an advantage.
• Strong contract negotiation skills and commercial acumen. Candidates with a track record of securing income through recordings, performances, special events, and tours will have an advantage.
• Resilient individual with positive energy, an outgoing personality, and excellent interpersonal skills, with experience interacting effectively with artist managers and artists, including orchestra musicians.
• Diplomacy and sensitivity in communicating and working with a wide and diverse constituency of stakeholders.
• A nurturing and mentoring approach to working with team members.
• Familiarity with Singapore, Southeast Asian or Asian symphonic and chamber repertoire, other art forms, and/or other non-profit organisations would be an advantage.

Please provide a comprehensive resume and cover letter also stating current and expected salaries to HR@sso.org.sg.

Only shortlisted applicants will be notified.