Director - Artistic Planning

Queensland Symphony Orchestra is seeking to appoint a Director - Artistic Planning to deliver strategic, innovative and high-calibre artistic programs that enhance QSO’s artistic capability and excellence while ensuring operational efficiency. Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, this role provides leadership across artistic planning and programming, delivering a curated annual program of concerts and activities that showcase the orchestra’s capabilities and optimise resource allocation. The Director works closely with the CEO and senior leadership team, particularly the Director of Orchestral Operations responsible for scheduling the full season and Marketing for the promotion and selling of the season programs. This role oversees community engagement initiatives and educational programs, including our First Nations activities, contributing to the broader cultural impact of the orchestra across Queensland.  

Key Responsibilities include: 

Artistic Planning across all QSO activities

In collaboration with the Chief Conductor and previous Season Curator, lead and manage the Artistic Department to ensure delivery in respect of deadlines for:

• Project leadership for the annual artistic program for each year’s season of scheduled activities (other than pit services)
• Overseeing negotiations with key stakeholders (agents, artists, orchestra musicians, promoters, and other orchestra) to achieve exceptional results
• Effective and efficient workflow management from the Artistic Department to other departments including the maintenance of relevant planners and databases
• Manage liaison and consultations with internal committees, including the Players’ and Artistic Committees, to foster transparency and collaboration
• Collaborate with the Director - Orchestral Operations to align season and program arrangements (dates, times, schedules, rosters) with other partner arts companies (e.g. OQ, QB, OA, TAB)
• Manage relationships with festivals (e.g. Brisbane Festival)
• Develop concepts and programs for agreed QSO performances and projects that align with QSO’s artistic and yearly strategic objectives (e.g. First Nations, Regional Touring, commercial projects)
• Oversee maintenance of all artistic planning documents

Community Engagement and Education

• Oversee the QSO Connect program and integrate planning of Connect activities with the Artistic program, including our First Nations activities.
• Support Regional Touring planning and implementation

Lead and manage the Artistic Department to ensure:

• Coordination of relevant formal acknowledgements on behalf of the Orchestra
• Effective negotiation and liaison within relevant arts companies and community organisations as required
• Effective liaison with composers and artists including acknowledgement of submissions, compositions, feedback and management of commissioning funds
• Networking, liaison and cooperation with other orchestras within the Asia, Australia, and New Zealand region

Team Leadership, Coaching and Culture

• Provide strategic leadership for the Artistic Department, ensuring a dynamic and collaborative team environment characterised by clear communication and shared goals
• Lead, mentor, and coach the Artistic team to ensure high performance, professional development, and continuous improvement
• Foster a positive, collaborative work environment that encourages growth, accountability and the adoption of best practices
• Promote excellence through the establishment of clear, measurable goals, objectives, and key performance indicators (KPIs) for the department
• Proactive participation in planning meetings at a senior level, leading and advising on all matters relating to Artistic programs
• Cultivate an environment that inspires and motivates the team, rewarding new ideas, building confidence and encouraging team-based outcomes
• Lead by example with professionalism and an outcome focused work ethic including a commitment to the QSO Vision, Mission and Values

Financial management and systems

• Prepare, recommend and manage expenditure budgets for the Artistic Planning Department and artistic budget in accordance with the QSO’s Budget Management Guidelines, under the general direction of the Chief Executive
• Ensure cost-effective management of resources while maintaining artistic and operational excellence
• Provide timely insights and strategic recommendations to support decision-making, while actively identifying opportunities for efficiency improvements across artistic activities

Workplace Health and Safety

• Ensure WH&S policies are communicated explaining management’s approach to WH&S and ensure best practice injury prevention and management processes are in place
• Act as a role model by demonstrating safe work practices and behaviours

Essential Criteria

Orchestral Programming and Curating Experience

• Demonstrated success in programming for a professional orchestra to achieve an annual program that broadens audience reach and contributes to the Orchestra’s sustainability
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate artists/Conductors and music/commercial product and standards as related to orchestral programming
• Demonstrated experience in leading community engagement and education initiatives in an arts organisation that result in measurable benefits for stakeholders and enhance the organisation’s reputation
• Experience in developing and maintaining industry relationships
• Tertiary qualification in music or relevant discipline is required

People Leadership

• Strong ability to collaborate with senior colleagues and all members of the organisation in the achievement of the Orchestra’s strategic objectives
• Inspiring and collaborative leadership style that builds a cohesive and highly functioning team with high morale
• Ability to embrace change and lead others during times of transformation
• Effective personal organisation skills and ability to manage the output of the team to meet a high degree of quality and with attention to timeframes
• Focus on continuous improvement to ensure the team is working to its optimum level of effectiveness

Corporate Skills

• Ability to represent the Orchestra in a professional and ethical manner and build relationships with key stakeholders
• Ability to complete corporate activities including business planning, budgeting, and performance reviews according to set timeframes and to achieve KPI’s.
• Advanced computer literacy across a range of software packages
• Current “C” Class Driver’s Licence is required
• Ability and willingness to work outside of normal business hours

Please submit your application via Seek by Monday 23rd January 2025 including:

• A CV outlining your skills and experience
• A statement or covering letter outlining your interest and suitability for the role
• Contact details for two references (one of whom should be your current supervisor)

A full Position Description can be requested via recruitlead@qso.com.au. Please note that the QSO offices are closed from 25th December 2024 and reopen on Wednesday 8th January 2025.

QSO is an equal opportunity employer, committed to a workplace that values the diversity of its employees and their backgrounds, and the contribution all people can make to a successful organisation. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates and have a commitment to reconciliation and cultural safety in our workplace. We offer workplace flexibility, health and wellbeing programs and an Employee Assistance Program for our employees.