Music Director

Philadelphia Ballet exists to enrich lives through the transformative power of dance 

Summary/Objective 

The Music Director provides leadership for the Philadelphia Ballet Orchestra, collaborating with the Artistic Director, Rehearsal Directors, dancers, and pianists to shape performance quality. The Music Director rehearses and leads the orchestra to realize the artistic vision, guide strategic goals aligned with the organization’s plans, and represent the Ballet and Orchestra in leadership meetings, public events, and community programs. 

Essential Functions:  

• Design, develop and implement the Philadelphia Ballet Orchestra Strategic Plan. 
• Design, develop and implement Philadelphia Ballet Orchestra Apprenticeship Program   
• Develop and manage budget for all music-related costs, including personnel and orchestral materials. 
• Hire guest conductors in consultation with Artistic Director, and musical guest artists as needed; partner with management in orchestra contract negotiations. 
• Edit, arrange, and procure orchestral materials including composing new musical arrangements; consult and advise Artistic Director and choreographers regarding musical choices for new works;  
• Prepare orchestra rehearsal schedules and arrange rehearsal times/venues. 
• Participate in administrative and artistic leadership meetings.
  
• Partner with Advancement, Marketing, Community Engagement and the School through collaboration and support related to musical matters. 
• Represent Philadelphia Ballet Orchestra at Public Relations events, Community Engagement programs and audience development efforts when possible. 
  

Supervisory Responsibility:  Supervision of Orchestra, Orchestra manager, Company pianists and Music librarian 

Expected Hours of Work:  Normal business hours are Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. Evening and weekend work is required as job duties demand during performance season. 

Travel: Travel is primarily local during the business day, although some out of the area travel and overnight may be expected.

 Required Education and Experience: 

• Master’s Degree in orchestral conducting
  
• Experience conducting and delivering compelling performances with professional orchestras
  
  • Mastery of at least one instrument and ability to coach all sections to realize desired level of play and musical interpretation
    
• Broad and deep knowledge of orchestral repertoire
  
• Experience performing as a member of an orchestra 
• Effective and efficient rehearsal technique with strong leadership skills. 
  
• Experience with administration, finance, and budget management.
  

Required Skills and Competencies: 

• Strong leadership abilities
   
• Excellent interpersonal skills
  
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  
• Ability to persuade, negotiate and compromise
  
• Creative, tenacious and dependable 
• Strong time management skills
  
• Ability to multi-task without losing focus
• Ability to establish and maintain effective and productive working relationships within a diverse and multicultural environment
  
• Take appropriate steps to promote and enforce safe work practices in accordance with policies and protocols. 

Work Authorization/Security Clearance: Must provide satisfactory background checks and child abuse clearances as may be required for role.

Other Duties:  Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Equal Opportunity Statement: Philadelphia Ballet is committed to the principles of equality in employment. The Ballet complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws and Federal Executive Orders, and provides an equal opportunity in employment for all qualified persons. We prohibit discrimination in employment based on characteristics protected by applicable law, including race, ethnicity, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender, gender identify or expression, familial status, pregnancy, domestic or sexual violence victim status, disability, service in the armed forces of the United States, or an individual’s status as a covered veteran.