Dir. Music Operations and Ensemble Mgt. (HR Title: Performing Arts Professional) at Southern Methodist University Inc in Dallas, Texas

Job Description:

Description



Salary Range:



Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications



About SMU



SMU's more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and over 80 countries to take advantage of the University's small classes, meaningful research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs.


SMU serves approximately 7,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students through eight degree-granting schools: Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, Cox School of Business, Lyle School of Engineering, Meadows School of the Arts, Simmons School of Education and Human Development, Dedman School of Law, Perkins School of Theology and Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies.


SMU is data driven, and its powerful supercomputing ecosystem - paired with entrepreneurial drive - creates an unrivaled environment for the University to deliver research excellence.


Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical, enterprising leaders in their professions and communities. SMU's relationship with Dallas - the dynamic center of one of the nation's fastest-growing regions - offers unique learning, research, social and career opportunities that provide a launch pad for global impact.


SMU is nonsectarian in its teaching and committed to academic freedom and open inquiry.



About the Department:



SMU Meadows School of the Arts educates visionary artists, scholars, and arts and communications professionals to create sustainable and transformative impact on both local and global society. Today, the Meadows School has achieved prominence as one of the foremost arts education institutions in the United States and offers training in an unusual mix of the arts - visual (art and art history), performing (dance, music, and theatre) and communications (advertising, film and media arts, corporate communication and public affairs, and journalism) - as well as a preeminent program in arts management and arts entrepreneurship.


The Division of Music is an NASM accredited, comprehensive academic unit devoted to the advancement of music performance and scholarship, to the preparation of the next generation of music professionals, and to service in the artistic life of our community, nation, and world. The music faculty consists of a truly outstanding team of internationally acclaimed artists, scholars, and educators. The 300 students in the Division of Music pursue a broad range of undergraduate and graduate degree options in performance, composition, musicology, theory pedagogy, therapy, and education.



About the Position:



This role is an on-campus, in-person position.


The Director of Music Operations and Ensemble Manager oversees the day-to-day logistical, production, and administrative functions of the Division of Music. This includes managing music division operations, supervising concert production and ensemble logistics, and ensuring that the performance calendar, facilities, and support staff align with the needs of faculty, students, and guest artists. The position plays a vital leadership role in ensuring smooth coordination across academic, artistic, and operational areas.



Essential Functions:

• Ensemble Management: Coordinate logistics for all student ensembles, including rehearsals, performances, and special events/tours, schedule/ maintain rehearsal and performance calendars in collaboration with ensemble directors, staff, and other faculty. Arrange for venues, equipment, stage setups, personnel, and transportation as needed, serve as primary liaison between conductors, performers and crew.


• Operations/Production: Oversee concert logistics for all music division performances, including student and faculty recitals, concerts, and guest artist events; Manage concert/ recital scheduling, programs, publicity coordination (w/ marketing), and backstage operations; Oversee instrument inventory, instrument checkout and check-in, delivering and returning instruments after repairs, oversee ensemble sheet music library and music checkout, supervise student stage managers, crew, and programs team. Liaise with recording technicians. Coordinate piano tunings, instrument moves, and technical requirements with relevant staff. Maintain/optimize production calendars


• Administration and Budgeting
  
  
  
  
  • Oversee operations budgets for ensembles, production, and special events.
  
  
  • Process contracts and payments for music rental, acquisitions, and guest performers.
  
  
  • Maintain accurate records of inventory, instrument usage, and event documentation.
  
  
  • Serve as a resource for faculty and students regarding departmental operations and logistics.
  
  
  
  

Qualifications



Education and Experience:



Bachelor's degree is required. A degree in music is preferred.


A minimum of two (2) years of experience in music operations, ensemble management, or concert production is required.



Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:



Candidate must demonstrate knowledge of the workings of academic or professional classical and commercial music ensembles. Candidate with proficiency using scheduling software, spreadsheet programs, and standard office tools is preferred. Working experience in higher education, conservatories, or professional music organizations is desired.


Candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate broadly across the University and develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of constituencies. Must also demonstrate strong written communication skills. Candidate must possess strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and analyze problems, as well as devise solutions. Must also have strong organizational, planning and time management skills.


Candidate with OPAS, STABLE, and CANVAS software experience is preferred. Event management software and Microsoft Office proficiency is required.



Physical and Environmental Demands:

• Sit for long periods of time

Deadline to Apply:



Open until filled


Priority consideration may be given to those submissions received by May 7, 2025.



EEO Statement:



SMU will not discriminate in any program or activity on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression. The Executive Director for Access and Equity/Title IX Coordinator is designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies and may be reached at the Perkins Administration Building, Room 204, 6425 Boaz Lane, Dallas, TX 75205, 214-768-3601, accessequity@smu.edu.



Benefits:



SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of health and related benefits. In addition to traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, SMU offers a wide range of wellness programs to help attract, support, and retain our employees whose work continues to make SMU an outstanding education and research institution.


SMU is committed to providing an array of retirement programs that benefit and protect you and your family throughout your working years at SMU and, if you meet SMU's retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU.


The value of learning at SMU isn't just about preparing our students for the future. Employees have access to a wide variety of professional and personal development opportunities, including tuition benefits. Apply Now