Production and Operations Manager

The New York Choral Society (NYCHORAL) a 150-voice volunteer chorus, seeks an organized, self-starter to serve as Production and Operations Manager (POM). This is a new position.  Reporting to NYCHORAL’s Executive Director and Music Director (ED/MD), this position will be responsible for all aspects of in-person and digital production planning, preparation, and management; concert and event operations; and rehearsals for all NYCHORAL productions and events.

 

Working closely with Executive and Music Directors, Music Staff (Assistant Conductor, Chorus Manager), and other volunteer staff, the POM will coordinate the planning and implementation of NYCHORAL productions, guest appearances, events, concerts, and rehearsals including interfacing with all venues for coordinating and booking all dates contracted by NYCHORAL.  The POM will coordinate our relationships with production partners and collaborators.

 

NYCHORAL’s season generally begins in late August and ends in mid-June. Our season includes between 5 and 7 productions and guest appearances, several community outreach and engagement events, and fundraising events.  Summer months are primarily dedicated to long-range planning and projects. 

 

This position is an excellent growth opportunity for an individual interested in arts administration and the success of a critically acclaimed innovative chorus.

 

Production Manager Responsibilities:

 

Production and Event Management

1. Coordinate production activities for all NYCHORAL concerts and events; including booking of rehearsal and performance venues, set-up and strike of concert equipment and performances as necessary; stage management and/or interfacing with venue stagehands as necessary; assisting, as needed, with event partners at partner organizations’ locations.
2. Negotiate contracts for rehearsal and performance venues, ensuring that contract details, including insurance, and technical riders are fully carried out.
3. Assist the Music Staff, as needed, in the hiring and supervising of orchestras/instrumental ensembles to accompany NYCHORAL performances.
4. Contract rental, schedule, and coordinate moves of percussion instruments and other concert equipment (stands, risers, etc.), as needed, between venues.
5. In consultation with the Music Staff, hire and supervise casual employees and independent contractors, such as accompanists, recording engineers, and program note writers.  
6. Coordinate and manage audio and visual recording of NYCHORAL concerts with all vendors and venues.
7. Coordinate commercial and archival recording for our productions, including obtaining all rights. clearances and management of performer media releases for all recording projects. 
8. Coordinate creation of printed and digital concert programs, as needed.

Databases

1. Create and maintain current and planned season production calendars
2. Conduct preliminary research on new rehearsal and performance venues based on NYCHORAL needs; create database of these venues (costs, details of space, rental contact info, etc.)

Chorus Operations

 

Assist Chorus Manager and Music Staff in all aspects of managing and communicating with NYCHORAL ensembles, including

1. 1. Purchase, preparation, and dissemination, of vocal scores and instrumental parts.
   2. Assist Chorus Manager in maintaining attendance records and enforce attendance policies, including updating database and regularly communicating attendance status to members.
   3. Assist Music Staff in creation and communication of rehearsal schedules for accompanists, guest artists, performers, and external conductors.
   4. Assist Chorus Manager in scheduling and coordinating NYCHORAL singer auditions, including booking venues and accompanists.

Planning

1. Facilitate long-term artistic planning with ED and MD, advising ED/MD on concert production feasibility during planning process. Guide ED/MD from big-picture artistic planning to practical, detailed production planning to support production calendar for each season.
2. In consultation with ED/MD, assist in the preparation of artistic and production budgets for all productions and provide oversight for all expenditures.

 

This is a hybrid remote position. It is anticipated that many day-to-day responsibilities will be handled remotely with on-site rehearsal and production management activities and occasional in-person staff meetings in New York City.  The POM must be able to work evenings and weekends, as needed.

 

 

Preferred Education, Experience and Skills:

 

2+ years of performing arts event management experience with a focus on concert production and operations.  Educational or work experience in arts administration a plus.

 

Position Requirements: 

• Self-starter, goal oriented
• Attention to detail, ability to multi-task while meeting deadlines
• Participation in meetings with chorus management, volunteer staff, collaborators, and partners
• Exceptional organizational and communication skills.
• Exceptional attention to “at-hand” projects within big-picture creative thinking
• Ability to work with a wide variety partners and constituencies
• Maintain a high level of professionalism while representing the chorus
• Experience and skill with the Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace.
• Music and/or arts management background, preferred
• Interest in music or choral production preferred
• Residence in the New York Metropolitan area
• Full COVID-19 inoculation (including boosters) by August 30, 2022