General Manager
ABOUT NOW!
The Nova Orchester Wien is a new and exciting orchestra based in Vienna, Austria with a passionate and committed management team. Despite being founded in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, NOW! has already performed several concerts including at the Wiener Musikverein, concerts in association with the Austrian Cultural Institute in Milano for Austria’s National Day, and one for the G20 Economic forum. Upcoming concerts include appearances at the Wiener Konzerthaus, as well as return performances at the Wiener Musikverein and Ehrbar-Saal. NOW! has been featured on Radioklassik Stephansdom four times in the past years and will be featured on television in the coming year.
MAIN GOALS OF THE POSITION:
The main purpose of the General Manager is to ensure artistic excellence through administrative excellence.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Envisions long-range artistic plan for all artistic programming at NOW! including mainstage concerts, runouts, fringe concerts, community programs, and special events. With chief Conductor oversee the creation and implementation of all performance-based programming.
Centralized manager of rehearsal and performance schedules in accordance with the guidelines outlined in the musicians' contract. Maintain multi-year advance calendars directed to the proper departments involved in advance planning and scheduling. In collaboration with orchestra and production teams, insure communication of plans and schedules to departments as relevant.
Work with Chief Conductor to help shape and define the long-term artistic plan.
Key strategic person for creative problem solving with an emphasis on maximizing the use of Orchestra services, alternative revenue streams, and innovative program design to capture new and emerging audiences.
Develop concepts and implement innovative audience development programs.
Oversee preparation of and monitor budgets for artistic planning, concert productions, orchestra maintenance, and stage crews.
Responsible for supervision of the Orchestra and Production Staff to ensure the highest professional level of orchestra concerts.
In coordination with Chief Conductor oversee and identify potential composers to be engaged as Composers-in-Residence, as well as overseeing the commissioning of new works.
Liaise with Director of Orchestra Personnel on sensitive personnel matters that impact programs and interface with artists.
Keep informed of trends and general activities of the orchestra and performing arts world.
Keep abreast of existing and emerging artistic talents and repertoire.
Serve as an advocate of the artistic profile and decisions of the NOW! to Directors, Trustees, Volunteers, industry, and community.
Public speaking engagements and lectures to audience members and volunteer groups.
Negotiate vendor rates for area vendors including hotels, caterers, rental car agencies, car services, etc as needed.
Make and execute strategies to promote NOW! with other arts organizations including music festivals and venues.
Special projects as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS AND CAPABILITIES:
Competencies - To perform the job successfully, an individual should possess and demonstrate the following competencies:
Analytical – Compiles complex or diverse information into meaningful and relevant management tools; collects and researches data; uses intuition and experience to complement data; designs workflows and procedures.
Financial – Has knowledge of and experience in nonprofit financial accounting, budgeting, control, and reporting principles, methods, techniques, and standards.
Problem Solving – Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully; develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem-solving situations; uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
Technical Skills – Knowledge of computerized information systems used in financial and accounting applications and office systems. Understands how to supervise the implementation of new technologies.
Oral Communication – Speaks clearly, confidently, and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification; responds well to questions in the office and in public settings; demonstrates group presentation skills; participates constructively and thoughtfully in meetings. Professional fluency in German and English is essential. Additional languages are advantageous.
Written Communication – Writes clearly and informatively; varies writing style to meet needs; presents numerical data effectively; presents information to all stakeholder groups in the effective and appropriate language and formats. Professional fluency in German and English is essential. Additional languages are advantageous.
Teamwork – Balances team and individual responsibilities; exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; puts success of team above own interests; builds morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; supports other’s efforts to succeed; fosters a cooperative work environment.
Leadership – Displays passion and optimism; inspires respect and trust; provides vision and inspiration to peers and subordinates, and mobilizes them to fulfill the vision; exhibits confidence in self and others.
Quality Management – Improves and promotes quality; demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness. Business Acumen – Understands business implications of decisions; displays orientation to profitability; demonstrates knowledge of market and competition; aligns work with strategic goals; develops policy and procedure documentation.
Cost Consciousness – Works within approved budgets; develops and implements cost-saving measures; contributes to positive revenue generation; conserves organizational resources.
Ethics – Treats people with respect; keeps commitments; inspires the trust of others; works ethically and with integrity; upholds organizational values.
Strategic Thinking – Develops strategies to achieve organizational goals; understands organization's strengths and weaknesses; analyzes market and compe Administrative experience or a combination of relevant education, training, and experience
Residency in Vienna, and a broad connection/network within the cultural scene in Vienna, and other Austrian/European cities
Strong problem-solving mindset, and the ability to maintain comprehensive documentation.
Awareness of the importance of diversity and inclusion and commitment to taking action for it.
Excellent computer skills including thorough knowledge of Microsoft Office and the Google suite is essential.
Knowledge of symphony orchestra structure and practices, symphonic repertoire preferred. Experience and or significant knowledge about artist management is necessary.
Bachelor’s Degree in music or arts administration or professional experience managing an artist or working within an arts organisation with a music organisation is highly desirable.
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