The Helena Symphony is Hiring a Director of Artistic Planning

The Helena Symphony is nationally recognized for its innovative programming and artistic direction under Philadelphia Conductor Allan R. Scott. Highlights include:

• A financially healthy organization with a $1.6 million annual budget.
• An eighteen member staff (9 full time and 9 part time)
• An 18-24 concert season feature Masterworks, Education Concerts, Symphony Under the Stars, and staged opera productions.
• A 78-member regional professional orchestra with musicians from across the country under a multi-year master agreement.
• A 110-voice symphonic chorus, the most active symphonic chorus in the region.
• Wide community impact: 1,700 regular subscription attendees, 300+ families attending Symphony Sids, and 2,000+ students at Youth Concerts.
• Symphony Under the Stars (partnered with and held at Carroll College) is noted as one of the best outdoor concerts in the United States, and the largest annual concert event in Montana. Drawing over 16,000 attendees from all over the country, this event generates over $2 million in local economic impact and collects more than 17k lbs of food for Helena Food Share.
• The Symphony’s performance home is the Helena Civic Center, the largest concert hall in Montana, along with additional performance venues such as the historic Cathedral of Saint Helena.
• Some of the world’s finest soloists appear as guest artists with the Helena Symphony.
• The Helena Symphony is the only symphonic organization in the region that produces an annual staged opera with some of the leading soloists, stage directors, and designers.
• Upcoming initiatives: a Composer in Residence program (2026-2027) and international commission project with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra (2027-2028).

This exempt, full-time role (40 hours/week, including some evenings and weekends) offers flexibility in scheduling. Annual salary: $48,000-$55,000.

Benefits include:

• 12 paid holidays (with flexible use options)
• 12 personal / vacation days in the first year of employment
• Flextime
• Wellness Leave
• Parental and bereavement Leave
• Bonus Leave (e.g., holiday weekends, Christmas break)
• Relocation stipend: $500 in-state / $1,000 out-of-state)

• Collaborate with the Music Director in planning the concert season and production budget which includes payrolls for orchestra, guest artists, production crews, etc.
• Lead the Artistic Administration team which includes overseeing the Librarian, Operations Manager, Chorale Manager, Education Coordinator, and other production staff.
• Manage negotiations of the multi-year Master Agreement with the HSO’s elected representatives.
• Plan and manage auditions for the HSO.
• Negotiate contracts for guest soloists, designers, and other creative personnel chosen by the Music Director.
• Ensure financial accountability across all artistic operations.
• Work closely with the Executive Assistant to the Music Director and the senior staff of the Symphony, including the Director of Development & Communications and the Director of Patron Services.

• Strategic thinker with the ability to plan and execute both short-and long-term goals.
• Strong financial management and budgeting skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and lead teams.
• Commitment to excellence and creativity while leading with the highest integrity and ethical standards.
• Excellent communication, listening, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to stay composed under pressure.

• Appreciation for classical music and understanding of its value in the community.
• Knowledge of symphonic/orchestral production and management.
• Bachelor’s degree.

Please review the complete Job Description, and the Helena Symphony’s Mission, Core Values, and Vision.