Director of Artistic Operations

Position Opening

Director of Artistic Operations

Full‑time, Exempt

December 2025

Position Overview

GRAMMY‑winning chamber orchestra Apollo’s Fire (AF) seeks a Director of Artistic Operations (DAO) to lead the concert and tour operations of an innovative ensemble performing at the international level. The 34‑year‑old organization is based in Cleveland, with a satellite series and auxiliary Board in Chicago, and a strong worldwide presence through touring and recording.

This senior, full‑time position reports to the Managing Director (MD) and Artistic Director (AD). The DAO is responsible for implementing all Apollo’s Fire performances and tours—including the Northeast Ohio concert series, Chicago concert series, national and international touring, regional hired engagements, and educational and community engagement activities.

As a key senior staff member, the DAO works independently while collaborating closely with the Artistic Director to advance the ensemble’s artistic vision, and with the Managing Director to ensure effective business management practices.

As a period‑instrument orchestra, AF has a project‑based operational model, with most musicians coming from out of town for each project. The DAO serves as the key point‑person for coordinating each project (approximately 7‑9 projects per year), balancing long‑term season planning with proactive, real‑time support for current projects and performances. The DAO supervises the artistic operations and production support staff and works closely with AF’s musicians, the Board of Directors, cross‑departmental administrative staff, artist managers, presenters, and vendors.

Responsibilities

• Artistic Administration
  • Serve as the primary administrative liaison to AF’s musicians and guest artists; book and contract musicians for each project in consultation with the AD; prepare the musicians’ payroll for each project; and, in collaboration with Musician Representatives, AD, and MD, manage the review and revision of the Musician General Terms and Payscale.
  • Manage international artist visa application processes (O or P non‑immigrant visas), as needed – typically 1–2 per year.
  • Prepare project budgets (concert and tour budgets) to be included in the organization’s annual budget; manage and monitor concert expenses; and prepare budget‑vs‑actual project reports for presentation at Board meetings.
  • Build and manage relationships with concert and rehearsal venues in Northeast Ohio and Greater Chicago, including management of event dates and rental contracts.
  • Coordinate preparation of program materials for playbills and other related print content, in collaboration with the Artistic Director, artistic and marketing staff, and presenters.
• Operations & Production
  • Oversee all logistical and operational needs for rehearsals and performances, ensuring a high standard of artist care.
  • Book rehearsal and performance venues; oversee on‑site support.
  • Supervise musician travel and hospitality arrangements, including ground transportation in Cleveland and on tour, ensuring accurate and timely communication of all logistics.
  • Oversee stage management and production logistics, including compliance with all venue policies, payment of stage crew, and equipment purchase or rental.
  • Attend approximately 75% of AF’s performances across Northeast Ohio and occasionally in Chicago, with rotation allowed.
• Touring
  • Prepare tour fee quotes and analyze the financial viability of touring engagements.
  • Strategize to plan viable tours, create presenter contracts, and track tour expenses and income.
  • Serve as AF’s booking representative for local and regional engagements, managing inquiries, negotiations, contracts, and fee tracking.
  • Manage all tour travel and logistics, including liaising with travel agents for international arrangements.
  • The DAO may occasionally travel on tour, but this is not a regular expectation.
• Education, Community Engagement, and Partnerships
  • Oversee and implement AF’s in‑school workshops, Family Concerts, and Bistro Concerts, in alignment with funding requirements.
  • Build and maintain relationships with local partners, such as museums, schools, and restaurants.
  • Hire musicians for educational activities and manage payroll for these programs, including the "SIDE BY SIDE" strings program in Matteson School District 162.
  • Contribute to the fundraising team by providing grant proposal and reporting elements and collaborating with Development staff, Board members, donors, and volunteers to identify opportunities for sponsorships, stewardship, and special events.

Qualifications

• A degree in classical music; Master’s degree preferred.
• An orchestral background, or experience managing an orchestral ensemble, is strongly preferred.
• 5+ years of demonstrated professional excellence in arts management, with touring experience preferred.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and thrive in a fast‑paced, creativity‑driven performing arts organization.
• A passion for the performing arts.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong business acumen, including financial management fundamentals and performing arts budgeting and expense tracking (Excel).
• High attention to detail and commitment to professionalism.
• Experience with donors and/or grant‑funded projects is an asset.
• A car, valid driver’s license, and ability to work a flexible schedule that includes evenings and weekends.

Compensation and Benefits

Starting annual salary: $82,000.

Director‑level positions offer three weeks of paid vacation per year, consisting of the week between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day (when the office is closed) and 10 business days of the employee’s choice. Vacation should normally not be taken during AF’s concert weeks. AF offers 9 company‑recognized holidays. Comp time is also offered following all worked performances.

Apollo’s Fire offers a generous benefits package including medical insurance, employer‑paid Health Savings Account, optional employee‑paid dental insurance, and optional participation in 401(k)/403(b) plan.

About Apollo’s Fire

GRAMMY‑winning ensemble Apollo’s Fire is one of the world’s leading period‑instrument baroque orchestras. Known for adventurous programming under Founding Artistic Director Jeannette Sorrell and administrative leadership of Managing Director David Walker, the ensemble enjoys a large audience, with 23,000 tickets sold and 34 sold‑out concerts in Cleveland and Chicago in the 2024‑25 season alone.

In Cleveland

In its 34th season, AF has built in Northeast Ohio one of the nation’s three largest audiences for baroque music. AF performs approximately 40 concerts annually (6‑7 artistic programs, with 4‑5 performances of each program in multiple venues). The Community Access Initiative (CAI) has brought in thousands of new attendees through innovative events such as casual Baroque Bistro concerts, free Family Concerts, and free school workshops. The MOSAIC Project, launched in 2020, nurtures talented young musicians of color to create a more diverse classical music field.

In Chicago

AF’s Chicago Series is in its 5th season, with 9‑12 subscription performances (5 artistic programs, with 2‑3 performances of each program, in multiple venues). The SIDE‑BY‑SIDE string education program in Matteson has won a prestigious Challenge America grant from the NEA.

Worldwide

AF performs at venues such as Carnegie Hall, the BBC Proms (London), the Royal Theatre of Madrid, St. Martin‑in‑the Fields (London), Tanglewood, Ravinia, the Boston Early Music Festival, the Library of Congress, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and many others. Prominent tour engagements in 2026 include a return to Carnegie Hall, a London residency, and concerts in Paris, Brussels, Lisbon, and Germany. AF has a significant and growing YouTube presence (over 22 million views) and 34 commercial albums, 13 of which have been Billboard Classical best‑sellers.

Nuts & Bolts

Annual budget: $3.2 million. Board: 26 members (Cleveland) and auxiliary 17 members (Chicago). Staff: ~9 full‑time and 7 part‑time employees. Offices in the historic Rockefeller Building in Cleveland Heights; two additional Chicago‑based staff members work remotely. The organization operates debt‑free with a strong cash reserve.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Apollo’s Fire is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment, an equitable organization, and a diverse music community.

How to Apply

Please send résumé and cover letter to . DEADLINE: Open until filled.

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