JOB TITLE: Orchestra Manager
POSITION TYPE: Contract, Part-time seasonal, approx. 10-15 hours/week
LOCATION: Hybrid (On-site for rehearsals/concerts in Scarborough; remote for administrative duties)
REPORTS TO: Executive Team
SUPPORTS: Musicians, Music Director, Board of Directors
About Us
The Cathedral Bluffs Symphony Orchestra (CBSO) brings to life the power, emotion, and dynamism of the classical symphonic repertoire for an engaged, supportive audience. Founded in 1985, CBSO is one of Toronto’s leading community orchestras. Led by the dynamic Maestro Martin MacDonald, we are known for our musicianship, diverse repertoire, and engaging programs, presenting a vibrant six-concert subscription series alongside community performances. CBSO is proud of its long-standing role in developing young artists and furthering the musical growth of its members.
As a registered charitable organization, CBSO rehearses and performs in a fully accessible venue. We are deeply committed to upholding the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion. We actively encourage applications from members of groups experiencing barriers to equity and seek team members who will work respectfully and constructively across differences and levels of power.
Job Summary
The Orchestra Manager oversees the administrative and business operations of the orchestra. This pivotal role coordinates concert cycle logistics (both on-stage and front-of-house), manages personnel and venue relationships, and supports the executive team’s marketing, fundraising, and financial activities. The Orchestra Manager directly manages the part-time Librarian and part-time Bookkeeper to ensure smooth operational harmony.
Job Duties and Responsibilities1. Concert Operations & Logistics
- Venue & Scheduling: Set rehearsal and concert dates in consultation with the Music Director and Board; negotiate and secure venue contracts.
- Production & Technical: Coordinate technical and equipment needs (e.g., staging, piano tuning) with the venue for all rehearsals and concert events.
- Health & Safety: Administer and enforce health and safety protocols, liaising with musicians, venues, and stakeholders.
- Front of House & Events: Organize front-of-house duties; recruit, train, and manage volunteers for ushering, "will call," and receptions. Coordinate concert-night fundraising or special events.
2. Personnel & Artistic Support
- Roster Coordination: Partner with section principals and the Music Director to ensure full personnel rosters for each concert cycle; track musician attendance.
- Contracts: Prepare and execute performance agreements for guest artists and extra musicians based on Board-approved budgets.
- Communications: Manage regular information flow and schedule updates to orchestra members, guest artists, and production staff.
- Program Production: Coordinate the layout and content of concert programs, including guest artist bios, roster lists, program notes, advertisements, and donor acknowledgments.
3. Box Office & Patron Services
- Ticketing Systems: Set up, maintain, and manage the online ticketing program (Tixhub) and the patron database each season.
- Subscription Management: Oversee the annual subscription renewal and new sales process, including direct outreach, payments, and ticket distribution.
- Concert Night Box Office: Manage on-site box office operations, including ticket sales, cash/credit reconciliation, and troubleshooting patron inquiries.
- Reporting: Provide regular reports on box office data and offer pricing recommendations to optimize revenue.
4. Financial & General Administration
- Financial Oversight: Supervise the part-time bookkeeper; provide accurate monthly/cycle payment figures for artistic and administrative staff, and oversee year-end financial processes.
- Budgeting: Prepare annual operating budgets and forecasts, track expenditures, and maintain operational expenses (e.g., library rentals, web hosting, PO box).
- Grants & Compliance: Prepare and submit grant applications (Toronto Arts Council, Ontario Arts Council, Ontario Trillium Foundation) and handle SOCAN (Entandem) reporting.
- Staff Management: Supervise the part-time Librarian to ensure proper budgeting, procurement, and distribution of music scores.
Schedule and Location Details
- In-Person Expectations: Attendance is required at all concert events (6–7 per season) and the first half of weekly Monday evening rehearsals (typically 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM, running late August through May).
- Location: Rehearsals and concerts take place at 5183 Sheppard Avenue East, Scarborough, ON. Some local travel within the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) may be required for logistics and supply management.
- Remote Work: General administrative duties, meetings, and box office tracking can be performed remotely.
- Availability Note: Because certain administrative tasks, venue communications, and urgent issues must be handled during regular business hours, this role is generally not compatible with full-time, rigid weekday employment.
Skills and Requirements
- Arts Knowledge: A strong background, knowledge of, or interest in classical/symphonic music; prior experience working within an orchestral environment is a significant asset.
- Leadership & Administration: Proven leadership or management experience within a performing arts or non-profit organization.
- Financial Acumen: Demonstrated success in budgeting, financial forecasting, cash handling, and processing credit transactions. Experience with bookkeeping workflows is preferred.
- Technical Skills: Proficiency with MS Office (Word, Excel) and familiarity with box office/ticketing platforms (experience with Tixhub is an asset).
- Soft Skills: Exceptional organizational skills, time management, and a customer-service-oriented mindset. Must be adaptable, calm under pressure, and a proactive problem-solver.
- Logistics: Valid driver’s license and reliable access to a vehicle for moving event supplies.
To Apply
Please submit your cover letter and resume in a single PDF to [email protected] by August 5, 2026
The Cathedral Bluffs Symphony Orchestra sincerely thanks all candidates for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be notified.
Cathedral Bluffs Symphony Orchestra
Box 51074, 18 Eglinton Square Scarborough ON M1L 2K2 416-879-5566 www.cathedralbluffs.com
Charitable Registration No. 89036 4573 RR0001
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $1,600.00-$2,000.00 per month
Benefits:
- Flexible schedule
- On-site parking
- Work from home
Flexible language requirement:
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Scarborough, ON
