Coordinator of Engagement Operations

COORDINATOR OF ENGAGEMENT OPERATIONS JOB DESCRIPTION

Department: Community and Learning

FLSA Status: Exempt

Work Location: Hybrid

FT/PT: Full-time

Last Revision Date: December 6, 2024

How to apply: A cover letter is required for consideration of this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address:

• Your specific interest in the position and working at the Detroit Symphony Orchestra
• Outline your skills and experience that directly relate to the responsibilities of the role
  
  

The Organization: The Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO) is known internationally for trailblazing performances, collaborations with the world’s foremost musical artists, and a deep commitment to serving our community. Making its home in historic Orchestra Hall at the Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center, the DSO actively pursues its vision to be an inclusive and culturally relevant community where all people can experience their world through music.

The DSO is a complex organization. Operating 365 days per year in historic Orchestra Hall, one of America’s most acoustically perfect concert halls, we are a performing arts institution, an educational facility, and a community center. We are governed by an independent Board of Directors and employ both union and non-union employees as musicians, stage crew, and administrative staff. Creating a unified culture throughout the institution is an organizational imperative, and we are guided by our values of excellence, diversity, resilience, collaboration, and innovation. The DSO is also deeply invested in the city of Detroit; through our Detroit Strategy initiative, we are expanding the DSO’s participation in the growth and well-being of the city.

The DSO’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is paramount to who we are; we work to create an environment where all employees are seen, valued, and supported to enable their best every day. This is essential as we pursue our mission to impact lives through unforgettable musical experiences by sustaining a world class orchestra for the city of Detroit and the global community.

The DSO has been a pillar of the Detroit Arts & Culture Sector for more than 130 years. Musical connection matters to us. People and families matter to us. Since 2015, we have been actively working to instill the principles of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in our culture and in our programs. In 2017, we began our Social Progress Initiative, affirming a commitment to continuous dialogue and action that leverages the power of music to improve quality of life for the people of Detroit and beyond. In 2019, we announced Detroit Harmony, an initiative to put an instrument in the hands of any Detroit student that wishes to have one. In 2020, we committed to Detroit Strategy, and launched our Detroit Neighborhood Initiative. Detroit Strategy builds on the foundation of the past, and it embodies our commitment to the future. Detroit Strategy is the DSO’s commitment to the growth and well-being of the people and the city of Detroit.

The DSO offers a unique, fast-paced working environment, an excellent overall compensation package, and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. For more information visit www.dso.org.

Position Summary: We seek a people-focused, detail oriented, and collaborative individual to support collaboration-focused impact work at the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. The Coordinator will join a department that is passionate about creating impactful learning opportunities and musical experiences for everyone in Detroit and the surrounding areas.

The Coordinator will be fundamental in providing operational support for the Engagement department through working with musicians, staff, partner organizations, and out-of-The-Max venues. The Coordinator will also organize and maintain Engagement data and communicate to internal and external constituents.

Successful candidates will bring a passion for people-focused work, creating connective, equitable experiences, and bring a curiosity and excitement to learn and grow.

Specific Duties And Responsibilities:

• Serve as a DSO representative to external partners. Staff at least 100 events per year, providing support to performing musicians, partners, and group facilitators.
• Manage detailed day-to-day operations of the DSO’s Optional Work system. Optional Work is a system unique to the DSO that engages musicians outside of their contractual orchestral services to present musical experiences outside of Orchestra Hall.
• Collaborate with DSO stage crew and other internal departments to organize and execute performances and events.
• Support and develop in-depth internal and external communication strategies.
• Collaborate with the Engagement team to support Detroit Strategy partners. Facilitate connection points between partners and a wide range of DSO opportunities.
• Track and communicate quantitative and qualitative data, particularly for Detroit-focused work. Support accurate grant reporting and cross-departmental coordination.
• Manage fee-for-service contracts and invoicing, partnering with the finance department to ensure payment is received.
• Support departmental projects, events, and services as needed.
  
  

Required Qualifications:

• Interest and/or experience in coordinating live musical events/workshops.
• Detail-oriented and highly organized with excellent time management skills.
• Exceptional listening skills, and a demonstrated ability to build strong relationships with multiple stakeholder groups across sectors. Have a deep commitment to respectful interactions with everyone in your orbit. 
• Superior communication skills, whether you are writing, speaking, or presenting in a virtual setting or in person.
• Ability to act independently, take initiative, and meet changing priorities. Enjoy a changing array of responsibilities, schedules, and locations. 
• Successful experience working in and contributing to a collaborative, team environment.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
  
  

Desired Qualifications:

• Familiarity with the city and neighborhoods of Detroit and have a deep commitment to impact in the city.
• Written and/or verbal fluency in Spanish or Arabic.
• Demonstrated experience and investment in issues of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.
• Experience designing adaptable and scalable systems with people at the center.  
• Experience efficiently organizing quantitative/qualitative data and utilization of data to demonstrate impact.
  
  

Not sure you meet 100% of the qualifications? If this role speaks to you and you believe that you can excel, we encourage you to apply. The Detroit Symphony Orchestra is committed to considering candidates with diverse workplace experiences and backgrounds who are interested in building and delivering impactful services and programs.

Additional Information:

• This is a salaried, non-union position.
• Successful candidates must be available to work a varying schedule, including frequent nights and weekends, to meet the needs of the DSO’s performance schedule.
• This role travels weekly, up to multiple times per week, in the metro Detroit area.
• All DSO positions require the completion of a background check before starting employment. A criminal record does not automatically disqualify candidates.
  
  

Physical Requirements: This role often works in an office environment and frequently has prolonged periods of sitting and looking at a computer screen. Additional physical requirements include:

Never

0%

Seldom

5% - 25%

Occasionally

26% - 50%

Periodically

51% - 75%

Frequently

76% - 100%

Standing

x

Walking

x

Prolonged Sitting

x

Lifting/carrying up to 10 lbs.

x

Lifting/carrying 10 - 25 lbs.

x

Lifting/carrying 26 - 50 lbs.

x

Lifting/carrying more than 50 lbs.

x

Pushing/Pulling

x

Climbing

X

Stooping/Kneeling/Crouching/

Crawling

x

Reaching

x

Manual dexterity

x

Driving a Motorized Vehicle

x

Repetitive Motions

X

Primary Reporting Responsibility: Manager of Community Engagement

Direct Reports: N/A

Required Qualifications:

• Interest and/or experience in coordinating live musical events or workshops.
• Detail-oriented and highly organized with excellent time management skills.
• Exceptional listening skills, and a demonstrated ability to build strong relationships with multiple stakeholder groups across sectors. Have a deep commitment to respectful interactions with everyone in your orbit.
• Superior communication skills, whether you are writing, speaking, or presenting in a virtual setting or in person.
• Ability to act independently, take initiative, and meet changing priorities. Enjoy a changing array of responsibilities, schedules, and locations.
• Successful experience working in and contributing to a collaborative, team environment.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
  
  

Desired Qualifications:

• Familiarity with the city and neighborhoods of Detroit and have a deep commitment to impact in the city.
• Written and/or verbal fluency in Spanish or Arabic.
• Demonstrated experience and investment in issues of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.
• Experience designing adaptable and scalable systems with people at the center.
• Experience efficiently organizing quantitative/qualitative data and utilization of data to demonstrate impact.