Summermusik
Reports To: Operations Manager with a dotted line to the Executive Director
Deadline to Apply: Friday, January 30, 2026. Position will close once filled.
Job Description
Artistic Operations Associate
Summermusik seeks a driven, organized Artistic Operations Associate who possesses superior communication and organizational skills for our 2026 summer festival season. In addition to serving as the primary point of contact for guest artists during the festival, this role will also serve as the assistant librarian. This position offers a college student an opportunity to learn about the behind-the-scenes operations of a chamber orchestra during our 12th annual Summermusik Festival.
Dates: 16 weeks, Monday, May 11 through Sunday, August 30, 2026.
Working hours:
May 11 – August 2, 2026: 10-12 hrs/week — Hybrid: in-office 1-2 days per week, otherwise remote
August 3 – August 30, 2026: 40 hr/week — Flexible daytime hours in addition to evenings and weekends for performances and events. Typically, off on Mondays, in the office on Tuesdays, events/rehearsals/performances vary Wed-Sun.
Compensation: $12/hour. Non-exempt. Associates receive parking reimbursement and two complimentary tickets for Mainstage performances. Housing and transportation are not provided and is the responsibility of the Associate.
Responsibilities and Duties Include:
Production Associate Specific:
- Work closely with artist managers and artists to arrange travel, housing accommodations, and local ground transportation for all visiting artists in a timely manner.
- Implement all approved artist requests on contracts and riders.
- Prepare and manage itineraries for guest artists, CCO Concertmaster, Associate Conductor, and Music Director.
- Be present at all rehearsals, events, and concerts involving guest artists to assist them as needed.
- Assist Operations Manager with a variety of tasks related to festival event and concert production, including but not limited to:
- Concert preparation
- Assistance with music librarian duties
- Backstage and front-of-house concert production for rehearsals, concerts, and events at venues around town
- Assist with planning and coordination of stage logistics in all venues, including load-in/load-out schedules
- Possible driver of festival U-Haul (15’) for events at which the stage manager is not assigned
All Summermusik Associates:
- Drive and escorts guest artists to various events, rehearsals, and performances as needed
- Work Front of House selling merchandise, scanning tickets, and answering customer questions as needed
- Attend staff/production meetings and assist staff in managing and anticipating logistical problems
- Assist the Operations Manager and other staff with loading and unloading production vehicle and staff/festival vehicles at the conclusion of all rehearsals/events/performances
- Assist the Operations Manager and Stage Manager with set-up and teardown of backstage and Front of House
- Contribute to the professional appearance of Summermusik both on and off stage
- Provide general assistance to Summermusik on various administrative tasks as assigned
- Build your Cincinnati artistic community network while working with many of the area’s top musicians, as well as vendors, technical staff, and guest artists
Qualifications Include:
- Undergraduate or graduate students studying arts administration, music, or related field preferred
- Administrative experience working for not-for-profit organizations, preferably in the arts field
- Ability to promote a positive and passionate work atmosphere by behaving and communicating with internal and external contacts in a manner using considerable professionalism, tact and enthusiasm. Ability to interact with others in a manner that inspires trust and confidence
- Working knowledge of orchestral instruments, seating conventions
- Ability to read music a plus
- Knowledge of database software, such as Spektrix, a plus
- Strong computer skills in the Microsoft Office suite and Google Workspace
- Strong oral and written communication and analytical skills
- Detail-oriented and organized with a demonstrated ability to multitask, prioritize, and meet deadlines
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment
- Demonstrated self-starter, who can also work as a member of our fun team!
- Demonstrated ability to learn new technologies and solutions quickly
- The candidate must have their own transportation with a valid driver’s license and good driving record
- Candidates must have their own smart phone and laptop
- Ability to lift, carry and move up to 50 pounds
To Apply:
Send resume and cover letter to gidley@summermusik.org. In the subject line, please reference: Production Associate.
Contact:
Evan Gidley, Executive Director
About Summermusik:
Mission: We create intimate, transformative experiences that connect the musically curious.
Founded in 1974, Summermusik with resident ensemble Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra creates intimate, transformative experiences that connect the musically curious. Under the direction of Music Director Eckart Preu, Summermusik provides a vibrant musical experience in an intimate and informal setting for both the seasoned and novice concert patron. The Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra is comprised of 32 professional musicians, the ideal ensemble size for presenting orchestral works from the Baroque and Classical eras as well as commissioned works by contemporary composers. Often, the ensemble shrinks down to as small as 3 musicians, which allows for flexibility and creativity in programming. Collaborations are a hallmark of Summermusik, including partnerships with Walk with Amal, CET, Cincinnati Ballet, and Cincinnati Art Museum, among others. The We Are One festival series was launched in 2022 and amplifies under-consulted voices by acknowledging historical and contemporary inequities and celebrating unique cultures.
For additional information about Summermusik, visit www.summermusik.org.
