Employment Opportunities

To apply, please forward your resume and any other relevant materials to info@youngstownsymphony.com

Position Overview

We seek an outstanding musician, conductor, educator, and leader to be a part of this historic and dynamic organization, helping the organization achieve its mission and goals, and positioning itself for an exciting future. The Music Director and Conductor will be active and visible in the community, serving as one of the primary spokespersons for the Youngstown Symphony Society. The Music Director and Conductor will set both a personal and artistic example for the organization and community. This person must demonstrate integrity, reliability, and congeniality in his or her leadership skills, positive and productive attitude, communication, and collaboration. 

Mission of the Youngstown Symphony Society

EXCELLENCE • EDUCATION • TRADITION • INNOVATION

The mission of the Youngstown Symphony Society is to increase the appreciation for and familiarity with fine music, to ensure the continued presentation of traditional symphonic repertoire by the Youngstown Symphony Orchestra while encouraging the establishment of American and contemporary music and addressing the needs of a varied community.

Short History of the Youngstown Symphony Orchestra and Society

The Youngstown Symphony Orchestra has been in existence since 1926 when it was started by brothers and conductors Michael and Carmine Ficocelli.

Introduced as “The Little Youngstown Symphony,” it was comprised of 12 players, with an average age of 16. Their first program was broadcast on WKBN radio, and their first public concert was held in 1929.

In 1935 the Junior Chamber of Commerce became involved, and “little” was dropped from the organization’s name. As the orchestra grew in size,  the need for a permanent administrative body was realized and the Youngstown Symphony Society was organized. Four concerts were presented that year, performing in the Concert Hall at Stambaugh Auditorium.  By the 1937-1938 season, concert attendees reached over 2,300 people.

After 25 years of devoted service, the Ficocelli Brothers resigned.

The Youngstown Symphony Society was reorganized in the 1950-1951 season. Mr. John Krueger, a 29-year-old composer and conductor was hired in 1951. The name of the orchestra was changed to “The Youngstown Philharmonic Orchestra.” Growth under Mr. Krueger included the Youngstown Philharmonic Chorus and the Junior Orchestra.

After fifteen years, John Krueger resigned. Franz Bibo was selected to be the new conductor. The orchestra’s name was changed to “The Youngstown Symphony Orchestra.” During his tenure, Maestro Bibo began a very successful series of fully staged, locally produced operas. Maestro Bibo was the conductor of the orchestra for twelve seasons.

The Youngstown Symphony continued to thrive throughout the years under conductors Isaiah Jackson, and most recently, the late Randall Craig Fleischer. Both these directors added modern and popular elements to the repertoire firmly establishing an expectation of eclectic and interesting programming in every Youngstown Symphony season. 

Compensation

Competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications. Salary requirements are requested to be included when submitting a cover letter and resume.

The Youngstown Symphony Society is an equal opportunity employer with a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local antidiscrimination laws.

Qualified Candidates will Possess:

• Master’s Degree in music performance/conducting or similar experience as demonstrated in the submitted application materials
• Experience conducting and delivering compelling performances with professional orchestras
• Effective and efficient rehearsal technique
• Experience in developing imaginative programming, using a diverse repertoire, and demonstrating implementation of current performance practice and sensitivity to the changing role of orchestras and modes of performance, 
• Musical and personal leadership skills, including the ability to motivate, inform, and elicit the best efforts of musicians 
• Proven ability to retain and expand audiences with experience creating and building a diverse community of music enthusiasts of all ages
• Ability to work within the budget and operational structure of a non-profit organization 
• Demonstrated skills to effectively communicate and collaborate with the organization’s staff, volunteers, board, and associated partners
• Proven community involvement skills.

Music Director and Conductor Responsibilities – Season Performances

• Plan programming for each season’s eight orchestra programs annually, all in the Youngstown Ohio, area. Include propose and help procure guest soloists and guest conductors.
• Develop budget in coordination with chief executive and execute quality performance within budget.

Rehearsals and Concerts

• Prepare and conduct rehearsals, dress rehearsals and concerts according to budgetary requirements.
• Engage with the audience and community during the performance and at pre- and post-concert events, and other venues.

Musicians and Staff

• Adhere to specifications outlined in the current Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Youngstown Symphony Orchestra Musicians.  
• Create a committed and strong musical atmosphere of growth for all musicians in the orchestra through selection of accessible but challenging repertoire.
• Design, refine and implement audition repertoire and other audition requirements in conjunction with principal musicians.

Musical collaborations

• Support and  actively participate with partner organizations to identify opportunities and approach local arts groups regarding orchestra appearances.  – 
• Collaborate with the Board members and orchestra musicians as appropriate to create educational musical opportunities for students of all ages.

Music Director and Conductor Responsibilities – Forward Planning, Fundraising, Community Outreach

Staff

• Work with the Staff and Board members to develop and establish long-range artistic plans and strategies as well as working to achieve current and immediate goals of the YSS.

Fundraising

• Support financial development through appearances and performances as appropriate. 

Community outreach

• Participate in community outreach and audience development projects with planning, in-person appearances or other means, as reasonably requested.
• Participate in Youngstown Symphony Society and partner organizations performances, rehearsals, meetings, community engagement activities, outreach events, and audience development efforts with in-person appearance or by other means, as reasonably requested.
• Provide content for and review publications such as season publications, program books, and publicity materials.