Director of Artistic Operations

Position Opening

Director of Artistic Operations

Full‑time, Exempt

December 2025

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.

• 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…