VP Artistic Planning and Programs

About the Columbus Symphony

The Columbus Symphony is in a period of dynamic growth, renewed artistic ambition, and deepened community engagement. As one of the city’s cultural anchors and poised to celebrate our 75th Anniversary season, we are shaping a future that honors our artistic legacy while embracing innovation, inclusivity, and the evolving expectations of our audiences. Under new executive leadership, the Symphony is strengthening organizational culture, building on a sustainable operating model, expanding educational and community impact, and planning a state‑of‑the‑art new concert hall that will elevate not only the Symphony but the entire region.

This is an exciting moment to join a forward‑looking organization poised for transformation.

• Are you excited about shaping the artistic future of an orchestra at a pivotal moment of organizational growth and renewed ambition?
• Can you translate big artistic ideas into practical, well‑run programs that delight audiences and honor the institution’s fiscal realities?
• Are you motivated by connecting great art to real community needs in ways that are inclusive, innovative and sustainable?

The Vice President for Artistic Planning and Programs serves as the organization’s chief artistic strategist. Guided by CSO’s strategic plan and the artistic vision of the Music Director, they oversee the planning and implementation of all artistic programming across classical, pops, education and special projects. The VP collaborates closely with the Music Director, Principal Pops Conductor, Chorus Director, GM and external partners to shape a coherent and compelling artistic and educational portfolio that grows audiences, deepens impact, positions the orchestra as a cultural leader in the region and beyond, and supports revenue goals.

• Serve as a member of the senior leadership team in establishing organizational strategy, priorities, goals and budget and fostering a positive and inclusive organizational culture
• Lead the multi‑year artistic planning process in collaboration with the Music Director, Principal Pops Conductor, Chorus Director, Artistic Administrator, Artistic Advisory Committee and Community Engagement & Belonging Committee, developing and planning innovative and inclusive artistic and educational programs and concert experiences that attract and educate audiences and support revenue goals, including selection of themes, repertoire and guest artists
• Ensure programming reflects artistic excellence, a broad range of voices and perspectives, and relevance to the community
• Align repertoire and projects with budget parameters, revenue goals, and organizational capacity
• Cultivate a network of professional contacts in classical music and pops, including conductors, soloists, composers, artist managers, agents, designers, directors, etc.
• Invite, schedule, negotiate with, contract and engage guest artists, including conductors, soloists, composers, dancers, stage directors, guest designers, and other collaborators
• Manage commissioning and contracting of works of music and music‑related works of video and projection design, choreography, theatrical productions
• Establish artistic partnerships to collaborate on co‑commissions, content creation, etc.
• Collaborate with the Music Director, General Manager, VP of Marketing and other pertinent staff in developing each season’s calendar, including schedule of rehearsals, concerts, and other activities
• Attend rehearsals and concerts, ensuring high‑quality productions and artist/audience experiences
• Develop and oversee the Artistic Programs and Education budgets
• Provide leadership and vision for Education and Community Engagement, including CSO’s four youth symphonies, youth concerts, in‑school programs, family events, adult learning and community partnerships
• Integrate education and engagement programs with the broader artistic strategy, ensuring clear through lines between the stage, the classroom and the community
• Support the Education team in curriculum development, teacher partnerships, and program evaluation, balancing quality, scale and impact
• Champion access,…