Careers and auditions

Principal Trumpet

Core orchestra + Sarasota Brass Quintet
2025-26 salary: $65,276.20 + Benefits*

Preliminary round: Monday, September 29, 2025

Advanced rounds: Tuesday, September 20, 2025

Principal Trumpet handles all principal responsibilities as outlined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement (sub lists, part assignments, etc.). Principal Trumpet shares playing assignments in the Sarasota Brass Quintet and also in orchestra based repertoire.

Employment to begin immediately

The length of season is 36 weeks (includes 2 paid vacation weeks)

* Benefits include, but aren’t limited to: health insurance (Sarasota Orchestra pays no less than 75% of premium), instrument insurance, short- and long- term disability, 403b retirement plan, and Flexible Spending Account.

To apply

• Complete the online application form and upload a resume (PDF) containing your current contact information.
• A $75 deposit (check made out to Sarasota Orchestra) must be received in our office:
  
  Audition Coordinator (Trumpet)
  Sarasota Orchestra
  709 N. Tamiami Trail
  Sarasota, FL 34236
• Both the resume and deposit must be received by August 18, 2025. Applications are considered incomplete without an uploaded resume and mailed deposit check. Do not e-mail your resume.
• All applicants who submit a complete application by the deadline will receive an audition time. Applications arriving or remaining incomplete after August 18th may not receive an audition time.

Please list your instrument, e-mail, cell phone number, and a current mailing address on your resume. All correspondence from Sarasota Orchestra will be by e-mail.

Sarasota Orchestra is an equal opportunity employer and a proud partner of the National Alliance for Audition Support (NAAS). For more information on NAAS, please visit auditionalliance.org

General information

All questions about this audition should be directed to the Orchestra Personnel Office. Please email your questions to [email protected]. No phone calls please.

Auditions will take place at Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center (sometimes referred to as Holley Hall).

• Our official address is 709 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, 34236, however, our physical location is on Van Wezel Way, between 10th Street and Blvd of the Arts (6th St.). If you have a GPS, enter 709 Van Wezel Way and that should get you to our front door.
• We are not in the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall which is the big purple building across the parking lot. We are a small, white building right on the street with the big Sarasota Orchestra sign outside our main doors.
• Park on either side of the building, on the street, or in the southwest corner of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall parking lot.

All rounds will be behind a screen.

Sarasota Orchestra tunes to A=440.

No electronic devices are allowed in the audition room during your audition. This includes, but is not limited to: tuners, metronomes, cell phones, and recording devices.

The audition committee reserves the right to dismiss any candidate not meeting the highest professional standards.

Musicians hired by Sarasota Orchestra are responsible for having and maintaining proper authorization to work in the United States. Employment starts in September 2025.

Travel information

Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) is approximately 3.5 miles from Symphony Center or an approximate 8-minute drive.

Tampa International Airport (TPA) is approximately 55 miles from Symphony Center. The drive can take anywhere from 1h 15mins – 2 hours depending on the time of day and traffic. There is a toll bridge on the shorter route from TPA to Sarasota.

Job Title: Director of Legacy Giving
Department: Donor Engagement
Reports To: Senior Director, Development Services
Classification: Full-time; Salary / Exempt
Supervises: N/A
Location: Sarasota, FL

General Overview:

Sarasota Orchestra has long been a cultural beacon in the community. As the oldest continuing orchestra in Florida, we have set a regional standard for diverse performances that inspire people of all ages to experience live music. We have been the foundation for music education across generations, highlighted through both an acclaimed Youth Orchestra program that has nurtured young talent for over 65 years, and an annual music festival for emerging musical artists from around the world. This dedication to exquisite performance and first-class musical education underscores our mission to inspire and engage the community through the transformative power of music.

Known for its unique, team-oriented fundraising culture, Sarasota Orchestra seeks to engage a Director of Legacy Giving to join an established and successful team of fundraising professionals. The incumbent will be a seasoned, collaborative, successful, and ambitious planned giving expert to play a leadership role in all activities related to the development and implementation of strategies for identifying, cultivating, and soliciting annual/major giving prospects for legacy gifts. As the Orchestra prepares for a transformational multi-year capital campaign to build a new Music Center and strengthen the endowment, this role will partner with frontline fundraisers to identify and develop engagement plans for planned giving asks to support this historic fundraising effort.

The Director of Legacy Giving will strengthen gift planning culture at the Orchestra and in the donor community and enhance Encore Society programming to increase membership and engagement. To empower the Orchestra with a broad base of philanthropic support, especially from noncash assets, the incumbent will enhance the donor engagement program across all giving levels to focus on legacy giving. This candidate will manage the communications and training strategies both externally and internally for gift planning.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain holistic and strategic gift planning processes for the Development team, including partnering with frontline fundraisers to support incorporation of planned giving into donor cultivation and solicitation strategies and serve as a resource for planned giving matters and gift conversations. (30%)
• Enhance the legacy giving program, including donor benefits and recognition, the planning and execution of high-quality and effective Encore Society events, and stewardship opportunities across all legacy giving levels. (30%)
• Oversee the gift planning communications strategy as aligned with overall donor communications creating the content for internal- and external-facing legacy giving collateral, including stewardship reporting and marketing pieces. (15%)
• Lead internal and external gift planning trainings on a regular basis with the donor engagement team, volunteer leaders, and the donor community to strengthen the gift planning culture. (15%)
• Support the tracking and management of all reporting for planned giving including the execution and stewardship according to individual donor gift and pledge agreements and addendums. (10%)
• Willingness to embrace other duties as assigned. Duties and responsibilities described herein are not a comprehensive list, and additional job tasks may be assigned from time to time as necessitated by the Donor Engagement department and business needs.

Necessary Knowledge & Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 7+ years of nonprofit development experience, with a track record of successfully supporting and/or managing major gift and legacy giving programs.
• Knowledge of planning giving vehicles, tax guidelines, and legal requirements.
• Experience working effectively with financial advisors and attorneys.
• Demonstrated ability to achieve fundraising goals while working with prospects in all phases of development: qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including some evenings and weekends.
• Willingness to be hands on when needed, managing and executing legacy society and cultivation events that engage donors, prospects, and volunteer leaders.
• Strong communications skills, both oral and written.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and fundraising CRM (preferably Tessitura).
• Excellent team player, with strong interpersonal skills.

Desired Qualifications:

• Commitment to the mission of Sarasota Orchestra – must adhere to the highest ethical standards, demonstrate an empathetic disposition and perseverance, and convey sensitivity to the needs of donors, volunteers, and staff.
• Experience with capital or endowment campaigns.
• Experience training gift officers, donors, and volunteer leaders in gift planning.
• Presents a high degree of sophistication, self-confidence and self-motivation, with a track record for successfully translating strategic ideas into action and results.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a goal-oriented team environment.
• Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, sit, stand, walk, bend, reach, and use hands to finger, handle or feel. Repetitive motion is required while using a computer. The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as preparing and analyzing data and figures and viewing a computer terminal. This position requires the ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.

Working Conditions:

The job operates in a professional office environment and performing arts venues. The environment is generally moderate in temperature and noise level.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.

If you are interested in this opportunity with Sarasota Orchestra, please e-mail a cover letter and resume to [email protected] or call 941-487-2704 with any questions you may have. Thank you!

Job Title: Director of Campaign Engagement
Department: Donor Engagement
Reports To: Senior Director of Development Services
Classification: Full-time; Salary / Exempt
Supervises: N/A
Location: Sarasota, FL

General Overview:

Sarasota Orchestra has long been a cultural beacon in the community. As the oldest continuing orchestra in Florida, we have set a regional standard for diverse performances that inspire people of all ages to experience live music. We have been the foundation for music education across generations, highlighted through both an acclaimed Youth Orchestra program that has nurtured young talent for over 65 years, and an annual music festival for emerging musical artists from around the world. This dedication to exquisite performance and first-class musical education underscores our mission to inspire and engage the community through the transformative power of music.

Known for its unique, team-oriented fundraising culture, Sarasota Orchestra seeks to engage a Director of Campaign Engagement to join an established and successful team of fundraising professionals. Working closely in collaboration with and reporting to the Vice President of Advancement and Strategic Initiatives, this role will serve as the central coordinator of executing campaign engagement activity with the community. As the Orchestra prepares for a transformational multi-year capital campaign to build a new Music Center and strengthen the endowment, this role will manage the execution of campaign events for volunteers, prospects, and senior leadership to support this historic fundraising effort. The Director of Campaign Engagement will also play an important role as a liaison with other departments that will be vital to the success of the campaign effort.

The role provides strategic support and event planning to activate the campaign with key constituencies and the broader Sarasota community, strengthening the Orchestra’s culture of philanthropy. To empower the Orchestra with a broad base of philanthropic support, the incumbent will enhance the donor engagement program across all giving levels to focus on campaign participation. This candidate will support the management of campaign engagement events in partnership with the communications and building project teams, including Groundbreaking, hard hat tours, and opening celebrations. Working closely with the donor engagement team, the incumbent will be responsible for stewarding leadership campaign gifts, including managing a Founding Donors society. The candidate will effectively cultivate, manage, and leverage campaign volunteer leadership, including Campaign Co-Chairs, a Campaign Committee, and essential campaign ambassadors within the community.

Responsibilities:

• Work closely with the Sarasota Orchestra’s Campaign Team to support stewardship of the Campaign Co-Chairs and Committee, while activating campaign participation within the Development Committee, Board of Directors, and community leaders. (25%)
• Enhance the donor engagement program with a focus on campaign activation, including donor benefits and recognition, the planning and execution of high-quality and effective campaign events, and stewardship opportunities across all giving levels. (25%)
• Oversee campaign donor naming opportunities and the creation of recognition plaques and other stewardship and communications pieces. (20%)
• Responsible for oversight and execution of all reporting for campaign commitments made in individual donor gift and pledge agreements and addendums. (15%)
• Manage and track all campaign-related stewardship and gifts for stakeholders from the CEO and Campaign Committee. (15%)
• Willingness to embrace other duties as assigned. Duties and responsibilities described herein are not a comprehensive list, and additional job tasks may be assigned from time to time as necessitated by the Donor Engagement department and business needs.

Necessary Knowledge & Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree
• 7-10 years of nonprofit development experience
• Experience supporting campaigns of $100M+
• Excellent attention to details and comfort in multi-tasking multiple deadlines as demonstrated through complex project management experience.
• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including some evenings and weekends.
• Willingness to be hands on when needed, managing and executing campaign events that engage donors, prospects, and volunteer leaders.
• Strong communications skills, both oral and written.
• Experience interfacing with donors, Board members, philanthropists, and community foundations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and fundraising CRM (preferably Tessitura).
• Ability to exercise a high degree of initiative, judgment, discretion, and decision-making to achieve organizational objectives and provide best-in-class engagement of donors, volunteers, and staff.
• Excellent team player, with strong interpersonal skills.

Desired Qualifications:

• Commitment to the mission of Sarasota Orchestra – must adhere to the highest ethical standards, demonstrate an empathetic disposition and perseverance, and convey sensitivity to the needs of donors, volunteers, and staff.
• Presents a high degree of sophistication, self-confidence and self-motivation – ability to keep calm under pressure.
• Experience managing cross-team collaboration of ambitious campaign effort.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a goal-oriented team environment.

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, sit, stand, walk, bend, reach, and use hands to finger, handle or feel. Repetitive motion is required while using a computer. The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as preparing and analyzing data and figures and viewing a computer terminal. This position requires the ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.

Working Conditions:

The job operates in a professional office environment and performing arts venues. The environment is generally moderate in temperature and noise level.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.

If you are interested in this opportunity with Sarasota Orchestra, please e-mail a cover letter and resume to [email protected] or call 941-487-2704 with any questions you may have. Thank you!

Job Title: Assistant Orchestra Personnel Manager
Department: Artistic Operations
Reports To: Orchestra Personnel Manager
Classification: Full Time, Hourly / Non-Exempt
Supervises: N/A
Location: Sarasota, FL

General Overview:

The Assistant Orchestra Personnel Manager assists with day-to-day activities between Musicians, the Music Director, Guest Conductors and management. As a key administrator of the collective bargaining agreement between Sarasota Orchestra Musicians (AFM Local 427-721) and the Sarasota Orchestra, the Assistant Orchestra Personnel Manager is responsible for proper execution of the agreement. The Assistant Orchestra Personnel Manager shall nurture a respectful and positive working relationship with all employees, supporting an inclusive and respectful culture.

Responsibilities:

• Assist in engaging (hiring) per service, substitute and extra musicians
• Serve as agent/personnel representative at assigned orchestra performances and rehearsal services
• Serve as Personnel Manager for Sarasota Music Festival orchestra
• Ensure adherence to CBA by personnel office, staff, conductors and musicians
• Assist with scheduling and operational logistics of orchestra auditions
• Assist with maintaining Personnel files and databases
• Assist with preparation and submission of semi-monthly orchestral payroll
• Maintain tracking reports of per service and substitute costs
• Perform other relevant duties and additional projects as assigned. Duties and responsibilities described herein are not a comprehensive list, and additional job tasks may be assigned from time to time as necessitated by the Artistic department and business needs.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in music, arts administration or comparable experience
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office
• Highly organized with great attention to detail
• Ability to work without supervision
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Knowledge of classical music, orchestra repertoire, and instrumentation
• Ability to maintain confidentiality at all times with sensitive matters and personal information
• Ability to work flexible hours including weekends and evenings
• Understanding of Collective Bargaining Agreements and union matters a plus

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, sit, stand, walk, bend, and use hands to finger, handle or feel. Repetitive motion is required while using a computer. The worker is required to have visual acuity to perform an activity such as preparing and analyzing data and figures, viewing a computer terminal, and observing stage set-ups, temperature of rooms and warm-up facilities. This position requires the ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.

Working Conditions:

The job operates in a professional environment including performance hall and office settings. The environment is generally moderate in temperature and noise level. Must be available to work a flexible, varying work schedule weekly to include daily office hours and also able to maintain a presence at many orchestra rehearsals and performances, including nights and weekends.

If you are interested in this opportunity with Sarasota Orchestra, please e-mail a cover letter and resume to [email protected] or call 941-487-2704 with any questions you may have. Thank you!

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Job Title: Facilities Supervisor
Department: Facilities
Reports To: Director of Facilities and Special Projects
Classification: Hourly, Non-Exempt
Supervises: 1- Facility Assistant
Location: Sarasota, FL

General Overview:

Responsible for coordination of facility operations for Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center consisting of office and performance spaces. Ensure building is safe and well maintained while working within approved budgets. Maintain facility department staffing schedule and the building room schedule and reservations.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee cleaning, landscaping and year-round maintenance of the Symphony Center; ensure proper preventative maintenance is performed on building systems and structure.
• Procure and recommend contracts for maintenance and repair work to the Director of Facilities for approval.
• Ensure there is a Facilities presence on-site for all activities in the Symphony Center & ensure staff are aware of how to contact facilities in case of need or emergency.
• Assist Director of Facilities with operational and capital budget development.
• Review and approve invoices for the facilities department.
• Support Director of Facilities on building capital projects, as assigned.
• Ensure sufficient supplies are ordered for the department or building needs as required.
• Enter daily activities, including room reservations into OPAS (Orchestra Planning and Administration System)
• Maintain keys and alarm system
• Compile and distribute the weekly Facilities and Food and Beverage schedule in conjunction with Catering and Event Supervisor.
• All work will be conducted onsite at the facility; individual required to also occasionally be assigned to handle after-hours building issues as needed.
• Perform other relevant duties and additional projects as assigned. Duties and responsibilities described herein are not a comprehensive list, and additional job tasks may be assigned from time to time as necessitated by the Facilities department and business needs.

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required
• A.A. degree or other level of higher education preferred
• 2+ years Facilities management experience required
• 2+ years Supervisory experience of personnel
• 2+ years financial reporting and budgeting experience
• Prior handyman or construction / building experience desired
• Ability to interact professionally with staff, musicians, conductors, house manager, ushers, patrons
• Flexible schedule; ability to work nights and weekends
• Computer literacy; OPAS data experience preferred but not essential (will train)
• Familiarity with building systems and project management
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Certification in CPR, First Aid and Bloodborne Pathogens, or willingness to obtain Certification
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to work well in a team environment

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, sit, stand, walk, bend, crouch, push, pull, lift, use hands to finger, handle or feel, and reach with hands and arms. The worker is required to have visual acuity to view a computer terminal, determine the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of work assigned, and to make observations of the facility and structure. This position requires the ability to frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Working Conditions:

The job operates in a professional office environment. The environment is generally moderate in temperature and noise level. The worker is subject to both inside and outside environmental conditions.

If you are interested in this opportunity with Sarasota Orchestra, please e-mail a cover letter and resume to [email protected] or call 941-487-2704 with any questions you may have. Thank you!

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Job Title: Major Gifts Coordinator
Department: Donor Engagement
Reports To: Senior Vice President of Advancement and Strategic Initiatives
Classification: Full-time; Hourly / Non-Exempt
Supervises: N/A
Location: Sarasota, FL

General Overview:

Sarasota Orchestra has long been a cultural beacon in the community. As the oldest continuing orchestra in Florida, we have set a regional standard for diverse performances that inspire people of all ages to experience live music. We have been the foundation for music education across generations, highlighted through both an acclaimed Youth Orchestra program that has nurtured young talent for over 65 years, and an annual music festival for emerging musical artists from around the world. This dedication to exquisite performance and first-class musical education underscores our mission to inspire and engage the community through the transformative power of music.

Known for its unique, team-oriented fundraising culture, Sarasota Orchestra seeks to engage a Major Gifts Coordinator to join an established and successful team of fundraising professionals. Reporting directly to the Senior Vice President of Advancement and Strategic Initiatives, this role will provide critical administrative and execution support to a growing fundraising operation. As the Orchestra prepares for a transformational multi-year capital campaign to build a new Music Center and strengthen the endowment, this is a great opportunity to learn more about nonprofit operations during a historic fundraising effort.

Within the first 6 months, the Major Gifts Coordinator will establish an effective and efficient system to manage the Senior Vice President of Advancement and Strategic Initiatives’ calendar and major gifts portfolio, and independently coordinate department meetings and cross-functional workstreams.

Responsibilities:

Administrative & Operational Support for Senior Vice President of Advancement & Strategic Initiatives: (40%)

• Directly manage scheduling and travel arrangements;
• Prepare agendas, meeting briefings, and other materials for internal and donor meetings;
• Coordinate donor visits, events, and tours and collaborate across various internal teams to ensure successful and engaging visits for donors.

Major Gifts / Fundraising Operations: (40%)

• Draft written donor communications for the Senior Vice President and Chief Executive Officer;
• Track donor outreach and activity for the Senior Vice President’s portfolio;
• Support the fundraising leadership team in scheduling and organizing regular major donor portfolio reviews and maintenance of the campaign pipeline;
• Regularly update Tessitura with donor information for the Senior Vice President’s portfolio and generally for the campaign; leverage reports and dashboards to manage up on outstanding action items;
• Support with the planning, organization, and execution of campaign activity, donor events (i.e., cocktail parties, annual Education brunch, and pre-concert dinners), and personalized recognition and benefits strategies;
• Support execution of ad hoc research for prospects and existing donors.

Team Operations & Team Culture Support: (20%)

• Manage scheduling, agendas, note-taking, and follow ups for regular Advancement department meetings;
• Plan culture-building and recognition activities for the Advancement team (i.e., coordinating celebrations for birthdays, anniversaries, and wins);
• Coordinate a centralized calendar for the Advancement team including the creation and maintenance of standard two-week look-ahead to ensure clarity across the team and alignment with other departments;
• Manage expense reports.
• Willingness to embrace other duties as assigned. Duties and responsibilities described herein are not a comprehensive list, and additional job tasks may be assigned from time to time as necessitated by the Donor Engagement department and business needs.

Necessary Knowledge & Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 1+ years of experience in nonprofits or fundraising (internships and college experience included).
• Impeccable attention to detail.
• Comfort with technology.
• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including some evenings and weekends.
• Excellent organizational and problem solving-skills.
• Strong written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Capacity to design and manage systems and calendars for a team.
• Motivated to flexibly and quickly learn and adapt.
• Ability to interact professionally with donors, prospects, staff, or directors of the board.
• Interest in working in, and growing within, the world of arts and culture and/or nonprofit fundraising.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a goal-oriented team environment.

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, sit, stand, walk, bend, reach, and use hands to finger, handle or feel. Repetitive motion is required while using a computer. The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as preparing and analyzing data and figures and viewing a computer terminal. This position requires the ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.

Working Conditions:

The job operates in a professional office environment and performing arts venues. The environment is generally moderate in temperature and noise level.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.

If you are interested in this opportunity with Sarasota Orchestra, please e-mail a cover letter and resume to [email protected] or call 941-487-2704 with any questions you may have. Thank you!