Careers

Bass auditions for local substitute/extra musicians for the Oregon Symphony; substitute/extra rate for the 25-26 season is $214.16 per service. 

• Audition date: Sunday, January 18 in the morning.
• Audition to take place at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall.
• Submit your application online: Oregon Symphony Local Substitute Bassoon/Contrabassoon Audition Application.

Should you be unable to attend on January 18, alternative arrangements may be made by emailing auditions@orsymphony.org.

Employment to begin at winning candidate’s earliest convenience.

Principal base compensation for the 2025-2026, 40-week season: $85,566.40 (inclusive of EMG, premium pay, and instrument maintenance/insurance allowance).

Applications must be received no later than December 5, 2025.

Benefits include fully paid medical/dental insurance, LTD, AFM pension plan, and paid parking.

Fill out your application and submit your resume and deposit online: Oregon Symphony Principal Flute Audition Application.

Applications accepted until December 5, 2025.

The Oregon Symphony is a proud partner of the National Alliance for Audition Support.

Employment to begin at winning candidate’s earliest convenience.

Section base compensation for the 2025-2026, 40-week season: $68,873.72 (inclusive of EMG, premium pay, and instrument maintenance/insurance allowance).

Applications must be received no later than February 23, 2026.

Benefits include fully paid medical/dental insurance, LTD, AFM pension plan, and paid parking. 

Fill out your application and submit your resume and deposit online: Oregon Symphony English Horn/Utility Oboe Audition Application.

Applications accepted until February 23, 2026.

The Oregon Symphony is a proud partner of the National Alliance for Audition Support.

Employment to begin at winning candidate’s earliest convenience.

Principal base compensation for the 2025-2026, 40-week season: $85,566.40 (inclusive of EMG, premium pay, and instrument maintenance/insurance allowance).

Applications must be received no later than March 9, 2026.

Benefits include fully paid medical/dental insurance, LTD, AFM pension plan, and paid parking. 

Fill out your application and submit your resume and deposit online: Oregon Symphony Principal Clarinet Audition Application.

Applications accepted until March 9, 2026.

The Oregon Symphony is a proud partner of the National Alliance for Audition Support.

Join the Oregon Symphony Team as our Vice President for Development!

As our Vice President for Development, you will serve as a key strategic leader and ambassador for the Oregon Symphony’s philanthropic vision. Reporting directly to the President & CEO, you will guide and inspire a comprehensive fundraising program that fuels our artistic excellence, community impact, and long-term sustainability.

Here’s how you’ll make a difference:

• Develop and lead a bold, multi-year fundraising strategy aligned with the Symphony’s mission, vision, and strategic plan.
• Drive major gifts, annual giving, institutional support, planned giving, and campaign initiatives with clarity, confidence, and measurable results.
• Partner closely with the President & CEO and Board leadership to cultivate and secure transformational six- and seven-figure gifts.
• Lead and complete our current campaign while shaping long-term strategy for future endowment growth.
• Personally manage a portfolio of high-capacity donors, building meaningful, high-touch relationships throughout Portland and the region.
• Elevate donor engagement through inspiring experiences that connect supporters directly to the artistic mission and impact of the Symphony.
• Serve as staff liaison to the Board Development Committee, providing strategic insight and empowering trustees as philanthropic ambassadors.
• Foster a culture of philanthropy across the organization, collaborating seamlessly with artistic, operational, and community-facing teams.
• Lead, mentor, and strengthen a talented development team, investing in professional growth, performance metrics, and a culture of accountability and excellence.
• Strengthen development infrastructure, including prospect management systems, reporting tools, stewardship protocols, and budget oversight.

This role is pivotal in shaping the Symphony’s future. If you are a strategic, relationship-driven leader who thrives on building community through philanthropy, we invite you to help conduct the next chapter of our growth.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive leadership in fundraising, with demonstrated success setting and exceeding ambitious goals.
• Proven track record in major gifts fundraising and campaign leadership, including direct solicitation at the six- and seven-figure level.
• Deep knowledge of best practices in annual, major, institutional, and planned giving.
• Strategic, metrics-driven thinker with the ability to design and execute comprehensive fundraising initiatives.
• Strong leadership experience managing and motivating high-performing teams.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust among trustees, donors, staff, and community stakeholders.
• High degree of integrity, discretion, and professionalism.
• Familiarity with CRM systems (Tessitura preferred) and proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Valid driver’s license and access to a personal vehicle.
• Availability to work evenings and weekends as needed.
• Passion for the arts; knowledge of classical music is a strong plus.

We Offer:

• A senior leadership role within a respected and mission-driven arts organization.
• The opportunity to shape the philanthropic future of a leading cultural institution.
• A collaborative, values-driven team environment where strategic leadership is deeply valued.
• The ability to make a lasting impact on the artistic and cultural life of our region.

Salary Range: $160–$180k
Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, long-term disability insurance, and a 403(b) retirement plan.

The Oregon Symphony is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, or national origin. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

How to Apply:

If you’re ready to lead with vision, strategy, and heart, we would love to hear from you.

Please submit a cover letter and resume to careers@orsymphony.org with “Vice President for Development” in the subject line.

Join the Oregon Symphony Team as our Director of Annual Giving!

As our Director of Annual Giving, you will be at the forefront of fostering a culture of philanthropy within our community. Your leadership will direct the strategy and execution of our annual giving program, aiming to connect music lovers with impactful giving opportunities. Here's how you’ll make a difference:

• Lead a dynamic annual giving program to cultivate and secure annual contributions utilizing direct mail, professional telefunding, and digital platforms.
• Drive innovative donor engagement practices to maximize donor acquisition and retention.
• Ensure the highest standards of donor care, overseeing the prompt processing and acknowledgment of gifts to maintain strong donor relationships.
• Collaborate closely with our marketing team and other departments to ensure our fundraising efforts are closely aligned with the symphony's overall goals.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to your team, ensuring they are equipped to support the mission and vision of the Oregon Symphony effectively.

This role is pivotal in ensuring that our annual giving program not only meets its financial goals but also builds and strengthens the community's connection to our symphony. If you're ready to lead with passion, innovation, and commitment, we look forward to having you conduct our philanthropic efforts. Please see the attachment for a full job description.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree and at least three years of experience in Development, focusing on annual giving strategies; or an equivalent mix of education and experience. Must demonstrate goal achievement.
• Excellent organizational skills, self-motivation, and the capability to handle multiple projects concurrently. Skilled in managing and developing relationships.
• Strong interpersonal and written communication skills, with a customer service orientation. Ability to interact effectively and empathetically with diverse individuals, fostering rapport.
• Proficient in using donor databases and Microsoft Office, including Excel. Experience with Tessitura is beneficial.
• Strong analytical and logical skills, adept at budgeting and accurate forecasting. Creative and practical problem-solving approach.
• Local travel is necessary. Must possess a valid driver’s license, vehicle, and liability insurance.
• Availability to work evenings and weekends when required.
• A good sense of humor is essential. A passion for live symphonic music is advantageous.

We Offer:

• A chance to be part of a respected and mission-driven organization.
• A team-oriented work environment where your contribution is truly valued.
• An opportunity to support and enhance the operations of a leading arts institution.

Status and Work Environment:
This is a full-time, exempt position currently following a hybrid-remote work model with a minimum of 2-3 days/week in-office. This position also requires attendance at scheduled events/concerts, and working evenings and weekends as needed during concert season (approximately 3 nights per month).

Salary Range: $80k - $85k/year, depending on qualifications.

Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, long-term disability insurance, and a 403(b) retirement plan.

The Oregon Symphony is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, irrespective of race, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, or national origin.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

How to Apply:
If you’re ready to bring your organizational skills and positive attitude to the Oregon Symphony, we would love to hear from you. Please submit a cover letter and resume to careers@orsymphony.org with the job title in the subject line.