Toronto Symphony Orchestra

Director of Orchestra Personnel

Description

Director of Orchestra Personnel

Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO) – Toronto, ON

 
Reports to: Vice President and General Manager
Status: Permanent Full-time


The Role

Reporting to the Vice President and General Manager, the Director of Orchestra Personnel will be responsible for ensuring that the orchestra is fully prepared for all services, enabling the orchestra to perform at the highest artistic level.

This role will be required to uphold and advance a fair and collaborative working environment by effectively administering the TSO-TMA General Agreement, managing labour relations and supporting positive musician relationships with clear communication and a proactive, solutions-oriented approach to issue resolution.

About the TSO

For more than a century, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO) has been a cornerstone of Canadian culture, steadfast in its commitment to musical excellence and to the vibrant communities we serve. Through acclaimed concerts, recordings, and tours, the TSO enriches audiences while reflecting the diversity of Toronto—one of the world’s most multicultural cities. Music Director Gustavo Gimeno brings artistic vision and a sense of adventure to the 93-musician orchestra. Engaging audiences of all ages, the TSO leads a myriad of education, health-and-well-being, and community-access programs, including the tuition-free Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra, cultivating the next generation of Canadian artists.

What You'll Do

  • Lead and oversee orchestra personnel, ensuring all services are effectively resourced and coordinated to support artistic excellence.
  • Administer and interpret the TSO-TMA General Agreement, ensuring consistent application and compliance.
  • Manage and resolve personnel matters, fostering a professional, respectful, and collaborative working environment.
  • Align personnel resources with artistic and operational priorities to manage orchestra scheduling and planning.
  • Manage orchestra payroll data, contracts, and personnel records, ensuring the highest level of accuracy and data integrity.
  • Advise TSO Management on personnel strategy, General Agreement interpretation, and risk management.
  • Provide direct leadership and supervision to the Assistant Personnel Manager, including setting priorities, delegating work, monitoring performance, and supporting professional development.
  • Provide training, guidance, and knowledge-sharing on personnel policies, systems, and collective agreement provisions to staff and internal stakeholders.
  • Support touring and special projects to ensure personnel readiness and compliance in complex performance environments.
  • Collaborate closely with operations, finance, and other administrative teams to ensure coordinated planning, accurate payroll processing, and effective execution of services and tours.
  • Serve as a key liaison with TMA/CFM representatives, supporting constructive labor relations, open communication, and mutual understanding.
  • Foster a respectful, inclusive, and professional environment that enables musicians and staff to perform and collaborate at a high level.
  • Ensure decisions support artistic quality, payroll accuracy, budget control, and fairness across the orchestra.

What You'll Bring

  • Post secondary degree in music performance, arts administration or similar field. 
  • Minimum 5-7 years of progressive experience in personnel management in a professional orchestra, including the administration of trade agreements. 
  • Extensive knowledge of orchestral repertoire, instrumentation and industry practices.
  • Demonstrated experience in labour relations, contract interpretation and issue resolution.
  • Superior communication skills, with the ability to manage sensitive information with discretion and professionalism. 
  • Strong financial and budgeting skills.
  • High level of organization, accuracy, and attention to detail.
  • Ability to work independently, prioritize competing demands, and make sound decisions under pressure. 
  • Proficiency with Google Workspace; experience with OPAS and scheduling systems an asset.
  • Mature judgement and a strong sense of objectivity, with the ability to balance organizational, financial, and individual considerations, while committing to artistic excellence. 
  • Commitment to equity, inclusion, and respectful workplace practices.  
  • Must be able to travel, both domestically and internationally.

How to Apply

Please apply through the “Apply Now” button, submitting both a cover letter and resume. Submissions are accepted until July 5 , 2026 at 5:00 p.m.
 
TSO thanks all candidates for their interest, only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.
 

Our Commitment

The TSO is committed to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the City of Toronto and encourages applications from all qualified individuals. We are also committed to providing accommodations throughout the recruitment process; if you require accommodation, we will work with you to meet your needs.

Work Environment / Physical Demands

This role involves extended periods of computer and desk work, frequent phone and in-person interactions, frequent walking/standing in offices, rehearsal and performance spaces. This role requires irregular hours including evenings and weekends to support the orchestral needs. Work hours are aligned with TSO services and hours may vary from week to week. Evening, weekend and holiday hours are split with the Assistant Orchestra Personnel Manager. The position requires occasional travel, both domestically and internationally.

Compensation

$90,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year

Know someone who would be a perfect fit? Let them know!