Head of Artistic Planning & Operations

Acknowledgement of Country 

The Australian Brandenburg Orchestra acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we perform and work across Australia. We pay our respects to Elders past and present and recognise the enduring strength and cultural contribution of First Nations peoples. 

The Opportunity

The Australian Brandenburg Orchestra (Brandenburg) seeks to appoint an exceptional Head of Artistic Planning & Operations to work at the heart of one of Australia's most respected and internationally acclaimed performing arts organisations. 

This is a pivotal senior leadership role for someone with deep passion for early music and the operational expertise to bring ambitious artistic programming to life. The Head of Artistic Planning & Operations will serve as the primary bridge between the Artistic Director and the broader organisation, ensuring that artistic vision is translated into compelling concert seasons, managed with rigour, and delivered with excellence. 

This is a rare opportunity to shape the artistic future of a globally recognised baroque and period-instrument orchestra, working alongside world-class musicians, artists and arts leaders. 

Position Overview 

Position Title:
Head of Artistic Planning & Operations  

Employment Basis:
Full-time, permanent  

Location:
Sydney, NSW 

Reports to:
Artistic Director & Executive Director 

Direct Reports: 

• Orchestra Manager 
• Artistic Coordinator 
• Production Coordinator 
• Education & Engagement Manager 
• Music Resources & Librarian 

Salary: 

A competitive remuneration package will be negotiated with the preferred candidate, commensurate with experience. 

About the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra 

Founded in 1990, the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra is internationally recognised for its dynamic performances of baroque and classical repertoire on period instruments. Based in Sydney, the Brandenburg presents a national subscription season, regional touring, recordings, and a broad program of education and community engagement. 

The Brandenburg enjoys strong philanthropic support, loyal audiences, and a reputation for artistic excellence that extends well beyond Australia. The orchestra operates within a rich stakeholder environment encompassing musicians, donors, government funders, venue partners, corporate supporters and national audiences. 

The Head of Artistic Planning & Operations will play a central role in ensuring that this ecosystem is supported by robust, forward-thinking artistic planning. 

Why Join the Brandenburg? 

The Australian Brandenburg Orchestra is not like other orchestras. We perform music with an energy and commitment that has earned us a loyal national following and an international reputation for excellence. We are small enough to be agile, ambitious enough to be bold, and passionate enough to make every concert matter. 

This role sits at the very centre of that work. You will be close to the artistic decision-making and operational planning, working alongside world-class musicians and artists, and helping to shape seasons that genuinely move people. The work is varied, demanding and deeply rewarding. 

You will join a tight-knit senior team that values collaboration, candour and craft. The Brandenburg's culture is one of high standards without ego, and of people who care about what they do and why they do it. 

The Role 

The Head of Artistic Planning & Operations oversees all forward planning for the company's artistic operations and concerts. The role ensures full support for the Artistic Director and that all artistic goals are achieved, from initial concept through to performance delivery. 

The Head of Artistic Planning & Operations is one of four senior Heads reporting directly to the Executive Director. The role works in close daily partnership with the Artistic Director, and collaborates regularly with the Head of Marketing, Head of Development and Head of Finance. It is a genuinely cross-functional position, requiring the ability to move fluidly between artistic and operational conversations and to hold the thread between them. 

Working in close partnership with the Artistic Director, Executive Director, the Head of Artistic Planning & Operations will: 

• Lead the conception and design of the Core Subscription Concert Season and all other concert activity 
• Manage artist administration, including securing and contracting all guest artists and directors 
• Oversee all artistic budgets and perform cost-benefit analyses on core and non-core programs 
• Supervise schedules across the core and non-core concert programs 
• Act as primary liaison between the Artistic Director and the organisation 
• Develop entrepreneurial ideas for special tours and projects 
• Supervise a team of four direct reports across orchestral Operations, production, coordination and music library functions 

Key Responsibilities 

1. Concert Season & Programming 

• Conceive and design the Core Subscription Concert Season in conjunction with the Artistic Director and Executive team 
• Support the Artistic Director in the selection of artists for all concert activity 
• Devise tour timing and select appropriate performance venues in conjunction with the Executive team 
• Develop, monitor and manage artist fees, expenses and budgets to deliver compelling programs within agreed financial parameters 
• Develop entrepreneurial ideas for special tours and projects with the senior Operations team 
• Oversee musical presentation standards, including attending the first concert of all Core Concert Season tours where possible 

2. Artist Administration & Contracts 

• Negotiate fees, repertoire and conditions with artists and agents for all concert activity 
• Prepare contracts and supporting correspondence for all concert series and special activities 
• Maintain strong relationships with artists, agents, venue providers and relevant arts bodies 
• Arrange and oversee auditions of local and overseas artists through live performance or recorded material 

3. Artistic Issues & Programming 

• Provide a supportive relationship with the Artistic Director across all concert programming and activity 
• Assist in the conception and design of non-mainstage programs for festivals and corporate partners 
• Devise and supervise concert musicological materials, including program annotations and background materials 
• Oversee planning for masterclasses and workshops for guest artists on Core Concert Season tours 

4. Staff Leadership 

• Supervise the Artistic team 
• As a member of the senior Operations team, contribute to an inspiring, supportive and ethical work environment 
• Manage hiring, training, appraisals and professional development for artistic staff 
• Manage auditions, hiring and appraisals for musicians 

5. Organisational 

• Develop business plans and strategies to meet artistic goals 
• Develop standards and procedures for artistic operations 
• Identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives to increase artistic standards 
• Coordinate with executive Operations and department heads to integrate concert activity across the organisation 

Critical Success Factors 

The Head of Artistic Planning & Operations will be assessed primarily on: 

• Compelling concert programs, acclaimed by audiences and critics, developed in close cooperation with the Artistic Director & executive team 
• Proactive Operations of all artistic budgets within parameters approved by the Executive Director 
• Strong alliances built with performers, agents and allied organisations 
• Nurturing of Brandenburg performers, including guest artists and permanent musicians 
• Current knowledge of developments in chamber music internationally 
• Current knowledge of musicians' award conditions and their application 
• Successful partnerships with venue presenters to enhance the Brandenburg's professional reputation 
• Cooperative and productive relationships with all Heads of department 
• Development and execution of business plans and strategies that meet artistic goals 

The Candidate 

The Brandenburg is seeking a senior arts administrator with genuine passion for music and demonstrated experience in artistic operations & planning at a high level. 

Essential Knowledge, Skills & Experience 

• Genuine engagement with chamber music and sound knowledge of chamber and ensemble music forms 
• Demonstrated ability to work with an Artistic Director to create compelling programming of depth and appeal 
• Demonstrated commitment to the development of Australian period instrument musicians 
• Knowledge of the Australian and international fine music scene 
• Experience negotiating fees and conditions with artists and agents 
• Experience commissioning, sourcing and editing annotations and background materials 
• Strong written and oral communication skills 
• Experience in a Operations role, preferably at a senior level 
• Valid Working With Children Check 

Desirable Knowledge & Skills 

• Strong networks nationally and internationally with artists, agents, chamber music presenters, festivals and related organisations 
• Understanding of various media formats and channels, both traditional and digital 
• Capability in managing staff 
• A bachelor's degree in music administration or theatre production Operations 

Personal Attributes 

The successful candidate will demonstrate: 

• Collaborative leadership and the ability to build trust across artistic and operational teams 
• Entrepreneurial thinking and a proactive approach to programming and partnerships 
• Financial discipline and sound commercial judgement 
• Calm, clear decision-making in a complex and fast-moving environment 
• A genuine love of early music and historically informed performance 

Equal Opportunity & Inclusion 

The Australian Brandenburg Orchestra is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone is welcomed, respected and supported to do their best work. 

We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, including First Nations peoples, people with disability, those from culturally and linguistically diverse communities, and people of all ages, genders and sexual orientations. 

The Brandenburg is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and young people. All staff are required to comply with our Child Safe Policy, and the successful candidate will be required to hold or obtain a valid Working With Children Check prior to commencement. 

Applicants should contact us for an information pack.  We will require:

• A cover letter outlining your interest in the role and relevant experience and suitability (maximum 2 pages)
• A current CV (maximum 3 pages)

All enquiries and applications will be treated in strict confidence. Referees will not be contacted without prior consent.

For a confidential discussion or further information:

Danielle Bolton, brandenburg@associationsolutions.com.au
03 9959 9887.

Applications close: 12 noon on Monday 27 July 2026.