Description

REPORTS TO: President and Chief Executive Officer

DIRECT REPORTS: Artistic Planning team and media, Conducting Team, Librarians, Audio Engineer, Vice President, Education and Community Partnerships (and education and community team)

POSITION SUMMARY: The Chief Artistic Programming Officer (CAPO) is a dynamic and experienced member of the Executive Team who reports to the President and CEO. The CAPO plays a critical role in shaping the artistic portfolio and strategic direction of the SLSO while ensuring the successful execution of the SLSO’s artistic priorities in partnership with the Music Director and the Executive Team.

The CAPO advances SLSO’s long-term artistic strategies by ensuring the team’s implementation of the action plan in support of the 2025-2030 Strategic Plan. In doing so, the CAPO leads the effort to advance artistic partnership and growth of the SLSO while elevating its artistic profile through live performances in St Louis, residencies, touring and media. This role champions the artistic quality and aspirations of the SLSO and the artistic vision of Stéphane Denève, The Joseph and Emily Rauh Pulitzer Music Director. The CAPO is an experienced leader and artistic programmer who is passionate, creative, knowledgeable, fast-paced, and a self-starter with superb artistic intuition and connections, exceptional communication skills and emotional intelligence. This individual has a proven track-record of effective and successful leadership of teams and management of multiple complex projects, regularly measuring progress toward goals and delivering high quality results. The ability to inspire and empower collaborators both internally and externally, as well as a firmly held value for and understanding of the importance of diversity and access in the orchestral field is essential. The CAPO collaborates effectively with diverse stakeholders and supports the Executive office and the Executive Team in advancing the mission, artistic vision, and goals of the SLSO.

After a two-year renovation and expansion, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra (SLSO) has returned to Powell Hall at the Jack C. Taylor Music Center in September 2025, a pivotal time in the history of the institution. upon completion of a $155 million campaign (closing at $174 million). The CAPO will have an opportunity to create a lasting impact on the St. Louis community, shape the future of one of America’s leading orchestras, and elevate the SLSO as a leading arts organization in our region as it approaches its 150th anniversary in 2030.

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Artistic Planning 

1. A close partner to the President/CEO and Music Director, shape artistic strategies and programming, support healthy relationships among all internal constituents and orchestra industry, while sustaining the SLSO as one of the finest, most adventurous and creative orchestras in the country.

2. Envision the long-term artistic plan for all artistic programming guided by the vision for artistic vitality and growth of the 2025-2030 Strategic Plan.

3. With input from the Music Director and artistic team, the President and CEO, the COO and the CMCO, oversee the planning of all SLSO programs, and engagement of guest conductors and artists within approved financial parameters. In partnership with the COO, plan and execute the SLSO’s commission, media, residency and touring strategies. Develop concert programs that stretch the musical boundaries of the SLSO while supporting revenue goals and audience development objectives.

4. Develop and maintain relationships with artists, agents, and other influential music industry representatives to keep abreast of existing and emerging artistic talents and repertoire. Ensure that guest artists have a welcoming and fruitful experience at the SLSO, ensuring they feel connected to the organization and when appropriate, secure their ongoing commitment and return engagement.

5. Attend concerts and events frequently to gain additional insight into the performance of the orchestra and guest musicians, sharing perspectives and observations with the President and CEO and Music Director.

6. Participate actively or collaborate with industry field globally to stay informed of trends and general activities in the orchestra and performing arts sector.

7. Supervise SLSO’s Head of Programming in the planning of programming and serve as staff liaison to the Artistic Advisory Committee of the Orchestra.

8. Inform and support Marketing, Philanthropy and Operations departments to promote and support all SLSO programs to their fullest potential.

Strategic Execution - Collaborate with the CEO and the Executive Team to drive the execution of strategic plans, artistic initiatives, and goals, ensuring effective implementation and progress tracking. Partner with the CEO and executive team to develop key performance indicators that track and measure organization performance progress toward organizational goals.

Project Management – Lead and manage special artistic projects and initiatives on behalf of the CEO, ensuring timely execution and successful outcomes. Oversee Executive Team and project teams in advancement and completion of artistic projects.

150th Anniversary Planning and Execution – Oversee the artistic planning of the 150th Anniversary of the SLSO in 2029-2030/2030-2031 and oversee complete integration of all SLSO teams and partners, including preservation and elevation of the SLSO sound and historical archives.

Stakeholder Engagement – Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including Board, staff, musicians, donors, patrons, and community partners.

Budget and Financial Oversight – Collaborate with the CEO and CFO to manage all artistic project budgets and advance the 2026-2031 business model.

Perform other duties for the President and CEO, as needed or directed by the CEO.

Requirements

REQUIREMENTS: 

• Passion for and deep knowledge of orchestral music, artists and the symphonic industry.
• 7-10+ years of executive leadership and artistic planning and programming experience exemplifying a proven track-record of artistic quality, creativity, and innovation, preferably in an orchestra setting.
• Extensive knowledge of orchestral, opera and chamber repertoire. An advanced degree in music performance or music history desirable.
• Desire to advance career at the CEO level of a major orchestra.
• Super programming skills, demonstrated creativity, proven negotiation and contract administration skills.
• Well-developed critical thinking, communication, problem solving, research and strategic planning skills.
• A team-oriented, inclusive, consistently positive, collaborative, professional demeanor and demonstrated leadership skills.
• Ability to develop and sustain collaborative, productive, and professional relationships with internal and external colleagues and artists.
• Proven experience working regularly with artists and a current network of international artists and industry contacts.
• Technological proficiency is a must, including the ability to quickly learn and utilize new software applications; experience with Arts Vision a plus.
• Attention to detail and strong written communication with demonstrated ability to execute multiple plans effectively simultaneously and on time in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work nights and weekends.

About the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra

Celebrated as one of today’s most innovative, exciting, and enduring orchestras, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra is the second-oldest orchestra in the country, marking its 146th year with the 2025/26 season and its eighth with Stéphane Denève, The Joseph and Emily Rauh Pulitzer Music Director. Widely considered one of the leading American orchestras, the Grammy® Award-winning SLSO maintains its commitment to artistic excellence, educational impact, and community engagement—all in service to its mission of enriching lives through the power of music.

The 25/26 season marks the reopening of the orchestra’s historic home following a two-year transformational expansion and renovation designed by acclaimed architecture firm Snøhetta. The Jack C. Taylor Music Center, with a renovated Powell Hall at its heart, builds on the institution's momentum as a civic leader in convening individuals, creators, and ideas.

The core of the SLSO’s artistic foundation is its dynamic partnership with Denève, whose energetic musicianship, visionary storytelling, and collaborative spirit have facilitated strong connections with local and visiting artists, as well as advanced the SLSO’s role as a leader in music education. The SLSO musical family also includes two resident choruses: the St. Louis

Symphony Chorus, founded in 1976, performs choral-orchestral music from the Baroque era to today; and the St. Louis Symphony IN UNISON Chorus, founded in 1994, focuses on the performance and preservation of music from the African diaspora. The St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra, founded by Conductor Laureate Leonard Slatkin in 1970, is the region’s premier training orchestra for high school and college students. An integral part of the vibrant St. Louis community, the SLSO enjoys a long history of robust and enduring collaborations with dozens of artists and organizations locally and around the world. Orchestra musicians regularly share music each year at schools, medical facilities, places of worship, and community spaces. In addition to dozens of orchestral performances held at Powell Hall each year, the orchestra presents chamber music in collaboration with The Sheldon and at the Pulitzer Arts Foundation. The SLSO has also served as the resident orchestra for Opera Theatre of Saint Louis for nearly 50 years. Beyond the St. Louis region, the SLSO's impact is realized through concert broadcasts on St. Louis Public Radio and Classic 107.3, acclaimed recordings, regular touring activity, and a digital portfolio that includes a robust online education platform with interactive programs, activities, and learning opportunities for all ages. Since the arrival of Marie-Hélène Bernard as President and CEO in 2015, the SLSO has aligned its mission to make music more accessible, fostering a culture welcoming to all.

The SLSO embraces a world in which every life is enriched through the power of music. We are committed to cultivating a culture of inclusion and access where employees can grow and thrive. The collective sum of our employees’ individual differences, experiences, knowledge, self-expression, and talent are represented in our culture, innovative spirit and the SLSO’s achievements. In recruiting for our team, we welcome candidates’ uniqueness in culture, social identities, expression, and viewpoints. The SLSO is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.