Artistic Planning Director in Bristol

Reporting to the Chief Executive, and as part of NCO’s collaborative Senior Management Team, this new and exciting role will be responsible for leading the curation of NCO’s annual artistic programme across all areas of activity. The role requires providing oversight and leadership for NCO’s creative freelance workforce including conductors, guest artists, composers, wellbeing and creative leads and will oversee the pool of c. 90 freelance music tutors. The Artistic Planning Director will work closely with NCO’s Music Librarian to ensure that all music, including commissions and arrangements, is thoroughly prepared and will give due consideration to specific instrumentation requirements ahead of activity.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead on the curation of NCO’s annual artistic programme, to be approved by the CEO, in line with the organisation’s purpose, strategic priorities and values for all activities, namely Orchestral Weeks, Orchestral Weekends, Orchestral Days, Partnership workshops, Schools’ Concerts, digital projects and any other engagement initiatives.
• Collaborate with members of NCO’s Senior Management Team in the development of artistic programmes to ensure they support its strategic priorities particularly in terms of musical aspiration, access and progression, diversity and inclusion, community engagement and audience development.
• Select conductors and guest artists, working closely with them to develop repertoire choices and creative plans for relevant activities.
• Engage and support NCO’s Creative Leads in the successful delivery of Surround Sound at Orchestral Weeks, agreeing content, brief, training and delivery plan.
• Oversee and manage NCO’s participation in ABRSM’s young composers’ scheme.
• Commission and oversee the production of new work and arrangements as required including special arrangements that cater for different playing levels.
• Oversee and monitor NCO’s large pool of freelance music tutors, supporting their professional development and liaising with the Programme and Orchestras Director to recommend current and new tutors each year across all activities.
• Work closely with the Music Librarian to ensure that all music scores, parts and excerpts are thoroughly prepared and inform and support specific instrumentation requirements ahead of activity, liaising with tutors and Orchestra Managers when required.
• Liaise with the Programme and Orchestras and Communications teams to ensure that NCOs annual auditions process remains fit for purpose and take forward any additional supportive actions as required (e.g. instrumental support).
• As part of NCO’s Senior Management Team, contribute towards organisational strategy and major funding applications as well as attend quarterly board meetings and internal meetings including regular team meetings and activity debriefs.
• Share attendance at activities with the CEO and members of the Senior Management Team, acting as a senior point of contact for all artistic matters when present.
• Work with the Programme and Orchestras and Communications Team to support the delivery of webinars (e.g. auditions, annual launches and one-off themed webinars).
• Chair the Musicians Advisory Group consisting of music tutors and conductors to receive and act on feedback and to share and check future artistic plans.
• Comply and uphold NCO’s safeguarding and GDPR policies and all relevant procedures.

We are looking for someone with the following

• A highly skilled and experienced musician, with substantial professional experience within orchestral performance and/or music education (typically gained over five years or more).
• Deep and wide-ranging knowledge of orchestral repertoire, alongside a strong understanding of and affinity with NCO’s artistic vision, values, and programming principles.
• A proven track record of co-curating ambitious, high-quality and diverse artistic programmes, balancing multiple perspectives and priorities to create exceptional musical experiences for young musicians, audiences, and communities.
• Demonstrable experience of working with composers and arrangers, including the commissioning and development of new work.
• Strong professional networks within the UK music sector, with the ability to identify, engage, and work collaboratively with conductors, guest artists, and specialist practitioners.
• A clear commitment to excellence in teaching and orchestral coaching for younger musicians, with experience of developing, supporting, and inspiring a diverse pool of expert music tutors.
• A practical and solutions-focused approach to musical and logistical challenges, ensuring matters such as repertoire preparation, parts, scores, and instrument requirements are anticipated and managed effectively.
• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and competing deadlines simultaneously.
• A collaborative, empathetic, and reflective working style; an active listener who values teamwork and keeps the musical, personal, and social impact of NCO for children at the heart of their practice.
• An understanding of the importance of safeguarding and pastoral care for children and young people within a music education context (Level 3 Safeguarding training will be provided where required).
• Willingness and flexibility to attend NCO activities away from home, including weekends and bank holidays.