The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra is Australia’s preeminent orchestra, dedicated to creating meaningful experiences that transcend borders and connect communities. Through the shared language of music, the MSO delivers performances of the highest standard, enriching lives and inspiring audiences across the globe.
With a history spanning more than a century, the MSO reaches five million people annually through performances, TV, radio, online broadcasts, and recordings.
Led by Chief Conductor and Artistic Advisor, Jaime Martín, the MSO brings music to all corners of the community, ensuring that everyone, regardless of background or location, can share in the transformative power of music.
What We Offer
- Flexible work options – including hybrid working arrangements where possible
- Professional development – access to training, mentoring, and learning opportunities.
- Employee wellbeing – access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and internal initiatives that support health, safety, and wellbeing.
- Leave benefits – generous leave entitlements, including cultural leave, study leave, family and domestic violence leave, and TOIL (in line with our Enterprise Agreement).
- Diversity and inclusion – commitment to a safe, inclusive, and culturally respectful workplace, with initiatives such as our in-progress Reconciliation Action Plan.
- Creative environment – be part of a progressive arts organisation that values innovation and collaboration.
- Concert access – opportunities to attend MSO concerts and events.
- Location – based in Melbourne’s Southbank arts precinct, close to public transport, cafés, and cultural venues.
Current Opportunities
Head of Marketing
The Head of Marketing provides an essential service to the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, with responsibilities across marketing campaigns and strategy, analysis and reporting.
The role leads the MSO Campaigns Marketing team, working closely with the Director of Marketing, Insights and Customer Experience (MICE) and members of the Insights and Customer Experience teams, as part of the broader Development and Reach department. The incumbent will contribute to strategies that deliver to targets including ticket sales and subscriptions, development (fundraising and partnerships), merchandise and memberships.
The role implements a wide range of initiatives with the objective of raising the profile of the Orchestra, enhancing the customer experience and working towards the long-term goal of the MSO reaching 10% of the Victorian population. It also supports other business departments i.e., Artistic Operations and Executive in achieving their objectives.
The role acts as an advocate for the audience – existing and potential ticket buyers, subscribers, Patrons and those who are yet to engage with the MSO – and is the key conduit between audiences and other departments / external stakeholders.
The successful applicant will possess the following:
Education and Qualifications
- A relevant Marketing or Business qualification, or equivalent
Knowledge and Demonstrated Experience
- Commercial acumen, and a proactive and results focused approach
- At least six years’ experience in a similar mid- to high-level marketing role
- Experience in an entertainment/arts/events environment
- An ability to identify marketing/sales opportunities and customer trends
- Demonstrated ability to work under pressure to achieve deadlines
Skills Required
- Demonstrated ability to lead, develop and motivate teams
- Excellent communication skills, as well as presentation skills
- Creative flair
- High level experience with project management tools e.g. Asana, Airtable
- Experience using Tessitura CRM system
Applications
Please apply by sending a cover letter and resume to: jointheteam@mso.com.au
We’ll keep applications open until we find the right person.
Principal Librarian
The MSO’s Principal Librarian is a unique role, responsible for the procurement and preparation of all scores and parts for the MSO’s orchestral activities and managing the permanent and casual library staff.
Requiring a broad knowledge of relevant repertoire, this position also is essential in providing services and advice to a range of stakeholders to ensure the successful delivery of the MSO’s performance, including orchestra management and operations personnel.
The successful applicant will possess the following:
Education and Qualifications
- Relevant tertiary qualifications in music, arts management, or related discipline, or equivalent professional experience.
- Deep knowledge of orchestral/chamber music repertoire and performance practices.
Knowledge and Demonstrated Experience
- Proven experience in working with an orchestra in a similar position
- Demonstrated confidence and deep specialist knowledge of orchestral repertoire
- Ability to read scores and interpret them in terms of orchestral requirements
- Ability to engage with musicians and internal teams in a customer service oriented and
- accessible way
- Broad knowledge of library procedures and copyright processes
- Experience working with iPads in an Orchestra Library setting
- Familiarity with publishers and music providers in Australia and abroad
- Excellent computer literacy, including music notation and sound editing programs
Skills Required
- Experience leading a team and working autonomously
- Experience in developing and improving processes
- Demonstrated administrative, planning and organisational ability, including budget management
- Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills
Applications
Please apply by sending a cover letter and resume to: jointheteam@mso.com.au
We’ll keep applications open until we find the right person.
MSO is an Equal Opportunity Employer. MSO is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace, all applicants will be considered for employment regardless of race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability status. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply.
Your privacy is important to MSO. It is the policy of MSO to respect the confidentiality of information and privacy of individuals. Personal information provided by you as part of your application (whether oral, electronic, or written) will be collected and processed for the purpose of evaluating your application for employment. In order to carry out this purpose, your information may be disclosed to appropriate persons in our offices. Any information we hold will be governed by the most current version of the MSO Privacy Policy and relevant legislation.
