JOB SPECIFICATION:

GENERAL MANAGER
FEBRUARY 2019

www.irishbaroqueorchestra.com
IRISH BAROQUE ORCHESTRA
Irish Baroque Orchestra is one of Ireland’s most dynamic musical ensembles. The orchestra
performs music from the 17th to 19th centuries recreating musical experiences on period
instruments, as they were intended to be heard.

IBO performs its annual concert season from January to December, in Dublin and touring
throughout Ireland. This year will see us in over 40 performances nationwide. Our season
annually incorporates orchestral, instrumental, chamber, vocal, choral and operatic projects.

In January 2018, acclaimed Irish harpsichordist and director, Peter Whelan commenced his
tenure as Artistic Director of Irish Baroque Orchestra. Peter’s primary area of research is the
rediscovery of the Golden Age of Music in 18th century Dublin. This will be an area of focus
in our artistic programmes over the coming years, to complement our exploration of the great
baroque masters.

Irish Baroque Orchestra is an artistic partner of Irish National Opera and this will be an annual
feature in their production schedule, exploring the rich canon of baroque opera. Furthermore,
IBO has a five-year recording partnership with Linn Records (and distributor Outhere Music);
the first release of the series, Welcome Home Mr Dubourg, will be released in April. IBO has
extensive plans to tour internationally in the coming seasons, both in Europe and the USA.

Irish Baroque Orchestra is funded by the Arts Council of Ireland/An Comhairle Ealaion,
Dublin City Council and is a resident company of the National Concert Hall Dublin. We are
proud to be under the sole patronage of President of Ireland/ Uachtarán na hÉireann, Michael
D. Higgins.

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ROLE OVERVIEW

Irish Baroque Orchestra plays an important role in Irish musical life, both promoting baroque
music throughout the country and giving its artists the opportunity to work regularly in a
professional environment, aiding their professional development and enhancing their careers.

Irish Baroque Orchestra is currently undergoing a renaissance with new management, artistic
direction and an enhanced programme. We require an experienced arts-professional to help
resource the work of the orchestra and work with the CEO to deliver our programme and
ambitions. The General Manager will play a leading role in running the activities of Irish
Baroque Orchestra to the highest possible standards.

The General Manager will take overall responsibility for all orchestral operations and event
management of the annual IBO performance schedule. The main duties are, but are not limited
to, managing communications with artists; scheduling rehearsals; managing all logistics for
IBO projects; contracting artists for IBO projects according to IBO lists.; event management
of all IBO performances and general office administration duties.

The General Manager reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer and works closely with
the Artistic Director, IBO Artists, Production Assistants, Volunteers and other external
stakeholders.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to play a central role in enabling a fast
developing and forward-facing music organisation to thrive and prosper. He/she can develop
a wide range of skills and have a big impact on the work of the orchestra.

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KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Orchestra Management
§ Being first point of contact for orchestral artists, dealing with enquiries, questions and
issues.

§ Drafting and distributing the project schedules to the orchestra, according to IBO
timelines; and keeping the artists up to date with any other relevant information or
announcements about their scheduled activity.

§ Discussing and agreeing rehearsal schedules with the Artistic Director, guest
conductors and visiting artists, always making efficient use of the orchestra’s time.

§ Managing requests from players for leaves of absence, liaising with the CEO where
necessary over the feasibility of such requests; keeping accurate records of granted
leaves and fixing deputy players as required.

§ Managing all project logistics, including travel and accommodation for visiting
performers according to IBO structures.

§ Establishing seating plans for all concerts in discussion with the Artistic Director and
Orchestra Leader, as necessary.

§ Overseeing the management of the Music Library and helping to ensure all music is
acquired and available in good time prior to all rehearsals.

§ Playing a key role in the processing and scheduling of auditions, including our annual
open call for auditions and regular enquiries from interested artists.

§ Managing the player payments schedule for all projects.

§ Work with the CEO to develop and prepare concert budgets.

Event Management
§ Ensuring that all aspects of the orchestra’s performances run successfully and
according to plan.

§ Ensuring all marketing materials are produced, provided and visible at the appropriate
time ahead of performances.

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 § Booking and liaising with partner venues, establishing rehearsal schedules and
managing delivery/loading requirements.

§ Ensuring all production and staging contractors work to agreed schedules and on
budget.

§ Managing casual production assistants, tuners, transport and box office staff

§ Taking responsibility for the Health & Safety of musicians and operatives during all
concerts and rehearsals.

Further responsibilities
§ Management and development of IBO Friends and Patrons schemes.
§ Website and social media management.
§ Office management.

Assuming other general tasks within the scope and responsibility of the role as required from
time-to-time by the CEO.

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PERSON SPECIFICATION

This is an opportunity for a passionate and hard-working individual to play a significant part
in the progress of this thriving and fast developing arts organisation. We wish to appoint
someone who demonstrates initiative and who will confidently embrace the many
responsibilities, opportunities and challenges inherent in this role. The ability to work
independently, as well as part of a team, is a key component of the role.

The following attributes are desirable:

§ Strong track record (minimum 3 years) in performing arts administration, with

outstanding organisational skills and resourceful delivery of artistic projects.
§ Direct experience of working closely with, and managing, orchestral musicians and
guest artists.
§ Proven ability to manage performing artists; sensitive understanding of musicians,
their needs, and the challenges which face them in today’s profession
§ Good knowledge of classical /orchestral music, practice and repertoire.
§ Energetic and personable approach to team working, able to cultivate great working
relationships with musicians, colleagues and a wide range of external partners.
§ Professional event management experience.
§ Proven ability to manage a variety of projects simultaneously and work on own
initiative.
§ Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
§ Proficient computer usage.
§ Musical literacy.
§ Full EU driving licence held for at least one year.
§ Exceptional attention to detail and ability to manage a complex workload with several
projects running concurrently.

The following attributes are advantageous:

§ Passion and enthusiasm for historical performance and the promotion of baroque
music.
§ Strong ambassadorial attitude, willing to advocate the impact and worth of music in
wider society.
§ Experience of budget creation, management and financial planning.
§ Proficiency in music editing software, such as Sibelius, Finale or similar.

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TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

The role of General Manager is offered on a full-time basis, with the opportunity for flexible
working conditions.

Irish Baroque Orchestra’s performances necessitate some evening and weekend commitments.
Time off will be granted for any work performed out of hours.

Irish Baroque Orchestra is a resident company at the National Concert Hall, Dublin - but the
role occasionally requires attending concerts and events across Dublin, throughout Ireland and
abroad.

Annual leave is 25 days, which must not clash with IBO projects, plus statutory bank holidays.

Salary: An attractive salary package is available, commensurate with experience.

HOW TO APPLY

The closing date for applications is Friday, March 8th 2019 at 5pm.

We expect to hold first round interviews week beginning March 18th. Please indicate in your
application if you have any likely problems with your availability that week.

Applications should comprise:

§ a covering letter addressed to Cian Elliott, Chief Executive Officer, detailing your
interest and suitability for this role

§ an up-to-date CV outlining your relevant employment, skills, experience and

qualifications

These should be submitted as one document.

Applications should be submitted by email to recruitment@irishbaroqueorchestra.com .

If you are interested and would like to find out more about the role or would value an
informal conversation about how it may suit you at this stage in your career, please contact
Cian Elliott, CEO. He will be very happy to hear from you. Cian can be contacted on +353-
1-5545220.

Thank you for your interest in the role.

www.irishbaroqueorchestra.com