Description
Panama City Symphony (PCS), a cornerstone of Northwest Florida’s cultural landscape for 31 years, seeks a visionary Music Director and Conductor. Following a period of historic resilience and growth, PCS is entering a dynamic renaissance alongside the Emerald Coast community. This full-time leadership role offers the unique opportunity to shape the artistic future of a thriving orchestra, advocate for a new state-of-the-art Performing Arts Center, and curate programming for diverse regional venues, including the upcoming historic Martin Theatre.
We seek a charismatic, high-energy conductor who balances elite artistic mastery with a collaborative leadership style. The ideal MDC is a visionary ambassador, deeply committed to community immersion, music education, and professional partnership with the Board of Directors.
Status & Compensation
Residency: Full-time professional position; full-time residency in the Panama City/Bay County area is required.
Exclusivity: This role requires exclusive service to PCS (occasional guest appearances subject to Board approval).
Compensation: Competitive salary commensurate with experience; includes possible relocation assistance and professional development support.
Application Deadline: June 22, 2026 Interested candidates must submit a single, continuous PDF document containing a comprehensive cover letter, CV/Resume, and a list of links to video recordings of recent rehearsals and performances.
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Requirements
QUALIFICATIONS AND ARTISTIC REQUIREMENTS
Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. A Doctorate in Music is preferred.
Experience: 5 years of experience as a professional orchestral conductor, ideally with a regional orchestra or within a community experiencing high population growth.
Artistic Mastery: Comprehensive knowledge of the orchestral canon across a wide range of periods, styles, and genres, supported by rigorous score study and refined musical judgment.
Technical Mastery: The ability to conduct with clear and demonstrative gestures, diagnose ensemble issues with specificity, and adapt across varying ensemble types and playing levels. A thorough understanding of orchestra library operations, orchestral instruments and their techniques, and the needs of musicians.
Programming: Demonstrated mastery in curating diverse seasons—including Masterworks, Pops, and Holiday programs—to maximize artistic growth and ticket revenue.
Stage Presence: A charismatic stage presence that captivates audiences and strengthens the connection between the podium and the community.
Fiscal Literacy: Proven ability to manage complex artistic budgets, including precise musician counts, licensing, guest artist fees, and venue-related production costs.
Fundraising & Advocacy: Experience in high-level donor cultivation, securing sponsorships, and acting as a primary artistic voice for capital initiatives and facility development.
Leadership: Strong interpersonal skills with a collaborative approach to working with Board members, administrative staff, and musicians.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Artistic Leadership and Seasonal Planning
Strategic Programming: Oversee the repertoire and programming for a full season of concerts (5-6 masterworks and 2-3 pops concerts), community chamber music events, two fundraising events, and other special events as determined by the Board, ensuring Board involvement.
Guest Artist Curation: Procure high-level, respected guest artists who bring artistic prestige to the orchestra. Ensure their musicality and repertoire align seamlessly with the season's programming and are curated to be exceptionally well-received by the PCS audience.
Rehearsal and Performance Leadership: Lead all rehearsals and conduct the orchestra to ensure superb artistic performances across various regional venues.
Concert Presentation: Serve as the primary emcee for all concerts and designated special events, providing engaging educational and artistic commentary to the audience. Collaborate closely with the Board President regarding the timing and content of President's introductions, donor acknowledgments, and organizational announcements to ensure a cohesive stage presentation.
Choral Collaboration: Oversee and collaborate with the Adult Chorus Director, Children’s Chorus Director, and other Community Chorus Directors to establish unified programming and repertoire for concerts and events involving choral ensembles.
Production Planning: Manage the technical logistics of every performance, including stage layouts and precise program timing. Collaborate closely with PCS staff, stage manager, and Front of House teams to ensure a seamless experience.
Orchestra Management: Direct the audition process, including the recruitment, selection, and hiring of musicians.
Venue Relations
Operational Management: As PCS performs in shared community and educational spaces, the MDC serves as a vital ambassador, proactively communicating the orchestra's needs and working collaboratively with venue personnel through impeccable professional communication and conduct.
Volunteer Mentorship: Foster a supportive environment for volunteers, providing clear direction and professional courtesy.
Overseeing Music Education and Talent Development
Educational Leadership: Provide artistic oversight for all PCS educational initiatives, ensuring they align with the mission of the symphony.
String Academy & Mentoring: Support the curriculum and growth of the PCS String Academy and lead the orchestra mentoring program, providing high-school aged musicians the opportunity to perform alongside PCS professionals.
School Programs & Masterclasses: Oversee all school-based music programs with direct Board input, ensuring all activities align strictly with sponsor funding guidelines and grant requirements. Serve as a guest clinician and organize masterclasses for local students.
Biennial Emerging Artists Competition
Planning and Artistic Oversight: Direct and oversee all planning and artistic aspects of the PCS Biennial Emerging Artists Competition, ensuring a high level of positive collaboration with venue hosts, the Board, staff, adjudicators, accompanists, and volunteers.
Mentorship: Serve as a mentor to grand prize winners, providing professional guidance and artistic development.
New Works: Collaborate with composers to develop world premiere pieces tailored for competition winners.
Performance Selection: Select appropriate concerts and repertoire for winners to perform as featured soloists with the Panama City Symphony.
Strategic Advocacy and Infrastructure Growth
Performing Arts Center Development: Serve as a primary agent and advocate in taking the next steps to help drive the building of a new, state-of-the-art Performing Arts Center.
Civic Engagement: Work alongside the Board and city/county leadership to help build the case for a permanent home for the PCS.
Development and Fundraising
Donor Relationships: Work with the Board and staff to cultivate and sustain meaningful relationships with donors. Play an active role in fundraising activities and capital initiatives.
Financial Stewardship: Assist the Board in advancing PCS’s commitment to financial sustainability by adhering to fiscal policies.
Strategic Financial Planning: Collaborate with the Board by providing timely cost estimates for artistic personnel and concert operations to support accurate budgeting.
Public Relations, Advocacy, and Community Engagement
Brand Representation: Serve as the primary Brand Representative of the Panama City Symphony, embodying the organization’s values in all professional and public interactions.
Media Presence: Actively participate in television, radio, and podcast appearances to promote symphony events.
Community Engagement: Engage in regular guest speaking opportunities with community and civic organizations to foster local visibility.
Strategic Liaison: Pursue collaborations with other music, arts, and educational organizations to advocate for the arts.
