ORGANIZATIONAL INFORMATION:
Founded in 1988 by Artistic Director Michael Tilson Thomas, the New World Symphony, America’s Orchestral Academy, is a dynamic, internationally recognized post-graduate educational institution with a mission to prepare gifted graduates of top music schools for leadership roles in orchestras and ensembles around the world. NWS fellows are challenged by a demanding course of practical training, performances and instructional activities intended to develop the full complement of skills and qualifications required of musicians in the 21st century. The three-year fellowship program offers a wide range of performance and educational opportunities. The New World Symphony’s success may be measured in part by the careers of its hundreds of alumni who have attained positions with professional orchestras and ensembles throughout America and around the world.
In January 2011 the New World Symphony inaugurated its Frank Gehry-designed campus—a laboratory for the way classical music is taught, presented and experienced—in the heart of Miami Beach’s Art Deco district. A highlight of the new campus is its unprecedented integration of technology into educational, rehearsal and performance spaces. An iconic concert auditorium features a nearly 360-degree projected video and lighting capability; a large additional complement of theatrical lighting; nine robotic cameras and an HD media suite; and top-of-the-line audio recording and sound reinforcement equipment. The campus also includes seven video, lighting and audio design and post-production studios. In addition, the New World Center contains over two miles of fiber optic cabling which connects all of the major rehearsal and performance spaces as well as the four ensemble rehearsal rooms and 24 individual practice rooms.
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION:
NWS is searching for a Director of Online Programs, a newly created position, to oversee the development and presentation of New World Symphony’s online educational and artistic initiatives. The successful applicant will give structure to NWS’ current online programs, insure that the content and tone of NWS’s online presence is aligned with its tradition and current brand, and will anticipate future programs, including ones that are experimental in nature. These include, but are not limited to, special projects developed and led by the Artistic Director, as well as MUSAIC, an online source of information and reference, created by NWS in collaboration with other music training institutions, for music students and classical music enthusiasts around the world. The Director of Online Programs will work closely with the Artistic Director, as well as collaborate with staff across all departments, fellows, visiting artists and faculty, and external partners.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
In collaboration with the Artistic Director, serve as project manager of MUSAIC as well as other special projects recorded for online presentation. For such projects:
• In consultation with the SVP of Artistic Programs, manage the development and presentation of online artistic content and design
• In consultation with the SVP and Dean, and the Musician Advancement team, manage the development and presentation of online educational content, as well as the involvement of NWS fellows in various online projects, including:
o MUSAIC content generation timelines for NWS fellows, NWS faculty, partner institutions, and other external contributors
o Uploading of assets, generation of metadata, and bookmarking of new videos on MUSAIC
• In consultation with Director of Video Production and other pertinent production staff, oversee:
o internal video production workflows
o final editing of such projects prior to their presentation online, including technical review of Premier Partner submissions to MUSAIC
• In consultation with the CFO, manage all fiscal budgets relating to online projects
• In consultation with the VP of Communications and other communications staff, manage the timelines for web development, design, online presence, PR, customer service, communications strategies, and marketing of the online projects, including:
o Growth of the MUSAIC user base through effective content curation and development of innovative social programs
o Website design, software development, and planning of new features on MUSAIC with developer Fractured Atlas, Inc.
• In consultation with the Executive Vice President, the VP for Communications, and the Director of Video Production, develop and execute means and opportunities to represent, promote and distribute the New World Symphony’s fellowship program, its fellows and its artistic and educational activities on online video for external communications and other publicity purposes.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Required:
• An advanced understanding of digital content platforms, online modalities, and instructional design
• A track record of successfully developing, launching, distributing, promoting, and/or otherwise managing large-scale online platforms
• Extensive knowledge of website and mobile app design and functionality
• Familiarity with music production—including music video production, streaming media, on-line content distribution, and digital asset management
• Excellent project-based organizational skills and ability to manage numerous simultaneous projects in a demanding, multi-activity work environment
• Ability to interact effectively as both a leader and team player with a variety of creative personalities
• Proven capacity to manage budgets
• Proficiency with post-production software including, but not limited to Final Cut Studio, Adobe Premiere, Adobe After Effects and Photoshop
• Ability to anticipate, troubleshoot, and manage online customer service needs
• Familiarity with the orchestral and chamber music repertoire
• Proven attention to detail and to the highest standards of production and online presentation
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
Preferred: An advanced degree, an academic path that exhibits training in digital media and the classical music field (including the ability to read music), or equivalent work experience; demonstrated use of creative thinking around video content distribution and software development of artistically driven projects.
COMPENSATION:
Negotiable based on experience and subject to budgetary parameters. Extensive benefits package
including medical, dental, vision, short- and long-term disability and life insurance; paid vacation, sick
and designated holiday leave; employer-matched 401k plan; parking privileges.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
E-mail cover letter and résumé to employment@nws.edu by August 31, 2014.
