Job Description

Introducing the National Arts Centre

The National Arts Centre (NAC) is Canada's bilingual, multi-disciplinary home for the performing arts. The NAC presents, creates, produces, and co-produces performing arts programming in various streams-the NAC Orchestra, Dance, English Theatre, French Theatre, Indigenous Theatre, and Popular Music and Variety-and nurtures the next generation of audiences and artists from across Canada. The NAC is located in the National Capital Region on the unceded territory of the Anishinabe Algonquin Nation.



At the National Arts Centre, we believe the performing arts are vital to the human experience. A house of dreams for the Canadian performing arts, we work with artists and arts organizations from across this land to revitalize our sector.



Curious to learn more? Read our 2023-2026 Strategic Plan, The Journey Ahead.

Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Anti-Racism and Accessibility

We are on a journey, committed to ensuring that equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, anti-racism and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples will guide our actions.




The NAC welcomes applications from candidates who can help us meet our vision, and contribute to the diversity of lived experiences, perspectives, and approaches. When you join the NAC, you will be part of an inclusive community working hard to dismantle barriers to employees' well-being, access, potential, and success. The NAC actively seeks candidates who identify as women, Indigenous, Black, Persons of Colour (IBPoC), members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and people with disabilities. We encourage you to self-identify in the recruitment process.


Job Number: J1025-0640
Job Title: ORCHESTRA PERSONNEL MANAGER
Employment Type: Full-Time continuing
Job Category: Music
Open Positions: 1
Posting Date: October 27, 2025
Closing Date: November 23, 2025
Salary: $90,800.00 - $113,500.00/Year
Language Requirement: Bilingual is an asset
Working Hours: 35 hours per week. This role involves weekend and evening hours, as


well as occasional travel.
Job Reports To: General Manager of the National Arts Centre Orchestra (NACO)

Key Activities

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About the Role:



The Orchestra Personnel Manager (OPM) is responsible for the day-to-day management of the NACO musicians and Extra musicians. This is a highly specialized, artistically embedded role that demands deep musical knowledge, orchestral fluency, and nuanced interpersonal insight within a performing arts context. The successful candidate will be fully prepared to assume the responsibilities of the role without extensive onboarding or training. Immediate fluency in orchestral environments is required.



Key activities:



Reporting to the General Manager of the National Arts Centre Orchestra (NACO) the Orchestra Personnel Manager (OPM) is responsible for the day-to-day management of the NACO musicians and Extra musicians.




Serve as liaison between the Musicians, the Music Director and the NAC's Administration; Maintain a positive working relationship with Local 180 of the Canadian Federation of Musicians; Hire all extra/substitute musicians based on a thorough understanding of score requirements and section needs; Act as first point-of-contact for all Musicians, mediating and responding concerns and seeking adequate and appropriate solutions; Enforce work rules and ensure compliance with the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA); including musician-specific provisions such as doubling pay, cartage, and overtime; Manage the audition process, ensuring compliance with the CBA and artistic integrity of the process on behalf of the NAC; Successfully onboard new Orchestra Musicians; Oversee payroll activities; Manage the budget for musician replacement and extras, contracted musicians and auditions; and; Advise NAC bargaining team and the General Manager for negotiation with the Canadian Federation of Musicians and personal services contracts, drawing on direct experience with orchestral union rules and practices.

Skill Requirements

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Essential Orchestral Expertise



The Orchestra Personnel Manager role is not a generic administrative position. It requires deep musical knowledge, orchestral fluency, and nuanced interpersonal insight within a performing arts context. Candidates must be able to independently assess and hire musicians according to score requirements, anticipate the needs of diverse repertoire (e.g., expanded percussion, rare instruments), and understand the implications for staffing and performance. Experience managing auditions, substitute selection, and relief management in accordance with collective agreements is essential. Ability to communicate effectively with musicians, conductors, and artistic staff using musical terminology and concepts. Proven track record of making informed, rapid decisions in high-pressure artistic environments.


Required qualifications:



Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in Music, Music Business or Arts Administration; A minimum of five plus years of orchestra personnel experience within a professional orchestra setting; Demonstrated ability to read and interpret orchestral scores and repertoire, with fluency in the unique requirements of different works and concert programs; Proven understanding of professional orchestral practices, including section hierarchies, and sensitivities; Specialized knowledge of orchestra operations, procedures and practices, orchestral repertoire and working requirements; Expert on and uphold and enforce the requirements of the collective agreement, along with employer policies and procedures; Experience with OPAS and Microsoft software products, with a heavy focus on Excel; Detail oriented individual with a high level of accuracy; Ability to self-manage, prioritize, problem-solve, and get through a high volume of tasks within a fast-paced environment; Possess critical thinking in high-pressure and emergency situations; Display a strong work ethic with a high level of professionalism and professional integrity; Capable of discerning need for and maintaining discretion in handling confidential matters; Strong interpersonal and finely tuned communication skills; Ability to organize, evaluate, and present information effectively in writing and verbally; and Cooperative attitude and willingness to learn and assist others.

Who Can Apply

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Persons residing in Canada and Canadian citizens residing abroad. Preference will be given to Canadian citizens.



As part of NAC's interview process, in-person interviews may be required. Please ensure to have the most up-to-date information on your resume including your current email address.

While we appreciate all applications, only those selected for an interview will be contacted by us.

Important Notice

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The National Arts Centre (NAC) is committed to inclusive employee recruitment and selection. The NAC welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. If you require accommodation during the selection process, please inform us as soon as possible and we will make every effort to fulfill your accommodation request.



The successful candidate will be required to provide the original or a true certified copy of their education credentials as appropriate, along with proof of a valid Criminal Background Check as a condition of employment.