Description
The Idaho Falls Symphony is seeking a Music Director who, in collaboration with the Board of Directors and the Symphony leadership team, will carry out the Symphony’s mission to provide quality live orchestral experiences for the enjoyment, enrichment, and education of our audiences and musicians.
As the Symphony’s chief artistic leader, the Music Director oversees the artistic operation and development of the Idaho Falls Symphony, including decisions regarding the selection of orchestra personnel, repertoire, guest artists, and guest conductors. The Music Director has artistic and production responsibility for all musical performances, including six subscription concerts, one educational concert (LinkUp), at least two Soundscapes Chamber concerts, and one Symphony in the Park family-oriented concert in September.
The Music Director positively represents the Symphony in the organization’s efforts to grow their reputation and presence in the community and develop meaningful donor and corporate partnerships. The Music Director works with the Executive Director in other operational duties, such as budgeting and planning, personnel management, and youth and educational program development. The Music Director reports to the Board of Directors through the Executive Committee.
Qualified Candidates:
Extensive experience conducting professional orchestras across a range of repertoire
Proven ability to collaborate effectively with a board of directors and executive leadership
Demonstrated strength in artistic planning, personnel management, and ensemble leadership
Experience in donor cultivation and public advocacy on behalf of an arts organization
Skilled at building a culture of trust, respect, and inspiration among musicians and community stakeholders
Commitment to upholding the terms and spirit of the Master Agreement while fostering artistic excellence
Additional Information:
This position requires the candidate be available to devote the necessary time to perform all the activities in Idaho Falls as mutually agreed upon by the Board and the Music Director, including to conduct rehearsals and performances, be present to meet the requirements of his or her role in fundraising and development, and be an engaged member of the community through outreach and other public relations activities.
Salary Range:$55,000-$65,000, commensurate with experience.
Benefits, such as transportation and accommodations, may be negotiated.
Applicants must submit materials no later than November 3, 2025. Finalists will be required to prepare and conduct a concert with the Idaho Falls Symphony during the 2026/27 season. The start date for the selected candidate will be June 2027.
Please submit the required materials below. ALL materials should be submitted in one email:
Letter of Interest
Full Resume
3 Professional References
1 conducting video of a live performance (youtube link)
1 rehearsal recording 45-60 minutes (youtube link)
3 concert programs recently programmed and conducted by the candidate in a variety of styles and genres
PLEASE NOTE: Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of submission of materials. The Idaho Falls Symphony is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from diverse candidates, and we are committed to the creation of an inclusive work and performance environment for all employees. We will not discriminate and will take affirmative action measures to ensure against discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender, gender expression/identity, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, veteran’s status, or sexual orientation.
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ABOUT IDAHO FALLS SYMPHONY: For more than 75 years, the Idaho Falls Symphony has been a cornerstone of Eastern Idaho, impacting our community through the transformative power of music. The Symphony is a regional professional orchestra presenting an annual season September through May, which includes classical, pops, family concerts, chamber music, and guest artists from around the world. Education and outreach efforts are central to the Symphony’s role in the community as we work to inspire new musicians and impact state educational initiatives. Thousands of children experience the Symphony each year through children’s concerts such as Link Up, family concerts, and the in-school presentations of the Symphony Ambassadors. The three ensembles comprising the Idaho Falls Symphony Youth Orchestras provide an engaging orchestral opportunity for area music students, and masterclasses offered by the Symphony’s world-renowned guest artists inspire generations of emerging musicians.
As we look ahead to the next 75 years, our mission remains clear: to provide quality live orchestral experiences for the enjoyment, enrichment, and education of our audiences and musicians.
ABOUT IDAHO FALLS: Idaho Falls is a vibrant city nestled along the picturesque Snake River and serves as the largest city east of Idaho’s capital. Known for its friendly, authentic atmosphere, Idaho Falls is a dynamic regional hub for retail, arts and entertainment, and medical services, supporting communities across a three-state area. The city is home to the Idaho National Laboratory, the nation’s leading nuclear energy research facility for the Department of Energy, and plays a key role in supporting eastern Idaho’s robust agricultural economy—famous for its potatoes, canola, alfalfa, and world-class malting barley.
Outdoor enthusiasts appreciate Idaho Falls for its easy access to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, serene natural hot springs, world-class fly fishing on the Snake River, and the stunning cascades at Mesa Falls. Families enjoy a wide range of kid-friendly attractions, including a zoo, aquarium, interactive museums, and riverfront activities. Downtown Idaho Falls blends history with charm, offering a thriving mix of dining, shopping, and culture in beautifully preserved historic buildings. With four distinct seasons, Idaho Falls offers something to discover and enjoy all year long—making it a true gem in Idaho’s landscape.
Requirements
Qualities and Skills
Extensive professional conducting experience
Strong skills in artistic planning, personnel management, and leadership
Proven collaboration with boards and executive leadership
Commitment to Master Agreement and artistic excellence
Ability to inspire musicians and engage the community
Experience in donor cultivation and advocacy
Key Responsibilities:
Artistic
Create and communicate an artistic vision aligned with the Idaho Falls Symphony’s mission and strategic plan.
Propose programs, repertoire, and guest artists within budget
Present the upcoming season programs to the Board each January
Select repertoire to maximize audience appeal
Education
Collaborate on educational outreach programs
Coordinate with Youth Symphony Directors on repertoire for 3 youth ensembles
Pre-concert talks
Rehearsals & Concerts
Conduct all rehearsals/performances for: 6 main subscription concerts, 1 educational program (Link Up), 1 September family park concert
Coordinate 2-3 chamber concerts
Approve performance recordings for broadcast as needed
Communicate production needs in advance for orchestra manager and librarian
Orchestra Personnel
Uphold Master Agreement
Lead auditions, collaborate with principals to maintain sub/extra musician lists
Hire, supervise, evaluate, and, when necessary, dismiss musicians per policy and law
Budgeting & Planning
Develop concert/rehearsal schedules with the Executive Director
Cultivate artistic partnerships and explore innovative programming
Prepare artistic/production budgets for Finance Committee each December
Board Relations
Serve as ex officio non-voting Board member
Attend board and committee meetings to provide artistic insight.
Administration
Work with Executive Director as a leadership team
Coordinate with Orchestra Manager and Principal Librarian
Support staff operations and collaborate on budget preparation
Fundraising & Marketing
Foster donor relationships to support fundraising
Attend at least one major fundraising event annually
Participate in media and community appearances to promote the symphony’s mission and artistic vision
