The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra seeks a highly qualified applicant to fulfill one of two Staff Conductor roles at the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra (PSO), effective Spring 2027, or as mutually agreed upon. Guided by the artistic vision of Music Director Manfred Honeck, the PSO offers a full season of programming including BNY Classics, PNC Pops, UPMC Movies, and  Learning/ Engagement. The PSO regularly tours both internationally and domestically, and creates recordings for commercial release each season. The staff conductor works closely with the Music Director, international roster of guest conductors and soloists, musicians of the PSO, and relevant staff members to support the artistic excellence of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra throughout this wide range of programming. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Work closely with the Music Director and guest conductors, acting as cover conductor for mainstage classical subscription concerts, rehearsals and performances as assigned. Coverage of core classical subscription series to include being present at all covered services, advising conductor on musical matters as requested, and being prepared to conduct any covered rehearsals or performances.
• Collaborate with Music Director on creating and organizing edit notes for commercial recordings, as well as provide edit notes and broadcast approval for all covered subscription concerts.
• Travel with the orchestra on international and domestic tours as assigned.
• Work collaboratively with PSO staff and artistic team to conceive and program select concerts, as well as rehearse and conduct a portfolio of Learning and Engagement concerts, summer concerts, pops subscription concerts, films in concert, side-by-side concerts, commercial programming, and other concerts as assigned.
• Within the portfolio, prepare, rehearse, and conduct films in concert in accordance with the framework of each film’s technical requirements.
• Serve as community ambassador for the PSO by leading the series of pre-concert lectures for classical concerts when covering, and speaking on stage during select mainstage concerts and chamber performances as assigned. 
• Cover PNC Pops subscription concerts as assigned, to include being present at all rehearsals and the first performance of each series, and being in Pittsburgh and on-call for all remaining concerts in each series.

Required Education and Experience:

• Advanced studies in music performance and conducting
• Minimum of 2 years professional experience conducting a symphony orchestra, youth orchestra, or equivalent
• Professional experience leading films in concert
• Previous programming experience for a wide range of audiences across classical, popular programming, education and community concerts, as well as the ability to organize and run efficient rehearsals
• Effective communication skills from the podium including the ability to address orchestra musicians and a range of audience members from youth to adult
• Passion for community involvement and classical music advocacy
• Year-round residency in Pittsburgh required, as well as authorization to be employed in the United States

Application Process:

To apply, please submit your application no later than Friday, December 18, 2026 via https://form.jotform.com/263077862150155.

• Resume
• Video material – submit three (3) links to recent conducting videos with orchestra or chamber ensemble via YouTube, DropBox, or similar shared site accessible without password or expiration date. The videos must be filmed with the camera focused on you (not the orchestra), with videos ideally representing contrasting styles and including selections from the standard orchestral repertoire. Each video must be clearly labeled with the ensemble name and date of performance. 

Once resume and video applications are reviewed, finalists will be notified by Tuesday, January 19, 2027 of their invitation to attend the final audition in Pittsburgh. 

The final audition will take place in Pittsburgh at Heinz Hall on Saturday morning, February 20, 2027. Final candidates will conduct the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra in a set of pre-determined excerpts and in front of a panel including the Music Director and PSO staff. Additionally, finalists will be asked to create sample concert programs and will participate in interviews with PSO staff, musicians, and the Music Director.  

All final candidates must be available to attend the Saturday, February 20, 2027 audition in-person in Pittsburgh at Heinz Hall. 

Final job title and compensation commensurate with experience. Please note that any offer of full-time employment is contingent upon the successful completion of all background checks, as required by the Pittsburgh Symphony, Inc.