Description

ASSISTANT CONDUCTOR
FEBRUARY 2026

The Grand Rapids Symphony (GRS) Assistant Conductor is a full-time, benefits eligible position. The
Assistant Conductor reports administratively to the President & CEO and is artistically accountable to
the GRS Music Director. She/he/they will also work closely with the Senior Vice President & General
Manager and production operations team. This individual will be an energetic and dynamic musician
who excels at connecting with musicians and diverse audiences and projects a positive and engaging
personality on and off the podium.

The Assistant Conductor is responsible for developing, hosting and conducting educational and
community concerts and serving as the cover conductor for rehearsals and concerts as assigned by
the Music Director. The Assistant Conductor will host and conduct other programs, which may include
movie performances, run-outs, summer series and masterworks (classical series) performances.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work with the Music Director, General Manager, and other key staff to plan, conduct and
  develop, as needed, educational and community engagement concerts.
• Serve as a cover conductor for assigned rehearsals and concerts, substituting for the scheduled
  conductor in case of an emergency.
• Assist the Music Director, Principal Pops Conductor, and guest conductors during assigned
  rehearsals to provide feedback on artistic matters.
• Develop and/or conduct Pops concerts, movies, and off stage conducting as needed.
• Work with the Music Director to assist recording engineer or other media entities in the final
  editing of GRS performances for archival, broadcast, or commercial release.
• Participate in GRS production team meetings and other activities as determined and identified
  by GRS management.
• Participate in concert lectures and other speaking engagements, as assigned.
• Accompany GRS on tours, as assigned.
• Attend donor events and participate in other development opportunities, as requested.

Requirements

REQUIREMENTS

• At least three years’ experience conducting and working with orchestras.
• Undergraduate music degree or foreign equivalent strongly preferred.
• Exceptional musicianship and conducting skills and knowledge of a broad range of repertoire.
• Ability to manage time effectively in rehearsal.
• Strong interpersonal and communication (both verbal and written) skills with fluency in English
• Strong presentation skills from the stage.
• In compliance with federal law, potential employees will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States. The required employment eligibility verification documentation will be required upon engagement. If applicable, the responsibility and cost of obtaining such authorization is solely that of the candidate.

GUEST CONDUCTOR OPPORTUNITIES

The GRS understands that the Assistant Conductor may receive guest conducting opportunities with
other organizations and she/he/they will be allowed a reasonable amount of time-off for such
engagements subject to the approval of the Music Director.

APPLICATIONS

To apply for this position, please send the following information to HumanResources@GRSymphony.org by Monday, February 23, 2026:
Cover Letter
Resume or Curriculum Vitae
Three sample programs, with one each of the following:
o Classical Program
o Pops Program
o Education Program (including the age level of the audience and education objectives
the program seeks to communicate).
Conducting videos:
o Three excerpts of no more than five minutes each
o Footage from within the last three years
o Front view of conductor
o Contrasting styles
o Rehearsal footage (encouraged but not required)
o Provided in a digital format – either links to posted clips (e.g. website/YouTube) or
access to a digitally shared folder (e.g. Dropbox)

ABOUT THE GRAND RAPIDS SYMPHONY

Founded in 1930, the Grand Rapids Symphony is one of the Midwest’s leading orchestral institutions,
serving approximately 200,000 individuals annually through performances, education initiatives, and
community engagement programs. Nearly half of those served are students, senior citizens, and
individuals with disabilities. Under the artistic leadership of Music Director Marcelo Lehninger,
Principal Pops Conductor Bob Bernhardt, and the Assistant Conductor, for whom a search is currently
underway, the Symphony presents a wide range of classical, pops, family, specials, and educational
programming. The Symphony collaborates extensively with regional partners, including Opera Grand
Rapids, Grand Rapids Ballet, Saint Cecilia Music Center, and Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. Performances take place primarily at DeVos Performance Hall and Royce Auditorium. Programming to advance the Symphony’s mission and share great music that moves the human soul and enriches the cultural life of West Michigan includes the Grand Rapids Youth Symphony & Classical Orchestra and Grand Rapids Chorus. Led by Dr. Joel Schut, the Grand Rapids Youth Symphony &
Classical Orchestra was merged operationally into the Symphony in Fall 2025. The Grand Rapids
Chorus is a highly acclaimed 130-voice volunteer Chorus under the leadership of Dr. Pearl Shangkuan
and is maintained as a treasured affiliated program to the Symphony. The Symphony employs 52 Acontracted
and 25 B and C-contracted musicians over a 40-week season. Administratively, the
Symphony currently has a support staff of twenty-three (23) employees (both full and part-time) and
five (5) contractors.

For more information visit: www.grsymphony.org
We are an equal opportunity employer.