Music Contractor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Description

The San Francisco Conservatory of Music (SFCM) seeks a highly organized, relationship-driven, and entrepreneurial Hire SFCM Manager to oversee and expand SFCM's musician contracting and engagement services. This individual serves as the primary liaison between clients seeking musicians and SFCM's talented student and alumni performers.

The ideal candidate is deeply connected within the Bay Area arts, nonprofit, corporate, and event communities, possesses strong sales and business development skills, and thrives in a fast-paced environment where adaptability, responsiveness, and professionalism are essential. The Hire SFCM Manager will also lead the annual Hire SFCM audition process, interface with the Artistic Operations, Roots Jazz and American Music (RJAM), and Technology and Applied Composition (TAC) departments, and work collaboratively as a member of the Professional Development & Engagement Center (PDEC) team.

Key Responsibilities

Music contracting & Client Management

• Serve as the primary manager of all Hire SFCM performance requests and engagements.
• Develop and maintain relationships with corporate, nonprofit, private, and community clients throughout the Bay Area.
• Match performers and ensembles to client needs, including internal requests, while ensuring a high-quality experience for both musicians and presenters.
• Negotiate performance fees, contracts, schedules, and logistical details.
• Coordinate event staffing and musician placement for performances of varying size and scope.
• Manage last-minute changes, substitutions, and client requests with professionalism and efficiency.
• Maintain accurate records of engagements, contracts, payments, and musician availability.

Business Development & Sales

• Identify and cultivate new opportunities for Hire SFCM throughout the Bay Area.
• Promote Hire SFCM services to prospective clients and community partners.
• Generate new revenue opportunities through strategic outreach and relationship-building.
• Represent SFCM professionally at networking events, performances, and community gatherings.
• Assist with the development of marketing materials and promotional initiatives.

Internal Hire SFCM Engagements

• Technology and Applied Composition Courses: Sony Sessions, SFFILM, Orchestration for the Media Composer, and other engagements.
• Advancement: Donor Relations Receptions, Luncheons, Private Events. 
• SFCM Large Ensemble, including Orchestra, Baroque Ensemble, Wind Ensemble, and opera and musical theater orchestras/bands: find substitute musicians and/or auxiliary players when student musicians are unavailable
• Conservatory At Large: Commencement, other special events as needed.

Annual Hire SFCM Auditions

• Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of the annual Hire SFCM auditions at the beginning of each academic year.
• Manage audition logistics, scheduling, communications, adjudication processes, and musician onboarding.
• Collaborate with faculty and staff to ensure a fair, efficient, and professional audition experience.
• Maintain and update performer rosters and talent databases.

PDEC Team Support

• Actively contribute as a collaborative member of the Professional Development & Engagement Center team.
• Support departmental initiatives, events, student programming, and special projects as needed.
• Assist colleagues during peak periods and contribute to a positive, solutions-oriented team culture.
• Participate in departmental meetings and planning efforts.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience in music, arts administration, event management, or a related field.
• Experience as a music contractor, artist manager, booking coordinator, producer, presenter, or related role.
• Strong knowledge of the Bay Area arts, education, corporate, and nonprofit sectors.
• Demonstrated success in sales, client relations, business development, or partnership cultivation.
• Exceptional organizational and project management skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines.
• Proficiency with spreadsheets, databases, CRM systems, and standard office software (Google Suite, Adobe, and Paylocity preferred).

Preferred Skills and Attributes

Relationship Builder

• Well-connected within Bay Area arts, business, nonprofit, and event communities.
• Skilled at developing long-term client and partner relationships.
• Comfortable networking and representing SFCM in professional settings.

Contractor & Negotiator

• Experienced in coordinating musicians, contracts, schedules, and event logistics.
• Strong negotiation skills with the ability to balance client needs and musician interests.
• Sound judgment and professionalism in managing complex situations.

Organized & Adaptable

• Hyper-organized with exceptional attention to detail.
• Able to quickly adapt to changing priorities and last-minute performance needs.
• Responsive, dependable, and proactive in communication and follow-through.

Team-Oriented Professional

• Positive attitude and collaborative mindset.
• Willingness to jump in and support broader PDEC initiatives as needed.
• Committed to student success, community engagement, and advancing the mission of SFCM.

What Success Looks Like

• Growth in Hire SFCM bookings, partnerships, and earned revenue.
• Outstanding client satisfaction and repeat business.
• Efficient and successful annual Hire SFCM auditions.
• Strong engagement and opportunities for student, alumni, and faculty performers.
• Meaningful contributions to the success of the PDEC team and SFCM community.

How to Apply

We prefer to receive applications through our website.  This position will be posted until filled.  

Position Details

• Part-Time Position, approximately 25 hours per week
• Hourly rate:  $28.00 to $35.00/hour, DOE
• Flexible schedule
• Compensation commensurate with experience

Equal Opportunity Employer

SFCM is a fully committed equal employment opportunity institution and welcomes applications from all qualified persons, including those who consider themselves to be of a race, national origin or ancestry that is not fully represented in musical arts programs in the United States.  Personnel decisions regarding applicants for employment are made without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), status as a Vietnam-era veteran or special disabled veteran, age, citizenship, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state and local laws.