Description
The Princeton Symphony Orchestra (PSO), widely regarded as one of the New Jersey’s finest arts organizations, is a highly successful, professional, per-service orchestra. The PSO presents a six-program classical series at Richardson Auditorium in Princeton as well as pops, holiday, and education concerts, a chamber music series, lectures and events for the community, and education programs reaching over 10,000 students annually. The PSO values its partnership with the Youth Orchestra of Central New Jersey (YOCJ). Each June, the PSO presents the Princeton Festival, a multi-genre performing arts festival produced in a 900-seat outdoor performance pavilion on the grounds of Morven Museum & Garden. The Princeton Festival offers a robust schedule including fully-staged opera, concerts (orchestral, chamber music, Broadway/pops, jazz, baroque), lectures and community events.
JOB TITLE: PSO Assistant Conductor and conductor of YOCJ Symphonic Orchestra
REPORTS TO: Executive Director
SUPPORTS: Music Director, Administrative Staff, Librarian, Musicians, YOCJ staff
POSITION:
The Assistant Conductor’s primary roles are to act as cover conductor for the PSO and to serve as conductor of the YOCJ Symphonic Orchestra. As PSO cover conductor, this position provides primary artistic support to the Music Director and guest conductors for subscription rehearsals and concerts during the PSO season. This includes personal preparation of all scores and providing real-time verbal feedback on artistic concerns. With YOCJ, the Assistant Conductor leads all Symphonic Orchestra rehearsals and concerts and participates in additional activities as assigned. The Assistant Conductor is a vital member of the PSO team and serves as a representative for the orchestra at fundraising and community events as needed. The position provides conducting opportunities for public performance as available, to be discussed on an annual basis. This position allows for exposure to all aspects of a professional regional orchestra.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
PSO
Serve as cover conductor for all classical series rehearsals and concerts, and for additional performances that may be offered over the course of the season, particularly during the June Princeton Festival. Maintain a high level of preparation suitable to step in for the Music Director should the need arise. Assist with balances and other artistic matters.
Conduct any offstage ensembles and serve as score reader/operator for electronic parts or other production elements as necessary, including supertitles.
Assist in preparation and execution of live-stream events and recordings.
Participate in pre-concert talks and other lectures or community events during service weeks as requested.
Write program notes for PSO subscription concert programs.
YOCJ
Conduct all YOCJ Symphonic Orchestra rehearsals and concerts. Rehearsals are normally scheduled for Tuesday evenings.
Assist in the planning and execution of YOCJ programs and events, including auditions, masterclasses, and other opportunities, under the direction of YOCJ executive director. Act as representative of PSO in YOCJ partnership.
Additional Job Functions:
Be able to travel to/from multiple venues.
Comply with all PSO and YOCJ policies.
Other duties as assigned.
Additional opportunities that may be available as a part of this position include:
Attendance at PSO board meetings and development events as a representative of the orchestra and relationship building with PSO constituents.
Participation in interviews and other media needs as requested.
Contribution to organization-wide projects and efforts including option to serve on the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Task Force.
Requirements
QUALIFICATIONS:
Graduate level degree in music or equivalent experience.
Substantial conducting training and experience conducting a professional orchestra. Evidence of prior work in a youth orchestra setting strongly preferred.
Extensive knowledge of orchestral repertoire and familiarity with other genres.
Must be a confident public speaker and be able to communicate effectively with Music Director, PSO musicians, staff, board members, and patrons.
The successful candidate is expected to be within commutable distance to Princeton during PSO service weeks for rehearsals and other events. Please see the season schedule below. Occasional release from PSO rehearsal due to scheduling conflict will be considered. Full rehearsal schedule available upon request.
COMPENSATION
This is a contract position requiring evening and weekend work to cover PSO concerts and events. Salary: $35,000.
HOW TO APPLY
To apply, please submit:
- A cover letter including a discussion of how you view the role of cover conductor and what you would hope to gain from the position;
- Resume including performance and repertoire lists;
- List of professional references;
- Two to three contrasting videos (rehearsal or performance), not to exceed ten minutes in total. Videos should be submitted as links to online viewing platforms, i.e. YouTube, and must be set to be accessible to multiple viewers.
Submit all materials to employment@princetonsymphony.org with “Assistant Conductor” in the subject line by Sunday, February 1, 2026. All applications will be treated as confidential. Electronic submissions only – no phone calls. Reference and background check will be completed during final interview process. If you require any assistance or accommodations during the interview process, please include this information when submitting your application.
Finalists will be selected by February 18, 2026. Finalists will be required to be present in Princeton from Tuesday, March 3rd through Wednesday, March 4th, 2026.
