The Philharmonia Arts Management Training Scheme

About the Programme

This two-year, full-time Arts Management Training Scheme offers successful applicants the opportunity to gain an in-depth insight into the operations and functions of a renowned symphony orchestra.

Delivered across four key front-facing departments: Concerts, Marketing & Communications, Learning & Engagement and Development. Trainees complete four six-month rotations, each designed to build core skills, confidence, and knowledge of arts management in the four areas of orchestral operations.

This is a hands-on, structured training programme, ideal for early-career professionals, recent graduates seeking a career in the arts and cultural sector, or those with experience who wish to refocus and shift career.

Programme Features

• Hands-on delivery of core aspects of orchestra activities
• Work as a core member of collaborative teams, with on-the-job learning
• One-to-one mentorship from senior staff in each department
• Professional development workshops covering fundraising, budgeting, communications, and more
• Networking opportunities within the arts sector

End-of-Scheme Outcome

• Comprehensive understanding of arts management in an orchestral setting
• A personalised career planning session with a senior member of staff
• Potential internal role opportunities, depending on skills, areas of interest, and vacancies

Person Specification

• A passion for classical music and the arts
• Strong communication and organisational skills
• Ability to work collaboratively and independently
• Hands-on, positive and proactive attitude
• Eagerness to learn and take initiative
• Willingness to travel, dependent on orchestra travel and requirements
• Flexibility to work unsocial hours, including evenings and weekends
• Ability to read music an advantage

Programme Details

• Location: The role will be based at our administrative office in Southwark, London SE1, with a minimum of three days a week in the office/in person. There will be travel within London on a frequent basis and to other UK (possibly international) locations
• Reports to: Managers in each department
• Contract type: Full-time, fixed term for two years
• DBS: This role involves activity with children/vulnerable adults, as such, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a standard DBS check. Any offer of employment will be conditional on the outcome of this screening process
• Eligibility to work: Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK at the time of application. We are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this position
• Hours: 9.30 - 17.30, Monday - Friday (35 hours per week) plus evening and weekend work as required

Recruitment process

No CV required. The Philharmonia is committed to creating a truly entry-level opportunity to arts management, so the recruitment process will be focused on applicant responses to four questions. The answers will be judged blind by representatives across the organisation.

• The deadline for application is 30 June 2025
• Longlisted candidates will be invited for a video interview w/c 28 July
• A shortlist of candidates will be invited to a recruitment day in August
• Start date for successful candidates is expected to be 1 Sep 2025

Salary & Benefits

This is a fully paid training scheme, with a starting salary of £25,500, in line with London Living Wage.

Following successful completion of a three-month probationary period, employees are entitled to a pension contribution in line with company policy.

Other benefits include:

• Discounts and perks using your Southbank Centre contractor card
• Cycle to work scheme
• Training delivered through our 'Lunch & Learn' scheme
• Tickets to Philharmonia concerts, plus promotions for other partner and peer organisations

Placements

Year 1

Placement 1 or 2: Marketing

Objectives

• Gain insight into arts marketing and audience development, while contributing to team projects and building workplace experience
• Develop practical skills in areas like social media, CRM systems, website updates, and Adobe Suite
• Support marketing campaigns and audience engagement by assisting with digital content, print materials, and promotional activity for concerts and events

Main activities

• Work with the team to support marketing campaigns for series and individual concerts, including grassroots promotion, social support, email marketing etc.
• Work with the team on brochure production, direct mail and distribution, copywriting, and sourcing artist and promotional images
• Support the production of concert programmes for the Philharmonia's London, Bedford and Leicester seasons, including compiling materials, proof reading, circulating proofs and collating corrections
• Lead on the creation of event freesheets for concerts and free performances using Adobe InDesign (training will be provided)
• Work with the Director of Marketing & Comms on ad hoc projects, such as delivery of Philharmonia Records album releases
• Attend concerts in London and across the UK on a rota basis, undertaking public-facing roles including at the box office, at Southbank Centre's welcome hub, at Philharmonia Social events or hosting groups of audience members as part of audience development initiatives

Placement 1 or 2: Learning & Engagement

Objectives

• Gain hands-on experience in participatory arts and project management, including using CRM systems, preparing contracts, and supporting professional musicians in outreach settings
• Support the delivery of education and community projects by handling logistics, preparing resources, and attending off-site events such as school concerts and workshops
• Ensure smooth communication and coordination by managing departmental inboxes, scheduling, and meeting administration

Main activities

• Support the L&E team to plan and programme exciting community based projects and initiatives
• Support fellows, mentors, and applicants to our prestigious fellowship programmes
• Liaise and work with orchestral players to support programmes
• Support off-site project related events, either with team or for smaller projects by oneself, (e.g. school concerts, workshops, teacher training sessions)
• Communicate with partners and stakeholders about ongoing and potential programmes and opportunities
• Additional admin tasks related to the team

Year 2

Placement 3 or 4: Fundraising

Objectives

• Gain insight into relationship management and philanthropy, acting as a first point of contact for supporters and contributing to the smooth running of the membership programme
• Support donor communications and stewardship by creating content for newsletters and helping deliver events, receptions, and rehearsals
• Assist with fundraising operations and administration, including managing meetings, processing payments, and handling Gift Aid claims in Tessitura

Main activities

• Attend Development events and receptions as required, providing on-the-day operational support
• Schedule and manage Open Rehearsals for Friends and supporters
• Act as first point of contact for the Philharmonia Friends Membership line
• Create content for monthly supporter e-newsletter
• Manage the set up and minuting of departmental meetings and team administration (to include travel arrangements)
• Process payments and financial data in Tessitura as directed, including regular Gift Aid Claims

Placement 3 or 4: Concerts

Objectives:

• Gain hands-on experience in orchestral operations, including on-the-day support for performances and administrative tasks related to production including international touring
• Support the planning and delivery of rehearsals, concerts, and tours by managing schedules, booking travel and accommodation, and producing technical documentation
• Assist with artist liaison and logistics, working with conductor and soloist management to ensure smooth engagement preparation

Main activities

• Maintain the Orchestra's online schedule/database ensuring all project details are captured and clearly communicated
• Provide on-the-day support for artists, ensuring their needs are met and schedules are followed smoothly
• Work closely with conductor & soloists' management in preparing for artist's engagements with the Orchestra. Tasks vary from detailed schedules preparation to travel & accommodation research and booking
• Provide administrative support for international tours to include: assisting with visa applications, preparing hotel and flight lists, preparing carnet applications
• Make practical arrangements for the Orchestra's rehearsals, concerts and recording sessions - including the production of detailed tech riders for each concert and the arrangement of all necessary instrument hire