Operations Intern

Operations Intern - 2025-2026 Academic Year

The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra (PSO) was founded over 125 years ago, performing its first concert at Pittsburgh’s Carnegie Music Hall in 1896. Today, the PSO is one of the finest, most acclaimed orchestras in the world, having toured and recorded extensively throughout its history and boasts of multiple GRAMMY nominations and wins. It also owns and operates Heinz Hall for the Performing Arts, a historic movie theater which in 1971 became home to the PSO and formed the cornerstone of what is now Pittsburgh’s Cultural District. In 2008-2009, Austrian conductor Manfred Honeck became the PSO’s ninth music director following in the luminous footsteps of Victor Herbert, Fritz Reiner, William Steinberg, André Previn, and Lorin Maazel, among others. In addition to presenting more than 100 performances each year at Heinz Hall, both with and without the Orchestra, PSO boasts award-winning Learning & Engagement programs that reach more than 30,000 youth and adults each year in and around the Western Pennsylvania region. 

The Operations Intern assists with day-to-day orchestra management, particularly in the areas of concert production, artistic operations, and orchestra personnel. The intern will gain insight into the orchestra industry and will receive hands-on experience supporting the PSO’s mission and vision of artistic excellence.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop a thorough understanding of Orchestra Operations concepts, including administering a contractual bargaining agreement and using industry-standard database software such as OPAS.
• Observe and participate in “hands-on” work backstage with orchestra and production staff for specific concerts within and outside of Heinz Hall.
• Responsible for research tasks as assigned, with attention to orchestra operations projects such as media distribution; data collection; instrument cataloguing; etc.
• Preparation of media components, props, and other production elements for PSO concerts.
• Assist the Personnel Department with auditions.
• Assist with preparation for domestic and international tours.
• Assist with department organization.

Required Education and Experience:

• High school diploma.
• Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Teams.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends and evenings.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Must be able to read music.

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• Knowledge of orchestras, music ensembles, and symphonic repertoire.

This is an unpaid internship. The intern must be able to receive college credit or financial aid to be eligible. This position will work between 12 – 20 hours per week, including evenings and weekends. The primary work location is Heinz Hall in downtown Pittsburgh.