Tessitura Event Operations Manager

TESSITURA EVENTS OPERATIONS MANAGER JOB DESCRIPTION

Department:Marketing & Audience Development

FLSA Status:Exempt

Salary Grade:6

Salary Range/Wages:$53,000 - $58,000 annually

Work Location:Hybrid

FT/PT:Full-time

Last Revision Date:10/16/2026
 

How to apply:A cover letter is required for consideration of this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address:

• Your specific interest in the position and working at the Detroit Symphony Orchestra
• Outline your skills and experience that directly relate to the responsibilities of the role

The Organization:The Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO) is known internationally for trailblazing performances, collaborations with the world’s foremost musical artists, and a deep commitment to serving our community. Making its home in Orchestra Hall at the Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center, the DSO actively pursues its vision to be an inclusive and culturally relevant community where all people can experience their world through music.
 

The DSO is a complex organization. Operating 365 days per year in historic Orchestra Hall, one of America’s most acoustically perfect concert halls, we are a performing arts institution, an educational facility, and a community center. We are governed by an independent Board of Directors and employ both union and non-union employees as musicians, stage crew, and administrative staff. Creating a unified culture throughout the institution is an organizational imperative, and we are guided by our values of excellence, inclusion, care, collaboration, and innovation.The DSO is also deeply invested in the city of Detroit; through our Detroit Strategy initiative, we are expanding the DSO’s participation in the growth and well-being of the city. 
 

The DSO offers a unique, fast-paced working environment, an excellent overall compensation package, and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. For more information visitwww.dso.org.
 

Position Summary: The Tessitura Events Operations Manager owns the setup and operation of Tessitura, the DSO's ticketing and CRM system, so the organization can sell single tickets, subscriptions, and memberships through the website, box office, and offsite channels. The role builds each new season in Tessitura, from seasons, productions, and performances to subscription packages, pricing, parking, and valet, and runs the annual subscription rollover that produces renewal invoices for every subscriber. As the DSO's sole Tessitura events specialist, the position is the go-to resource for event, pricing, and promo code setup across Marketing, Patron Sales & Service, Advancement, Community Engagement, and Events & Rentals, and the first line of troubleshooting when there are issues. Accuracy in this role directly protects ticket revenue, audit readiness, and the patron experience.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

Season Build and Subscription Rollover

• Build the upcoming season in Tessitura on the subscription campaign timeline, including:
  • Seasons and production seasons for every genre (Classical, Pops, Jazz, Family, Neighborhood, Presentations, and others)
  • Subscription packages, including fixed and Create Your Own series
• Provide the Web Manager with production season, performance, and package information in order to display and sell online.
• Roll over existing subscriber's subscription and seating from the current season from season to season.
• Partner with the IT Database Administrator to export rollover data, coordinate staff review of the data, and deliver the final file to the external renewal vendor on schedule.
• Coordinate staff review of season setup before on-sale to confirm accuracy across thousands of configured items.

Pricing, Offers, and Promo Codes

• Enter approved subscription and single ticket pricing into Tessitura and audit it with the Senior Accountant of Business Operations against the approved pricing file before tickets go on sale.
• Adjust pricing on upcoming performances as directed by weekly pricing meetings.
• Create promo codes, source codes, and offers requested by Marketing to drive sales and fill the house. Test each to confirm the correct discount applies.
• Recommend consistent discount structures across price zones.

Event Setup Across the Organization

• Create performances and events added after the initial season build, including DSO Presents and special events.
• Collaborate with colleagues on fundraising, community, and rental events including galas, open rehearsals, after parties, merchandise, and more.
• Work with the Director of Event & Patron Experience on prepaid and valet parking setup and issues.

Systems Support and Troubleshooting

• Serve as a Tessitura lead for the DSO and troubleshooting resource. Resolve Tessitura issues reports by staff or rental clients.
• Resolve website ticketing issues reported by Marketing staff, such as promo codes not working, incorrect prices displaying, or performances not appearing online.
• Relay performance information to the Director of Patron Sales & Service for box office staff and close the loop on reported issues.
• Support the Senior Accountant of Business Operations with order, pricing, and general ledger questions, including during annual audits.
• Maintain written procedures for season build, rollover, pricing, and event setup.
• Stay current on Tessitura best practices through the Tessitura Network and peer organizations, and recommend process improvements.

Reporting and Review

• Run Tessitura reports on unsold inventory and the potential revenue of remaining seats by price zone for upcoming performances.
• Review marketing materials for accuracy of performance, package, and pricing details.
• Protect confidential patron information, including names, contact details, and ticket and donation history.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
 

• Five or more years of experience in ticketing, box office, subscriptions, patron services, or database operations, preferably in a performing arts or live events organization.
• Hands-on experience configuring events, pricing, and offers in Tessitura or a comparable ticketing/CRM system.
• Completion of the Tessitura Network self-paced ticketing course, or ability to complete it within the first 60 days of employment.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy when entering and auditing large volumes of data under deadline.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills, including the ability to test, diagnose, and document fixes.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Suite and comfort learning new software.
• Strong time management and the ability to manage many requests from multiple departments while meeting fixed campaign deadlines.
• Clear oral and written communication skills, including explaining technical issues to non-technical colleagues.
• Ability to act independently, take initiative, and meet changing priorities.
• Successful experience working in, and contributing to, a collaborative team environment.

Desired Qualifications:

• Two or more years of Tessitura experience, including season builds, subscription packages, subscription rollovers, and reporting and analytics.
• Experience with Tessitura's web ticketing integration (TNEW) or other online sales platforms.
• Familiarity with project management tools such as Monday.com.
• Passionate about the arts and/or classical music.
• Bachelor's degree, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Additional Information:
 

• This is a salaried, non-union position.
• Workload peaks during the season build and subscription rollover, typically November through the mid-February season announcement. Successful candidates must be available for extended hours, including evenings and weekends, during this period.
• Occasional after-hours contact may be needed to resolve urgent box office or web ticketing issues during performances.
• All positions at the DSO require the successful completion of a background check prior to beginning employment. A criminal record does not automatically disqualify candidates.

Physical Requirements:

This role primarily works in an office environment and frequently has prolonged periods of sitting and looking at a computer screen.

Position Reports to:Director of Loyalty Marketing

Direct Reports:N/A

If accommodation is needed to ensure your successful participation in the

application or interview process, please reach out tohr@dso.org for assistance.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:
 

• Five or more years of experience in ticketing, box office, subscriptions, patron services, or database operations, preferably in a performing arts or live events organization.
• Hands-on experience configuring events, pricing, and offers in Tessitura or a comparable ticketing/CRM system.
• Completion of the Tessitura Network self-paced ticketing course, or ability to complete it within the first 60 days of employment.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy when entering and auditing large volumes of data under deadline.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills, including the ability to test, diagnose, and document fixes.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Suite and comfort learning new software.
• Strong time management and the ability to manage many requests from multiple departments while meeting fixed campaign deadlines.
• Clear oral and written communication skills, including explaining technical issues to non-technical colleagues.
• Ability to act independently, take initiative, and meet changing priorities.
• Successful experience working in, and contributing to, a collaborative team environment.

Desired Qualifications:

• Two or more years of Tessitura experience, including season builds, subscription packages, subscription rollovers, and reporting and analytics.
• Experience with Tessitura's web ticketing integration (TNEW) or other online sales platforms.
• Familiarity with project management tools such as Monday.com.
• Passionate about the arts and/or classical music.
• Bachelor's degree, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Additional Information:
 

• This is a salaried, non-union position.
• Workload peaks during the season build and subscription rollover, typically November through the mid-February season announcement. Successful candidates must be available for extended hours, including evenings and weekends, during this period.
• Occasional after-hours contact may be needed to resolve urgent box office or web ticketing issues during performances.
• All positions at the DSO require the successful completion of a background check prior to beginning employment. A criminal record does not automatically disqualify candidates.

Physical Requirements:

This role primarily works in an office environment and frequently has prolonged periods of sitting and looking at a computer screen.

Position Reports to:Director of Loyalty Marketing

Direct Reports:N/A

If accommodation is needed to ensure your successful participation in the

application or interview process, please reach out tohr@dso.org for assistance.