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Head Props

The New Jersey Symphony seeks one IATSE crew member to serve on a Pink Contract and function as Head Props for all New Jersey Symphony events in which the orchestra is present.

Department: Artistic Operations
Reports to: Director of Orchestral Operations
Location: Principal Office – Newark, New Jersey until Symphony Center opens, at which point Jersey City
Status: Full Time, Exempt
Day Rate: $360.15

Duties

  • Together with Artistic Operations Staff, ensure that Musician needs are met at multiple venues, including five regular subscription venues across NJ.
  • Ability to understand, anticipate, and respect the needs of orchestra musicians, guest artists, and conductors, and provide assistance as needed.
  • Submit Yellow Card requests to local IATSE business agents in advance of all New Jersey Symphony calls.
  • Maintain smooth flow of logistical and production information between New Jersey Symphony Operations Staff and local venue technicians.
  • Transport Symphony equipment to and from a storage unit and each rehearsal/performance venue. This includes operating a 24’ Penske-type truck.
  • Supervise and assist the local stagehands when loading in, including: setting up, checking focused lighting for coverage and shadows, executing stage moves or striking Symphony equipment.
  • Maintain the condition of Symphony equipment and inform Operations Staff of any equipment issues.
  • Set up refreshments (coffee, water, tea) in the orchestra lounge and inform Operations Staff of supply needs.
  • Transport library music from New Jersey Symphony Office to NJPAC, and other venues, as directed by Librarian.
  • Other duties as assigned. Both Symphony Stage Technicians shall be present, inside the hall and near the stage, during all orchestra rehearsals and performances.

Qualifications and Skills

  • Ability to diplomatically and graciously handle a wide variety of personalities.
  • Excellent attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks at a time.
  • 3+ years of stagehand experience within an arts organization, preferably in a leadership capacity.
  • Consistent access to a cell phone and email to both receive and disseminate information.
  • Ability to lift 75lbs. Climbing steep staircases and long periods of standing required.
  • Must provide your own professional attire (black suit and tie or black slacks and blazer).
  • Must have a personal vehicle (mileage and tolls reimbursed).
  • Current driver’s license with clean driving history. Experience driving box trucks or similar, preferred.

Candidate Profile

Our desired candidate will bring a polished, professional presentation style to this position, as well as a positive, team-oriented attitude and approach. We are seeking candidates who can help to create an atmosphere in which our New Jersey Symphony musicians, Music Director, guest performers and all other creative collaborators can perform at the highest level.

Schedule & Compensation

  • The season is comprised of 29 Concert Weeks. This role is considered a full-time position.
  • As of September 1, 2026, the day rate for the New Jersey Symphony Stage Crew is $360.15. This does not include additional payments for overtime, holidays, truck driving, etc.
  • Benefits include paid employee health insurance (contributory spousal, parent/child or family coverage and contributory dental coverage available), life insurance, long-term disability insurance, and pension contribution.

The New Jersey Symphony celebrates the cultural vibrancy of our communities and builds meaningful relationships that elevate and strengthen them. We seek to create a culture of inclusion and a work environment that values hard work, professionalism and creativity. We are committed to diversity and equal opportunity in our recruitment and hiring. Qualified candidates of all backgrounds are welcome to apply for open positions.

To Apply

Please email your resume in PDF or Word format to the following by October 30, 2026:

Santa-Li Zambrano, Director of Orchestra Operations
szambrano@njsymphony.org (include “Head Props Application” in the subject line)

Only complete applications will be reviewed, and only qualified applicants will be contacted.

The New Jersey Symphony is an equal opportunity employer. No phone calls please.

About the Organization

As an integral part of the musical landscape in the country’s most vibrant cultural corridor, the New Jersey Symphony (Symphony) has for over one hundred years continued to enrich lives through a passion for musical excellence and a commitment to New Jersey, its people, and its communities. The Symphony has been recognized by The Wall Street Journal as “a vital, artistically significant musical organization,” led by Music Director Xian Zhang—a “dynamic podium presence”—since 2016. The New York Times has praised Zhang for her “technical abilities, musicianship, and maturity.”

The New Jersey Symphony, with an annual operating budget of more than $17 million and a modest endowment, currently serves as the resident orchestra of the New Jersey Performing Arts Center with additional performance series in four other outstanding venues throughout New Jersey. With more than 140,000 New Jerseyans of all ages enjoying more than 160 concerts, education, and community events each year, and with numerous partnerships with arts organizations, universities, and civic organizations, the Symphony has cultivated broad support, with more than 3,000 loyal patrons donating and subscribing, with thousands more attending each concert weekend.

In addition to its lauded artistic programming, the New Jersey Symphony presents a suite of nationally recognized education and community engagement (ECE) programs that promote meaningful, lifelong engagement with live music, annually serving as many as 60,000 New Jerseyans in nearly all of its 21 counties. Core program offerings include Concerts for Young People; the New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra; Preschool Program; and the touring chamber music program, New Jersey Symphony Community Partners. Through its diverse array of programs, the Symphony expands access to quality music instruction as well as provides vital arts learning experiences that reinforce social and emotional learning outcomes, foster confidence, and bring joy.

With a new strategic plan, the New Jersey Symphony now embarks on a bold vision for the future, the centerpiece of which will be a new Symphony Center that includes a 550-seat, versatile performance space in Jersey City.

This transformational initiative and expansion into Jersey City will make the organization a community place-maker and will be the largest venue in Jersey City’s Powerhouse Arts District–a city that is on track to surpass Newark as the most populated city in the state. The new 44,000-square-foot Symphony Center will also include space for administrative offices, establish a permanent rehearsal hall for the musicians, and expand performance, education programs and community engagement opportunities. The Symphony Center will diversify earned revenue through rentals and presenting activities, and increase contributed revenue associated with capital projects and expanded community programs. The New Jersey Symphony, which will activate and manage the venue for the City of Jersey City, expects final interior theater construction to be completed for a public opening sometime in 2027.