Marketing Fellowship

Application Deadline:  December 8, 2008
Click pdf here to apply! 

This coming February, as part of the League’s new work* preparing tomorrow’s leaders, a new six-month fellowship program is being piloted, designed to identify and prepare those who aspire to senior-level careers in the marketing area for orchestras.

Why are we doing this?

We know that there are insufficient numbers of qualified and experienced candidates available for marketing positions in America’s orchestras, and that the turnover rate is high. 

In order to provide the learning and experience needed to prepare for a successful career in this field, two individuals will spend six months in a marketing department at a major American orchestra. 

Program Overview

The program will include a six-month placement at one host orchestra. Placements in 2009 will be with either the San Francisco Symphony or the New York Philharmonic. Each assignment will be unique, but expected learning and projects will include the acquisition of skills and understanding around:

  • the unique skills required for success in marketing an orchestra
  • strategy and implementation around marketing development including research and analysis
  • how  marketing goals are established
  • the integration of marketing work within an organization’s overall mission and strategic goals
  • the culture of orchestras

The Fellows will receive ongoing mentoring and guidance from the marketing director and staff at the orchestra and are expected to complete at least one major marketing-related project during their placement. 

Marketing Fellows will also grow their skills by traveling to one to two additional orchestras to observe marketing operations. The League will provide access to funding of up to $3000 in the 2-3 years following the Fellowship for further professional development.

Assessment and Follow-up

Marketing Fellows will have regular contact with League staff to discuss their progress and projects and to provide feedback during and following the Fellowship period.  Written assessments will be completed by both the Fellow and the host orchestra mentor at the mid-point and conclusion of the placement.

Fellowship Stipend and Funding

Fellowship Term:  February 1 through August 1, 2009
Stipend:  $15,000 (over 6 months)
Travel:  Reimbursement for travel costs related to program
Post-fellowship: Professional development funds of $3000 over the course of 2-3 years.

Additional training: Marketing Fellows will attend a marketing-related Orchestra Leadership Academy seminar and the League’s National Conference in Chicago in June 2009.

Who Should Apply

Those who are committed to a career in American orchestras in the marketing area are encouraged to apply, including personnel from inside and outside orchestras, career changers, and recent graduate students.  Prospective Marketing Fellows should have a basic knowledge of marketing and a year or more of work experience, either as an intern or staff member.

Application and Selection Process

Candidates should complete the application and submit all required materials not later than December 8, 2008.  Selected finalists will be scheduled for a phone interview with a member of the Selection Committee prior to December 15.    Fellows for the 2009 season will be announced January 5, 2009.

Marketing Fellows will begin their placement by February 1, 2009 and conclude by August 1, 2009.

Application Deadline:  December 8, 2008

Click pdf here to apply!  

All materials may be sent to Allison Ball via e-mail ( This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ), fax (212.262.5198), or surface mail.  Contact information:

Allison Ball
Director, Leadership Training and Recruitment
League of American Orchestras
33 West 60th St., 5th Floor
New York, NY 10023
Fax:  212.262.5198

For more information, contact Allison Ball, Director of Leadership Training and Recruitment  This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or 646.822.4027

*League Resources for Marketing Personnel

This program is modeled on our 28 year-old Orchestra Management Fellowship Program, and is part of the larger portfolio of offerings available for development personnel, including Orchestra Leadership Academy seminars , mentoring circles, the 2008 Executive Leadership Program (which is for marketing and development personnel), list serves, and constituency meetings at Conference. All this is just part of the Learning and Leadership Development department, a key component of the League’s mission to model the future.


The League's Marketing Fellowship is made possible in part by a grant from Argosy Foundation.