Summer Associate

Portland Chamber Music Festival 

Summer Associate

Dates: Friday, August 7 – Monday, August 23, 2026

Position Description: Artist Management/Festival Production Associate

Reports To: Operations Manager

Position Summary: The Summer Associate provides support for staff and artists during the Portland Chamber Music Festival, running August 7-23. A successful candidate will be highly organized and enjoy tackling a wide range of responsibilities as part of a small but supportive and enthusiastic team.  Familiarity with and/or passion for the performing arts, especially classical music, is a plus. 

For each week of the Festival there are ~10-15 Resident Artists, 3-4 rehearsals, and several volunteer-hosted dinners. The 2026 Festival consists of four main stage concerts at Stevens Square Theater on the Stevens Square Community Center campus and 2-3 ancillary events (run-outs to retirement communities, collaborations with local music education organizations). Under the Artistic Direction of Grammy-nominated violist Melissa Reardon, PCMF’s Resident Artists are internationally renowned chamber musicians from top ensembles and conservatories such as the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Chicago Symphony and Curtis Institute of Music, among many others.

Primary responsibilities:

Artist Management

• Arrange and provide transportation for artists during the Festival
• Assist with coordination between artists and housing hosts
• Assist with coordination of meals
• Oversee the artist break/meal room (make coffee, shop for groceries, clean up, etc.)
• Be on call for general artist needs

Festival Production 

• Set up stage for all rehearsals (chairs, stands, etc.)
• Coordinate concert setup (chairs, stands, etc.), stage changes, and all backstage activities
• Assist with post-concert receptions and cleaning up after concerts
• Provide support for ancillary activities such as donor events, run-out performances at retirement communities, etc.

Other

• Assist with marketing activities such as putting up posters and contacting hotel concierges
• Coordinate writing and mailing thank-you notes to housing and meal hosts
• Participate in daily check-in meetings with Executive Director and Operations Manager, and help with miscellaneous tasks as needed
• Optional: Photography, video, social media 

Requirements:

• Valid drivers license and access to a reliable car
• Cell phone
• Laptop computer
• A friendly attitude – you will communicate and interact with many new people during the week – artists, volunteers and audience members
• Professional/moderately dressy clothes for concert nights
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team 
• Physical ability to sit/stand for extended periods, lift and move up to 50 pounds

Compensation: $1,250 plus mileage reimbursement. Most meals will be provided, as will housing if necessary. 

To apply: Email resume and cover letter to office@pcmf.org

Application Deadline: May 15, 2026

About PCMF:

Founded in 1994, the Portland Chamber Music Festival features acclaimed performers from the United States and abroad presenting a wide range of contemporary and classical chamber music. Known primarily for its summer season in August, PCMF’s events also include a Salon Series of concerts in intimate spaces, a contemporary chamber music series in collaboration with SPACE Gallery, and education and community engagement programs for all ages. For more information, visit pcmf.org.