About the BSO

Founded in 1881, the Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO) is one of the world’s preeminent orchestras, dedicated to delivering performances of the highest artistic caliber to audiences locally, nationally, and globally. The BSO’s impact extends far beyond the concert hall—through education, community engagement, and innovation, it remains a cornerstone of Boston’s cultural identity and a model for artistic excellence worldwide.

The BSO’s enduring success is driven by its people: the musicians, staff, and leadership who share a commitment to creativity, collaboration, and integrity. United by a belief in the transformative power of music, the organization continues to push artistic boundaries while upholding its legacy of excellence.

About the Role

The In-House Counsel serves as the BSO’s central authority for all contractual matters, overseeing the full lifecycle of artistic and operational agreements. This role ensures that contracts—ranging from artist engagements and intellectual property licenses to vendor, consultant, and service agreements—are legally sound, financially responsible, and aligned with institutional policy.

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the In-House Counsel is both a strategic and tactical partner who safeguards the BSO’s interests through rigorous review, negotiation, and process management. The successful candidate will bring a balance of legal expertise and cultural fluency—combining a strong foundation in contract law with a deep appreciation of the performing arts ecosystem.

This is a hands-on and collaborative role requiring versatility, strong judgement, and strong understanding of commercial and nonprofit operations in a dynamic cultural environment.

Key Responsibilities Associated with the Role

Contract Administration and Legal Review

• Lead the drafting, review, negotiation of a wide range of contracts, including artistic, production, operational, licensing, and consulting agreements.

• Ensure all contracts comply with BSO policies, collective bargaining agreements, and applicable laws.

• Identify and mitigate legal, financial, and reputational risks with protective language and structures that preserve organizational flexibility.

• Establish and maintain standardized contract templates and contract management system to promote consistency and efficiency.

• Serve as the BSO’s internal resource for legal interpretation of contract terms, coordinating with external counsel as needed for complex or specialized matters.

Risk Management and Compliance

• Assess and manage risks related to insurance, indemnification, intellectual property, and data privacy.

• Develop internal review policies to strengthen accountability and adherence to legal, ethical, and operational standards.

• Collaborate with the CFO and Finance leadership to align contractual commitments with budgetary controls and reporting.

• Stay current with emerging trends and best practices in nonprofit law, entertainment contracting, and risk management.

Cross-departmental Collaboration and External Counsel Management

• Provide training and advisory support to staff on contract protocols, negotiation tactics, and compliance awareness.

• Coordinate and manage outside legal counsels to ensure quality, cost-effectiveness, and alignment with organizational priorities.

Systems and Process Improvement

• Develop and maintain a centralized, digital contract management system to ensure transparency, auditability, and timely renewals.

• Continuously improving processes to promote operational efficiency, cost containment, and institutional agility.

Required Education and Experience

• Juris Doctor (JD), Master of Laws from an accredited institution required. Active bar membership is preferred.

• 5 to 10 years of broad and progressive experience in contract negotiation and administration, ideally with exposure to performing arts, entertainment, or nonprofit sectors.

• Demonstrated success managing a diverse portfolio of agreements.

• Advanced knowledge of contract law, licensing, sponsorships, and intellectual property rights.

• Experience with contract lifecycle management systems.

• Exceptional attention to detail and ability to interpret and negotiate complex agreements.

Functional and Leadership Skills

• Excellent judgement, communication, negotiation, and analytical capabilities.

• Proven ability to translate complex legal concepts into accessible, actionable guidance for non-legal colleagues.

• Demonstrated leadership in developing systems, policies, and training that improve organizational efficiency.

• Collaborative mindset, discretion, and appreciation for the performing arts.

• Commitment to the BSO’s mission, values, and culture of inclusion, artistic integrity, and accountability.

Salary Range: $127,000 - $150,000

The BSO is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

About Boston Symphony Orchestra

Now in its 141st season, the Boston Symphony Orchestra gave its inaugural concert on October 22, 1881, and has continued to uphold the vision of its founder, the businessman, philanthropist, Civil War veteran, and amateur musician Henry Lee Higginson, for well over a century. The Boston Symphony Orchestra has performed throughout the United States, as well as in Europe, Japan, Hong Kong, South America, and China; in addition, it reaches audiences numbering in the millions through its performances on radio, television, and recordings. It plays an active role in commissioning new works from today's most important composers; its summer season at Tanglewood is regarded as one of the world's most important music festivals; it helps develop the audience of the future through BSO Youth Concerts and through a variety of outreach programs involving the entire Boston community; and, during the Tanglewood season, it sponsors the Tanglewood Music Center, one of the world's most important training grounds for young composers, conductors, instrumentalists, and vocalists. Today the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Inc., presents more than 250 concerts annually. It is an ensemble that has richly fulfilled Henry Lee Higginson's vision of a great and permanent orchestra in Boston.

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