Job: Executive Director

Longwood Symphony, the orchestra of Boston’s medical community, is hiring its next Executive Director! If you are an arts administrator looking to leverage the power of classical music to aid the medically underserved, we are the place for you! The ideal candidate will have a strong track record of fundraising, community partnerships, and marketing, as well as a love of orchestral repertoire.

ROLE DESCRIPTION

The Executive Director is responsible for the vision, direction and day to day operations of the Orchestra as they seek to achieve the mission of realizing the healing art of music.  They will be responsible for growing and sustaining the institution while achieving impact within the community.  They report to the Chair of the Board of Directors, and through them, to the volunteer Board, which meets quarterly from September–May.  The Executive Director will be responsible for the executive business management of the orchestra and its $300,000 annual operating budget.  The Executive Director will work closely with the Music Director and manage a part-time Operations Manager.  Together, they will form an effective team of public advocates for the orchestra.  The Executive Director will work from the LSO office in West Newton, MA with some flexibility for remote work.  No travel required.  Specific responsibilities include:

BOARD MANAGEMENT

  • Serve as a catalyst for Board engagement and execution of initiatives; collaborate with Board of Directors and its Committees;

  • Work in partnership with the Board Chair, the Executive Committee, the Board and the Music Director to advance the long-term future of the organization; and

  • Manage an ongoing strategic initiative process at the Board level.

DEVELOPMENT

  • Prepare detailed annual fundraising projections for contributed income from board and major donors, annual fund, special events, foundations, corporations, government sources, and concert program book advertisements;

  • Write and submit all fundraising proposals, reports, compliance documents, renewals, and annual fund mailings;

  • Design and execute special development campaigns, including the Annual Appeal;

  • Design and execute special events, such as galas, chamber performances, and development activities;

  • Identify prospective donors and develop and execute ongoing cultivation and solicitation activities for each prospect;

  • Manage and improve online solicitation mechanisms such as e-solicitations, website, and social media fundraising;

  • Manage organizational gift administration and accounting to federal compliance standards for charitable giving; and

  • Utilize ArtsPeople, a customer relationship management program, to manage and record giving.

MARKETING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS

  • Prepare detailed annual income projections in cooperation with the Finance Committee and Treasurer for earned income from subscriptions, single ticket sales, fee engagements, chamber music performances, and other sources;

  • Produce, print, and mail marketing sales materials, including subscription brochures and concert posters, etc.;

  • Use MailChimp to produce, email, and track marketing outreach to engage with past, present, and potential audience members

  • Promote the orchestra’s activities through media releases and social media outreach, and liaise with key media contacts on promotion;

  • Update the orchestra’s website and social media on a regular basis;

  • Negotiate competitive pricing and manage year-round projects with marketing vendors such as advertising platforms, mailing house, printers, etc.;

  • Utilize ArtsPeople, manage ticket sales, including ticketing administration, credit card processing, VIP seating, and front of house

FINANCE & LEGAL AFFAIRS

  • Prepare detailed annual income projections in cooperation with the Finance Committee and Treasurer for earned income from subscriptions, single ticket sales, fee engagements, chamber music performances, and other sources;

  • Prepare detailed annual operating budgets for approval and manage the orchestra to agreed budgets;

  • Manage the Orchestra’s daily financial affairs through Quickbooks Online, including accounts payable and receivable;

  • Manage month-end financial closes and prepare monthly financial statements for Finance Committee review;

  • Manage organizational cash flows, payroll, and day-to-day cash handling;

  • Manage annual organizational compliance with federal, state, and local taxation and charitable requirements in cooperation with the Board and outside legal counsel;

  • Manage the preparation of annual financial statements with the Orchestra’s outside accounting firm; and

  • Work with outside legal counsel to draft legal contracts and agreements for key organizational relationships.

CONCERT PRODUCTION

  • Support the Operations Manager and the Music Director in the recruitment of musicians for each concert, chamber music, and fee engagement program;

  • Negotiate and execute annual legal contracts with New England Conservatory’s Jordan Hall (performance venue), Boston Latin School (rehearsal venue), guest artists, and other production-related vendors;

  • Attend selected rehearsals, selected LSO on Call/Chamber Players performances, and all Orchestra performances; and

  • Maintain an ongoing and productive relationship with the Music Director and Operations Manager regarding smooth concert production.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

  • With the Board, manage the selection process for Healing Art of Music program community partners;

  • Cultivate relationships in the Boston area to create a pool of potential community partners; and

  • Actively engage with community partners’ staff, board, and planning committees in the community partners’ utilization of an LSO concert as a special fundraising event.

ADMINISTRATION, VOLUNTEER MANAGEMENT & HUMAN RESOURCES

  • Manage the daily operations of the orchestra’s business office and its personnel; and

  • Recruit and manage staff, orchestra volunteers, and interns as appropriate.

  • Use various software tools including Google Suite, Quickbooks, ArtsPeople, MailChimp and Excel

     

QUALIFICATIONS

This is an opportunity for a leadership role in a major national metropolis with a small but successful institution situated at the center of Boston’s cultural and healthcare life. The successful candidate will have 2 or more years of previous arts management and/or development experience and have a love for classical music.  They will be dynamic, motivated, communicative, enthusiastic and a self-starter. A track record of successful fundraising and marketing, including engaging social media to cultivate audience growth, is preferred. They will be able to relate well to the orchestra’s highly educated healthcare practitioner members and supporters, as well as to the orchestra’s audiences.  They will be a natural communicator, able to relate well and feel comfortable with individuals from many backgrounds.

COMPENSATION & TIMELINE

This position offers a competitive compensation package as well as paid vacation and public holidays. Compensation range for this role is $57,000-$63,000 and an offer will be commensurate with experience. The successful applicant will begin work in Boston during January 2025.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested candidates should electronically submit a cover letter, resume, and professional references in PDF form to Emma Doggett, Vice Chair of the Board of Directors, at search@longwoodsymphony.org. No hard copy applications, please.  Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis with a priority deadline of October 18. This position is open until filled.

All expressions of interest and conversations will be held in the strictest confidence; references will not be contacted without the candidate’s permission.

We are seeking an addition to our team who helps us celebrate all dimensions of diversity. If you’re excited about this role, we encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet all the qualifications. We look forward to hearing from you!

Longwood Symphony Orchestra is a registered 501(c)(3) not for profit organization and an equal opportunity employer. Longwood Symphony provides equal opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, mental or physical disability, pregnancy, military or veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by state or federal law.  This policy also prohibits employees from harassing any other employees for any reason, including but not limited to rate, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disabled status.

Click on the link below to see the full job description: https://longwoodsymphony.org/employment

Longwood Symphony Executive Director position

Image Credit: LSO logo