Lafayette, Indiana
Atlanta-in office, Georgia
Seattle, Washington
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Posted: 26-Nov-25
Location: Norwalk, Connecticut
Type: Full Time
Salary: 75,000-100,000
Preferred Education:
Additional Information:
The Executive Director serves as the chief administrative officer of the Norwalk Symphony Orchestra (Symphony), providing strategic leadership and operational oversight to advance the organization’s mission and vision. This position requires effective collaboration with the Board of Governors, Music Director, and other stakeholders to ensure excellence in programming, community engagement, and financial sustainability.
With an annual operating budget exceeding $500,000, the Symphony performs five-six Main
Series season concerts, a summer Pops concert, chamber performances, collaborates with the
New England Academy of Dance, and delivers impactful youth education programs, including (Not) Just for Kids, Master Class programs, the Young Artists Festival, and the Concerto
Key Responsibilities:
Leadership and Governance:
- Collaborate with the Board of Governors to establish and execute strategic plans.
- Serve as the primary liaison between the Board and staff, providing regular updates on finances, operations, and organizational health.
- Support Board development by identifying and cultivating potential members, encouraging active participation in fundraising and governance.
- Attend all Board and Executive Committee meetings, offering insights and recommendations to support decision-making.
- Attend other Board committee meetings as necessary.
Financial Management:
- Act as the chief financial officer, overseeing budgeting, financial reporting, and compliance with all applicable regulations.
- Prepare and monitor the annual operating budget in partnership with the Board Finance Committee and Music Director.
- Ensure sound financial practices, including bookkeeping, cash flow management, and grant compliance.
- Secure appropriate insurance, licenses, and agreements to safeguard the organization’s assets and operations.
Fundraising and Development:
- Lead and implement fundraising initiatives, including donor cultivation, grant writing, sponsorships, and special events.
- Collaborate with the Board Development Committee to identify and pursue funding opportunities.
- Develop and maintain effective donor communication and recognition programs.
- Act as the orchestra’s ambassador, building relationships with individual donors, corporate sponsors, and community partners.
Artistic Administration:
- Build a strong working relationship with the Music Director to achieve the orchestra’s artistic goals.
- Negotiate contracts for guest artists, ensembles, and musicians within budgetary constraints.
- Coordinate the logistics of concerts and special events, ensuring high-quality production.
Marketing and Public Relations:
- Oversee the development and implementation of a comprehensive marketing and branding strategy with the Board Marketing Committee.
- Oversee ticket sales operations, including subscription campaigns and single-ticket sales.
- Cultivate relationships with media outlets to enhance the orchestra’s visibility and reputation.
- Oversee the creation of promotional materials, including program books, brochures, and digital content.
Administrative Management:
- Supervise and evaluate staff, ensuring a collaborative and productive work environment.
- Develop and implement efficient operational systems to maximize organizational effectiveness.
- Stay informed on trends and technologies to enhance operations and audience engagement.
- Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal labor laws and regulations.
Education and Community Engagement:
- Collaborate with the Music Director and Education Committee to design and implement impactful education programs.
- Secure funding for educational initiatives through grants and partnerships.
- Evaluate and expand educational offerings based on community needs and organizational resources.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
- Minimum of five years of leadership experience in a performing arts or nonprofit organization.
- Proven expertise in financial management, fundraising, and organizational development.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and engage diverse stakeholders.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, QuickBooks, and social media platforms; experience with donor management software is a plus.
- Familiarity with the operations and culture of symphony orchestras is highly desirable.
This job description is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of the Executive Director role at the Norwalk Symphony Orchestra. It may be modified to meet the evolving needs of the organization.