Posted: 09-Jul-25
Location: Tulsa, Oklahoma
Type: Full Time
Salary: $140,000 to $160,000
Salary Details:
Required Education:
Aspen Leadership Group is pleased to partner with the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra in the search for an Executive Director.
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will serve as the chief administrative officer of the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra (TSO), responsible for the management of the orchestra’s human and financial resources and for leading, facilitating, and coordinating all aspects of its operations. The Executive Director will provide leadership and vision to ensure that the TSO realizes its strategic goals and mission while remaining aligned with its core value of excellence supported by community service, community engagement, integration, good stewardship, and financial integrity. This role differs from the traditional orchestra model in its consensus model which defines relationships within a musician-integrated model of self-governance. The musician-integrated Artistic Committee functions in lieu of an Artistic Director. The Executive Director will lead in a hands-on and decisive manner, overseeing finances and administrative issues related to the staff and personnel. The Executive Director will serve as a key leadership figure in fund development and as a dynamic representative and public spokesperson for TSO. The Executive Director will be a listener, contributor, facilitator, coordinator, and collaborative team member when working with orchestra governance committees that include the Artistic Committee, the Musicians’ Committee, and the Personnel Advisory Committee. This structural model ensures and encourages musician involvement, engagement, and investment at all levels, and requires an Executive Director that is fully committed to and supportive of this collaborative partnership.
Tulsa is a musical city — from the Tulsa Sound to Western Swing to Classical to Jazz. At the heart of today’s music scene is the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra. Since its founding in 2005 with a fresh and innovative governance model, TSO has been dedicated to serving the community. Its classics and pops concerts, chamber series, and outdoor concerts are highly acclaimed. Through strategic partnerships with Tulsa Ballet, Tulsa Opera, Tulsa Chorale, through its chamber orchestra series at the University of Tulsa known as TSO@TU, and even on-stage collaborations with touring bands like The Eagles and Hanson, TSO has demonstrated its commitment to partnerships that strengthen the entire arts community. In 2015, in partnership with Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute, TSO launched its Link-Up education program that now serves every elementary school in Tulsa Public Schools and nine surrounding school districts. In the wake of national COVID-19 shutdowns, TSO became the first major orchestra in the country to perform in front of a live audience, when it presented a concert featuring pianist Yefim Bronfman at ONEOK Field on September 5, 2020. In recent seasons, TSO has performed radio and TV concerts and participated in the commemoration of the Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial by hosting Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra to perform Marsalis’ “All Rise” symphony.
A bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least five years of experience in a senior management role, such as Chief Executive Officer or Executive Director, at a performing arts or similar nonprofit or higher education organization, is preferred for this position. The Tulsa Symphony Orchestra will consider candidates with a broad range of backgrounds. If you are excited about this role and feel that you can contribute to TSO, but your experience does not exactly align with every qualification listed above, we encourage you to apply. All applications must be accompanied by a cover letter and resume. Cover letters should be responsive to the mission of the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra as well as the responsibilities and the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra is committed to the inclusion of all qualified candidates. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, or participating in the selection process, please contact Chris Wingert at chriswingert@aspenleadershipgroup.com.