This is a full-time, exempt position. Starting salary range is $72,000 - 82,000, commensurate with experience.
Required Education:
4 Year Degree
Bellingham Symphony Orchestra seeks Executive Director
The Bellingham Symphony Orchestra is an enthusiastic and thriving community-based orchestra that features an extraordinary level of talent in its ~80 players, and attracts soloists of international stature such as Gil Shaham, Jennifer Koh, Anthony McGill, and James Ehnes. It is financially stable, with healthy reserves and an annual operating budget of approximately $700,000. The BSO is the resident orchestra of the historic Mount Baker Theatre in Bellingham, WA.
Bellingham is located between the Vancouver B.C. and Seattle metropolitan areas, nestled on the shores of Puget Sound and in the shadow of majestic Mount Baker (Kulshan). It offers a rich variety of recreational, cultural, and educational activities, as well as natural beauty and exceptional schools. Bellingham regularly tops lists of “Best Places to Live,” and is ranked the second best arts community in the country (based on the number of active arts businesses per capita).
The current season is the 48th for the orchestra, and the 10th with Yaniv Attar as Music Director. Juilliard-trained, Attar is beloved by audiences and players alike for his engaging podium style and programming that honors the classical canon while celebrating contemporary works and commissioned pieces. The 2023-24 season also features the ninth year of the Harmony from Discord program, honoring the works of those who composed in the face of oppression, and celebrating the power of music to overcome adversity. The BSO’s Youth and Community Engagement program, including the Bellingham Youth Chamber Players, extends outside of the concert hall and into local schools and the broader community. More information about the BSO can be found at www.bellinghamsymphony.org.
Position Summary:
The Executive Director is the chief administrative officer, reporting to the Board of Directors and collaborating closely with the Music Director. This position is an essential part of the organization’s leadership team, ensuring the BSO meets its mission, vision, and strategic goals while maintaining financial sustainability. The organization seeks a dynamic leader who is skilled at working with diverse groups, well-versed in classical music and arts leadership, and comfortable engaging in the community and supervising staff both in person and remotely.
Essential Job Functions:
Organizational Leadership
Provide positive, effective organizational leadership to create a healthy work environment that motivates and retains quality staff and volunteers, providing capacity for delivering on the organizational objectives.
Recruit, select, and manage all staff personnel, establishing specific performance objectives and milestones for the team and individuals, and providing feedback on performance.
Manage human resources for the organization, in accordance with all applicable laws, regulations and BSO policies. Make recommendations to the Board.
Work with the board Governance Committee to ensure organization policies and staffing meet the needs of the BSO.
Recruit, negotiate, and draft contracts, managing independent contractors (with the exception of the Music Director).
Report to the Board of Directors and BSO committees. Interface between Board and Staff.
Carry out the strategic plan and work with the Strategic Planning Committee on development and oversight of the strategic plan.
Collaborate with players and the Players Committee to promote player motivation, retention, and performance.
Financial Management
Prepare and administer the annual operating budget in collaboration with the Finance Committee and Staff.
Monitor financials (income and expenses) throughout the year, proposing budget adjustments as needed.
Ensure timely filing of nonprofit and tax reports, retain insurance as required by the organization, and maintain oversight of all BSO assets and instruments.
Oversee the preparation of the annual IRS Form 990, in conjunction with the outside CPA.
Monitor the organization’s endowment funds, making recommendations to the Finance Committee.
Resource Development
Lead development strategies to steward existing relationships while researching and cultivating new prospects for individual, corporate, and foundation support. Work with staff to solicit sponsorship for current BSO programs and new initiatives as needed.
Develop and lead fundraising appeals in conjunction with brand marketing and public relations messaging.
Work closely with the Board and Development Committee to plan and execute special events and fundraising efforts throughout the season.
Community and Public Relations
Build mutually beneficial relationships with the Mount Baker Theatre and other arts and cultural organizations throughout the community. Increase the orchestra’s profile throughout Whatcom County and the region, by strengthening connections with stakeholders, community members, and elected officials.
Represent the organization professionally to businesses, coalitions, and community organizations active within the area.
Oversee the BSO’s Youth & Community Engagement programs, and including but not limited to Musicians in the Schools, Trailblazers, Classical Around Town, and the Bellingham Youth Chamber Players program.
Artistic Planning
Develop and sustain a close collaborative relationship with the Music Director.
Estimate expenses and prepare a preliminary artistic budget in conjunction with Staff and the Artistic Planning Committee.
Build relationships with artists and agents. Negotiate, draft, and execute contracts for guest artists based on the Board-approved Artistic Plan.
Explore new programming and presenting activities as they become available.
Other duties as assigned
Performance Requirements:
Management skills: planning, organizing, directing, and evaluating; interpersonal sensitivity; oral and written communications; problem solving and decision-making; time management.
Knowledge of the principles and practices of nonprofit management.
Develop a working knowledge of orchestral functioning and orchestra management.
Work collaboratively with the Board, staff, and volunteers and community leaders.
Creativity and innovation, especially as applied to program, organizational, and fund development.
Develop a working knowledge of the Bellingham and Whatcom community and the broader arts community in the Pacific Northwest.
Ability to self-direct and manage time effectively in order to complete work plans and accomplish strategic goals.
Knowledge and skill in developing and managing the organization’s finances and budget.
Confidence in public speaking and serving as an ambassador for the BSO in public spaces.
Qualifications:
A proven record of fundraising success; experience soliciting and bringing new donors to an organization is preferred.
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in the arts, management, business, or a related field; an advanced degree in a related field preferred.
At least five years leadership experience or equivalent in the nonprofit arts sector.
Organizational financial management experience including budget development, tracking, and oversight.
Experience with studying or performing orchestral music is preferred.
Experience building consensus among diverse groups of interested parties is desired.
A basic working knowledge of Microsoft Office programs and Google Drive is required.
Supervisory and Reporting Relationships:
The Executive Director oversees all paid employees of the organization, as well as independent contractors, with the exception of the Music Director. The Executive Director works closely with the Music Director (who works under a multi-year contract), and reports to the Board of Directors. The BSO organization does not include a separate Artistic Director role.
Hours and Working Conditions:
This is a full-time exempt position based in Bellingham, Washington. Hours will vary throughout the year.
Evening and weekend time is expected, especially during performance weeks. Workplace is a combination of an in person office environment and remote work using electronic communication, as well as in various community environments. The proportion of any remote work is established under the guidance of the Board and must reflect the leadership and community relations responsibilities of this role.
Application process:
Please submit the following by October 9. Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Materials may be sent to jobs@bellinghamsymphony.org:
Resume
Cover letter describing your affinity, experience, and work in the arts & culture and/or non-profit sector
Responses to the following prompts (separate from cover letter, no more than 500 words per response):
Describe your experience managing and overseeing an organizational budget in excess of $250,000.
Please provide two examples of successful fundraising campaigns and briefly explain why you consider them successful.
Describe your approach to leading and managing a team in order to achieve results.
Professional references will be required upon request.
Applications will be reviewed and interviews scheduled on an ongoing basis.
The Bellingham Symphony Orchestra is an equal opportunity employer.
The Bellingham Symphony Orchestra is an enthusiastic and thriving community-based orchestra that features an extraordinary level of talent in its ~80 players, and attracts soloists of international stature such as Gil Shaham, Jennifer Koh, Anthony McGill, and James Ehnes. It is financially stable, with healthy reserves and an annual operating budget of approximately $700,000. The BSO is the resident orchestra of the historic Mount Baker Theatre in Bellingham, WA.
More information about the BSO can be found at www.bellinghamsymphony.org.
