LONGWOOD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, the acclaimed orchestra of Boston’s medical community with a 42-year history of artistic and community achievement, seeks a results-driven, energetic and enthusiastic individual to serve as the orchestra’s full-time Executive Director. The orchestra has ambitious plans for future growth, and seeks a dynamic individual who can lead, guide, and partner with the Board to increase the scope of the orchestra’s public services and expand its public profile.
Founded in 1982, the Longwood Symphony continues in its 2024-25 season with national and international recognition for its unique dual mission of fostering musical excellence while promoting and supporting health-related nonprofit organizations in the Greater Boston area. Among its honors: in 2010, the orchestra received the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ highest state government recognition, the Massachusetts Cultural Council Commonwealth Award, for its longstanding contributions to medicine and music; in 2007, the orchestra won the League of American Orchestras’ national MetLife Excellence in Community Engagement Award.
The orchestra’s flagship public performance program is its “Healing Art of Music™” initiative, which was founded in 1991 and presents four subscription concerts annually in New England Conservatory’s Jordan Hall, as well as a summer performance. Music Director Jotaro Nakano joined the LSO as its artistic leader in 2023 and conducts all performances. Each concert benefits a health-related nonprofit organization, and since its inception, the program has raised more than $2.8 million for its community partners while presenting works from across the symphonic spectrum and featuring renowned soloists from Boston and beyond. The orchestra has also toured internationally, including a 2008 tour to the United Kingdom to present musical and medical programs.
The orchestra’s distinctive “LSO On Call” chamber music program takes small ensembles into hospices, hospitals and rehabilitation centers for intimate free performances.
The orchestra is led by a volunteer Board of Directors, and has an annual budget of approximately $300,000. The Executive Director works in partnership with the Board and Music Director Jotaro Nakano; they are supported by a part-time Operations Manager. The Executive Director is a key organizational leader, central public advocate and fundraiser for the orchestra and its mission, with a special personal ability to lead and inspire volunteers.
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.
