Executive Director of the Sioux City Symphony Orchestra
League of American Orchestras, Sioux City, Iowa, United States, 51110
Job Duties and Responsibilities
Planning
Lead the development and implementation of an organization-wide strategic plan aligned with artistic goals, financial sustainability, and community impact.
Translate strategy into annual operating plans with clear goals, timelines, budgets, and success metrics.
Evaluate organizational structure and staffing; recruit, develop, and retain the team needed to deliver the plan.
Board of Directors
Advise the Board on matters within the Executive Director's scope of responsibilities to promote the efficient operation of the orchestra and the delivery to the public of the services the Association was chartered to provide.
Attend all meetings of the Board and Executive Committee; prepare and present reports for all Board and Executive Committee meetings and other committee meetings as required.
Work with the Nominating Committee, help to identify and recruit qualified candidates for Board membership, and assist with new member orientation.
Fundraising and Development/Grant Writing/External Relations
Lead all contributed revenue strategy and execution, including annual giving, major gifts, corporate sponsorships, foundations/government grants, special events, endowment and planned giving, and campaign readiness.
Personally cultivate, solicit, and steward key donors and sponsors; manage a portfolio of prospects and build a sustainable pipeline. Partner with the Board to set fundraising goals, equip and engage board members in meaningful donor work, and provide regular progress reporting.
Oversee grant strategy, writing, reporting, and compliance (directly or through staff/consultants as resources allow). Ensure timely donor acknowledgement, stewardship, and accurate record keeping in the donor database/CRM.
Serve as a primary external ambassador for the organization with community, civic, education, government, and arts partners, guide advocacy strategy as appropriate.
Direct advocacy activities at the local, state, and federal level; monitor legislative activity affecting the orchestra and recommend appropriate action to the Board of Directors.
Administration and Human Resources
Ensure effective day to day operations of the administrative office through strong systems, delegation, and staff supervision.
Provide HR leadership: maintain up to date job descriptions, employee handbook/policies, performance management, coaching, and a legally compliant employment environment.
Oversee patron services and communication to ensure a high quality customer experience; delegate routine correspondence to appropriate staff while remaining accountable for outcomes.
Ensure organizational compliance, risk management, and appropriate insurance coverage; maintain required records and document retention practices.
Maintain sound purchasing and vendor practices, including approval thresholds and budget controls, consistent with board policy.
Develop, implement, and monitor compensation and benefits.
Ensure that all employer responsibilities are met and that the organization complies with all local, state, and federal laws.
Artistic Operations and Music Director Partnership
Partner with the Music Director to translate artistic vision into executable season plans that align with board approved financial parameters and organizational goals.
Lead contracting and logistical planning for guest artists and services (fees, contracts, travel, lodging, hospitality) in coordination with appropriate staff.
Oversee musician contracting and personnel processes (hiring, onboarding, payroll coordination) in partnership with the Personnel Manager and Music Director, consistent with approved budgets and policies.
Serve as principal staff liaison to musicians for policy and nonartistic matters; foster clear communication and positive working relationships.
Production, Venue, and Event Operations
Oversee season production planning and execution, including rehearsal/performance schedules, run of show coordination, staffing plans, and cross department timelines.
Manage venue relationships, leases, and contracts; ensure required permits, licenses, and insurance are secured and compliant.
Ensure technical, stage, and front of house needs are planned and staffed appropriately (staff or contractors), with a focus on safety, quality, and patron experience.
Coordinate broadcast/recording/streaming logistics (as applicable) in partnership with staff and vendors.
Marketing, Communications, and Audience Development
Lead audience development strategy to grow subscriptions, single ticket sales, and community engagement; set annual goals and track performance.
Oversee brand and communications across channels (website, email, social, PR/earned media, paid media, and community partnerships).
Ensure effective use of ticketing and CRM data to drive acquisition, retention, and donor conversion (in coordination with the Box Office/Office Manager).
Collaborate with the Music Director and education team to align messaging, repertoire highlights, and community impact stories.
Finance and Financial Stewardship
Provide overall financial leadership, ensuring accurate accounting, timely reporting, and strong internal controls in partnership with the Treasurer and the Board's Finance Committee.
Lead annual budgeting and forecasting; provide scenario planning and timely updates to the Board on risks, opportunities, and cash flow.
Authorize expenditures within approved budgets and established approval thresholds; ensure appropriate segregation of duties and purchasing controls.
Oversee annual audit/review and tax filings (as applicable) and ensure compliance with grant restrictions and reporting requirements.
Oversee monthly financial statements prepared by the Finance Director, including cash flow projections, for Board review and approve accounts payable and receivable.
Education and Community Impact
Together with the Music Director, provide strategic oversight of education, youth orchestra, and community engagement programs, ensuring high quality, financial sustainability, and measurable impact.
Cultivate school and community partnerships; serve as an organizational ambassador to education stakeholders while delegating day to day coordination to appropriate staff.
Ensure appropriate safeguarding, safety, and program policies for youth programs and teaching activities.
Integrate education initiatives with fundraising and marketing strategies to maximize mission impact and contributed revenue opportunities.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree required, advanced degree preferred.
Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in a performing arts, cultural, or mission driven nonprofit organization.
Demonstrated success leading fundraising, including major gifts and/or corporate sponsorships; ability and willingness to personally solicit gifts.
Strong financial management capability: budgeting, forecasting, cash flow oversight, and partnership with accounting/finance staff and board finance leadership.
Experience working effectively with a Board of Directors, including supporting governance, strategic planning, and board engagement in fundraising.
Exceptional communication skills; confident public presence with donors, sponsors, civic leaders, and the media.
Operational understanding of orchestra production cycles and musician relations; experience with contracting preferred.
Proficiency with CRM/donor databases and comfort using data to guide decisions; strong Microsoft Office skills.
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Lead the development and implementation of an organization-wide strategic plan aligned with artistic goals, financial sustainability, and community impact.
Translate strategy into annual operating plans with clear goals, timelines, budgets, and success metrics.
Evaluate organizational structure and staffing; recruit, develop, and retain the team needed to deliver the plan.
Board of Directors
Advise the Board on matters within the Executive Director's scope of responsibilities to promote the efficient operation of the orchestra and the delivery to the public of the services the Association was chartered to provide.
Attend all meetings of the Board and Executive Committee; prepare and present reports for all Board and Executive Committee meetings and other committee meetings as required.
Work with the Nominating Committee, help to identify and recruit qualified candidates for Board membership, and assist with new member orientation.
Fundraising and Development/Grant Writing/External Relations
Lead all contributed revenue strategy and execution, including annual giving, major gifts, corporate sponsorships, foundations/government grants, special events, endowment and planned giving, and campaign readiness.
Personally cultivate, solicit, and steward key donors and sponsors; manage a portfolio of prospects and build a sustainable pipeline. Partner with the Board to set fundraising goals, equip and engage board members in meaningful donor work, and provide regular progress reporting.
Oversee grant strategy, writing, reporting, and compliance (directly or through staff/consultants as resources allow). Ensure timely donor acknowledgement, stewardship, and accurate record keeping in the donor database/CRM.
Serve as a primary external ambassador for the organization with community, civic, education, government, and arts partners, guide advocacy strategy as appropriate.
Direct advocacy activities at the local, state, and federal level; monitor legislative activity affecting the orchestra and recommend appropriate action to the Board of Directors.
Administration and Human Resources
Ensure effective day to day operations of the administrative office through strong systems, delegation, and staff supervision.
Provide HR leadership: maintain up to date job descriptions, employee handbook/policies, performance management, coaching, and a legally compliant employment environment.
Oversee patron services and communication to ensure a high quality customer experience; delegate routine correspondence to appropriate staff while remaining accountable for outcomes.
Ensure organizational compliance, risk management, and appropriate insurance coverage; maintain required records and document retention practices.
Maintain sound purchasing and vendor practices, including approval thresholds and budget controls, consistent with board policy.
Develop, implement, and monitor compensation and benefits.
Ensure that all employer responsibilities are met and that the organization complies with all local, state, and federal laws.
Artistic Operations and Music Director Partnership
Partner with the Music Director to translate artistic vision into executable season plans that align with board approved financial parameters and organizational goals.
Lead contracting and logistical planning for guest artists and services (fees, contracts, travel, lodging, hospitality) in coordination with appropriate staff.
Oversee musician contracting and personnel processes (hiring, onboarding, payroll coordination) in partnership with the Personnel Manager and Music Director, consistent with approved budgets and policies.
Serve as principal staff liaison to musicians for policy and nonartistic matters; foster clear communication and positive working relationships.
Production, Venue, and Event Operations
Oversee season production planning and execution, including rehearsal/performance schedules, run of show coordination, staffing plans, and cross department timelines.
Manage venue relationships, leases, and contracts; ensure required permits, licenses, and insurance are secured and compliant.
Ensure technical, stage, and front of house needs are planned and staffed appropriately (staff or contractors), with a focus on safety, quality, and patron experience.
Coordinate broadcast/recording/streaming logistics (as applicable) in partnership with staff and vendors.
Marketing, Communications, and Audience Development
Lead audience development strategy to grow subscriptions, single ticket sales, and community engagement; set annual goals and track performance.
Oversee brand and communications across channels (website, email, social, PR/earned media, paid media, and community partnerships).
Ensure effective use of ticketing and CRM data to drive acquisition, retention, and donor conversion (in coordination with the Box Office/Office Manager).
Collaborate with the Music Director and education team to align messaging, repertoire highlights, and community impact stories.
Finance and Financial Stewardship
Provide overall financial leadership, ensuring accurate accounting, timely reporting, and strong internal controls in partnership with the Treasurer and the Board's Finance Committee.
Lead annual budgeting and forecasting; provide scenario planning and timely updates to the Board on risks, opportunities, and cash flow.
Authorize expenditures within approved budgets and established approval thresholds; ensure appropriate segregation of duties and purchasing controls.
Oversee annual audit/review and tax filings (as applicable) and ensure compliance with grant restrictions and reporting requirements.
Oversee monthly financial statements prepared by the Finance Director, including cash flow projections, for Board review and approve accounts payable and receivable.
Education and Community Impact
Together with the Music Director, provide strategic oversight of education, youth orchestra, and community engagement programs, ensuring high quality, financial sustainability, and measurable impact.
Cultivate school and community partnerships; serve as an organizational ambassador to education stakeholders while delegating day to day coordination to appropriate staff.
Ensure appropriate safeguarding, safety, and program policies for youth programs and teaching activities.
Integrate education initiatives with fundraising and marketing strategies to maximize mission impact and contributed revenue opportunities.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree required, advanced degree preferred.
Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in a performing arts, cultural, or mission driven nonprofit organization.
Demonstrated success leading fundraising, including major gifts and/or corporate sponsorships; ability and willingness to personally solicit gifts.
Strong financial management capability: budgeting, forecasting, cash flow oversight, and partnership with accounting/finance staff and board finance leadership.
Experience working effectively with a Board of Directors, including supporting governance, strategic planning, and board engagement in fundraising.
Exceptional communication skills; confident public presence with donors, sponsors, civic leaders, and the media.
Operational understanding of orchestra production cycles and musician relations; experience with contracting preferred.
Proficiency with CRM/donor databases and comfort using data to guide decisions; strong Microsoft Office skills.
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