Posted on February 13, 2026 Written by Aston Magna
Founded in 1972, Aston Magna is among the most respected early music festivals in the United States. Known for its commitment to historically informed performance, scholarly depth, and artistic excellence, Aston Magna presents concerts, recordings, and educational programs featuring leading artists from around the world. The festival is based in the Berkshires and serves a devoted regional and international audience.
Position Summary
The Executive Director is the chief administrative leader of Aston Magna, responsible for the organization’s financial stability, operational effectiveness, and long-term continuity. Working in close partnership with the Artistic Director and the Board of Trustees, the Executive Director advances the artistic mission through effective management, coordination of fundraising efforts, strong marketing and audience development, and the smooth execution of festival operations.
This position is well‑suited for a highly organized arts administrator seeking a flexible leadership role within a distinguished music organization.
Essential Job Functions
Key Responsibilities
Organizational & Board Support
- Implement policies and strategic priorities set by the Board of Trustees.
- Prepare materials and reports for board and committee meetings.
- Serve as a central point of coordination among Board, Artistic Director, and other staff.
- Develop, manage, and monitor the annual operating budget in collaboration with the Treasurer, Artistic Director, and Board of Trustees.
- Oversee bookkeeping, cash flow, financial reporting, and audit or financial review.
- Manage general office administration and coordinate administrative support, volunteers, or contractors as applicable.
- Ensure compliance with nonprofit, tax, and regulatory requirements.
- Cultivate and steward relationships with donors and funders.
- Oversee donor communications, campaigns, annual appeals, and special fundraising events.
- Maintain donor records and oversee acknowledgments and communications.
- Support major gift cultivation in partnership with Board leadership.
Festival Operations
- Manage logistical planning for the annual summer festival including venues, contracts, travel, housing, and artist services.
- Oversee artist, vendor, and venue contracts.
- Ensure smooth execution of festival operations, including venues, logistics, and artist services.
Marketing & External Relations
- Oversee marketing and communications efforts, including email campaigns, website updates, and press coordination.
- Support audience development and ticket sales initiatives.
- Serve as a public‑facing representative of Aston Magna as needed.
Qualifications
- At least five years of nonprofit arts administration or management experience.
- Experience with budgeting, financial oversight, and nonprofit operations.
- Experience with fundraising and donor relations.
- Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to manage increased workload during the festival season.
- Knowledge of early music strongly preferred.
Skills
- In addition to the skills that go with the above qualifications, experience with maximizing social media will be paramount.
- Must be a good writer and must like interacting with people (i.e. being personable and friendly, especially in the “fundraising” portion of the job).
Other Information
The hours are greatest from May through the summer (fundraising for summer festival/preparation for festival: eblasts; artist and venue contracts; traveling to Newton; attending concerts and facilitating post‑concert receptions; special events like Arts Week/Great Barrington; advertising, etc.); and November through January: annual appeal, acknowledgement letters). Fewer hours from February to mid‑March.
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