Executive Director
League of American Orchestras, Champaign, IL, United States
Position Summary
The Executive Director serves as the chief administrative and operational leader of the orchestra. Reporting to the Board of Directors and working in close partnership with the Music Director, the Executive Director oversees organizational management, financial sustainability, fundraising, and community engagement.
This role requires a collaborative and strategic leader who can balance artistic support with strong operational and financial management. The Executive Director will help strengthen the orchestra’s visibility, expand philanthropic support, and ensure the long-term vitality of the organization.
Key Responsibilities
Organizational Leadership
- Provide strategic and operational leadership for all administrative functions of the
- Oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring effective staffing, systems, and organizational
- Implement strategic priorities and long-term organizational
- Ensure compliance with nonprofit governance and regulatory
Board Partnership
- Work closely with the Board of Directors to advance the orchestra’s mission and strategic
- Prepare reports and attend Board meetings as a key advisor and
- Serve as an ex-officio member of Board
- Support Board development, including recruitment, orientation, and engagement of new
Financial Stewardship
- Develop and manage the annual operating budget in partnership with the
- Maintain strong financial oversight and transparent
- Monitor revenue, expenses, and cash flow to ensure financial
- Support long-term financial planning and
Fundraising and Development
- Lead fundraising efforts, including donor cultivation, sponsorships, and special
- Build and maintain relationships with individual donors, foundations, and corporate
- Collaborate with Board members and volunteers to expand the organization’s fundraising
- Identify and pursue grant opportunities, write grant proposals, and cultivate major
Community Engagement and Public Relations
- Serve as a visible and enthusiastic ambassador for the
- Build relationships with community organizations, cultural institutions, and business
- Promote the orchestra’s mission, performances, and educational
- Strengthen the orchestra’s presence and reputation throughout the
Strategic Growth
- Help shape and implement the orchestra’s long-term strategic
- Align administrative planning with artistic goals and community
- Evaluate organizational performance and identify opportunities for innovation and
Desired Qualifications
The ideal candidate will bring a passion for the arts and a demonstrated record of nonprofit leadership. Competitive candidates will typically have:
- Leadership experience in nonprofit management, arts administration, or a related
- Demonstrated success in fundraising and donor relationship
- Strong financial management and budgeting
- Exceptional communication and relationship-building
- Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, social media tools (Mailchimp or Constant Contact) and Zoom.
- Proficiency with a graphic design program, such as Adobe InDesign, is a
- Creativity in marketing and social media strategies that promote concerts, special events, and prepare printed concert programs.
- Bachelor’s degree required; graduate degree in arts administration, nonprofit management, or business