Executive Director - Musica Viva NY
League of American Orchestras, new york, ny, United States
Position Overview
The Executive Director (ED) is the senior administrative leader of MVNY and reports directly to the Board of Directors. Working in close partnership with the Artistic Director, the ED is responsible for fundraising growth, financial and operational management, and external communications in support of MVNY’s mission and long-term sustainability. This is a part‑time position without benefits (averaging 20 hours per week, but with potentially large variability to achieve that average).
Key Responsibilities
Fundraising & Development (≈45%)
- Lead and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy
- Cultivate, solicit, and steward individual donors, with focus on mid‑level and major gifts
- Partner with Board members on donor engagement and solicitations
- Oversee grants, including proposals and reporting
- Manage fundraising campaigns, events, and special appeals
- Track and report fundraising results to the Board
Finance & Operations (≈40%)
- Prepare and manage the annual budget (approximately $200‑300k base, with an ambition for further growth)
- Monitor cash flow and financial performance; provide timely financial reports
- Oversee accounting, payroll, audits, tax filings, insurance, and contracts
- Maintain internal controls and sound risk management practices
- Manage vendors and administrative systems
- Work with the Artistic Director, Production Manager, and Marketing Director to plan and budget for annual concert season
- Provide onsite support during concert week and on concert day
Communications & External Relations (≈15%)
- Serve as an external representative of Musica Viva NY with the Artistic Director
- Oversee marketing and communications (email, website, social media), working with the Production Manager, the volunteer Marketing Director, the external Press Representative and the social media administrator
- Ensure consistent messaging aligned with mission and fundraising goals
- Support audience development and donor communications
- Coordinate consultants and service providers as needed
Leadership & Governance
- Act as a trusted partner to the Board of Directors
- Support effective governance through transparency and timely reporting
- Support Board committees (Development, Finance, Nominating) as needed
Qualifications
- Experience in nonprofit fundraising, preferably in arts or cultural organizations
- Strong financial management and budgeting skills
- Familiarity with Quickbooks, Zoom and Ovation (CRM) a plus
- Excellent written and verbal communication abilities
- Ability to work independently in a part‑time leadership role
- Collaborative style and comfort working with Boards and volunteers
- Willingness to engage in hands‑on work
- Experience in, and passion for, music and the performing arts preferred – ideally familiar with classical/choral music in New York City