Executive Director for the Nashville Civic Orchestra

THE POSITION
The Executive Director is NCO’s first full‑time hire. This is a founding‑stage role: the ED will take over the building of NCO’s administrative infrastructure from the Board President while partnering closely with the Artistic Director to bring the inaugural season to life. The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors per NCO’s bylaws.

Operations & Administration

Build and manage NCO’s administrative systems, records, policies, and day‑to‑day operations

Serve as the organizational point of contact for venues, vendors, contractors, and community partners

Administer NCO’s digital platforms including Google Workspace, project management tools, and the website

Support the Board’s organizational compliance requirements concerning contracts, insurance, operational risks and any other areas as assigned

Finance

Develop the annual operating budget alongside the Treasurer and Finance Committee for Board approval

Manage accounts payable and receivable, financial reporting, and cash flow

Administer Section Leader per‑service pay, NCO Fellows stipend disbursement, and any compensation for guest artists and composers

Fundraising & Development

Lead grant research, writing, submission, and reporting in coordination with the Fundraising Committee

Develop and manage individual donor and corporate sponsor relationships

Coordinate development activity with the Finance Committee and Board

Marketing & Communications

Oversee marketing strategy, website, email, and social media in coordination with the Marketing Committee and social media sub‑contractor.

Manage ticketing operations, press outreach, and patron communications

Ensure that the NCO’s professional‑grade brand standards are upheld across all public‑facing channels

Serve as a visible representative of the NCO in the arts, civic, and philanthropic community

Musicians & Concert Production

Manage all operational musician communications following Board‑approved audition decisions

Coordinate rehearsal logistics, music distribution, and season scheduling with the Artistic Director and Librarian

Attend and coordinate venue set‑up and tear‑down for all NCO rehearsals and concerts

Administer guest artist contracts, travel, accommodations, and hospitality

Education & Community

Coordinate school visit logistics, community partnerships, and Open Dress Rehearsal operations

Administer the NCO Fellows Program and university partner relationships

Support all educational outreach initiatives

Board Relations

Prepare Executive Director report for Board meetings

Attend Board meetings as a non‑voting, ex officio member

Implement Board decisions and report on progress, keeping the Board President proactively informed

Engage in and execute long‑range organizational planning in conjunction with the Artistic Director and the Board of Directors

Required Qualifications

3-5 years of nonprofit management or arts administration experience

Demonstrated experience in fundraising, including grant writing and individual donor cultivation

Budget management experience with organizational‑level financial responsibility

Strong written and verbal communication skills; comfortable as a public‑facing organizational representative

Ability to build systems and manage multiple priorities in a fast‑moving environment

Genuine passion for orchestral music and its role in community life

Preferred Qualifications

Familiarity with the professional orchestral or performing arts sector

Experience working with or alongside an Artistic Director

Knowledge of Nashville’s arts, philanthropic, and civic community

Comfort with Google Workspace, BaseCamp, Mailchimp, CRM/donor databases, and ticketing platforms

Nashville, Tennessee

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