The Chief Executive Officer will be a visionary, strategic, and community-driven leader responsible for advancing New West Symphony’s mission and ensuring its artistic, financial, and organizational vitality. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the CEO will lead efforts to expand the Symphony’s reach, deepen community engagement, and sustain a financially strong and artistically vibrant organization. The CEO will collaborate closely with the Music Director, Board, and staff to develop innovative artistic and educational initiatives that inspire audiences, unite diverse communities, and uphold the highest standards of artistic excellence. This role requires an entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for the arts’ transformative power to connect people and ideas across cultures.

POSITION DUTIES

RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT:

• Serve as the organization’s chief fundraiser and ambassador to donors, sponsors, and grant-making institutions.
• Sustain revenue generation and financial stewardship.
• Lead the planning and execution of annual and multi-year fundraising campaigns, including major gifts, corporate partnerships, and foundation grants; maximize planned giving.

FISCAL INTEGRITY:

• Work with staff and the Finance Committee to ensure sound financial management, transparent reporting, and justifiable and understandable budgeting.
• Ensure ethical and transparent reporting and communications consistent with best practice.

SUPPORT FOR GOVERNANCE AND PLANNING

• Lead implementation of a strategic plan cycle that ensures organizational sustainability, artistic integrity, and community relevance.
• Identify and pursue new earned revenue opportunities aligned with the organization’s mission and brand.
• Support Board and team leadership and learning; partner with the Board to strengthen governance practices, recruit and train new members, and engage current trustees in meaningful ways.

OUTREACH AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS:

• Strengthen community partnerships and position NWS as a cultural leader and collaborative catalyst in the region.
• Represent NWS as a visible and trusted leader in the community, engaging with civic, cultural, and business organizations.
• Promote NWS as a regional asset that drives artistic innovation, education, and community cohesion, while attracting new residents and visitors to the region.
• Drive marketing and communications strategies that increase visibility, expand audiences, and strengthen the Symphony’s identity.
• Build relationships with underrepresented communities and amplify cultural inclusion through programming and partnerships.

OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT:

• Partner with the Music Director, Board, and staff to achieve long-term artistic, educational, and financial goals.
• Champion artistic innovation that builds new audiences while maintaining loyalty among core supporters.
• Oversee labor relations, including negotiation and administration of collective bargaining agreements.
• Build and nurture a high-performing, collaborative staff culture rooted in respect, innovation, and accountability; encourage teamwork between musicians, staff, and volunteers, fostering a unified organizational vision.
• Prepare and manage the budget, in cooperation with the Treasurer and Finance Committee, as approved by the Board.
• Manage recruitment, evaluation, and exiting of personnel, in alignment with the approved budget
• Support professional development and implement equitable and transparent management practices.
• Maintain support systems for paid and unpaid employees to ensure maximum productivity in today’s workplace .

Requirements of Applicants

• A degree from an accredited college or university in a field related to NWS mission and services [educational qualifications may be waived depending on work history]
• Five years of experience in a senior level of nonprofit administration (with knowledge and experience in the performing arts field) including fundraising, outreach, planning, budgeting and fiscal management, with a minimum of three years of experience at an executive level
• Valid driver’s license, safe driving record, current vehicle insurance, and ability to use personal vehicle for NWS business
• Knowledge of Microsoft Suite and Google Suite is helpful; knowledge of Patron Manager (or similar) fundraising software
• High level of integrity, honesty, dependability, accountability, creativity and confidentiality in performance of duties
• Willingness to travel within NWS’s service area, and beyond for conferences, etc.
• Must be able to pass criminal background check

Qualities we are Seeking

• Understanding of orchestral music industry, performing arts management, and/or related fields
• Exceptional oral and written communication, public speaking, diplomacy, and interpersonal skills with diverse stakeholders
• A collaborative, creative, and mission-driven mindset with the ability to inspire trust and enthusiasm
• Proven ability to innovate and address changes in the field
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills to quickly resolve challenging situations
• Keen ethical grounding and focus on transparency and engagement