Executive Director – Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra

Description

WINNIPEG SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA (WSO) is seeking a creative, dynamic, and collaborative individual to serve as its next Executive Director. Reporting to the Board of Directors and working in partnership with the Music Director, the Executive Director will be responsible for managing all operational components of the WSO. The Executive Director will be a leader in the Winnipeg arts community, with a strong commitment to engaging with orchestras and musicians across Canada and internationally. The ideal candidate will have a drive to build public- and private-sector support to deliver on strategic priorities and embrace collaboration with the WSO team to maximize earned and contributed revenue while achieving organizational success.

As the management leader of WSO, the Executive Director will play a crucial role in planning for the organization’s overall advancement. Supporting and partnering with musicians, staff, the board, and volunteers, the Executive Director will implement the strategic plan while building a thriving, creative, and diverse culture that serves musicians, audiences, stakeholders, and the Winnipeg community. The Executive Director will conceptualize and implement a plan to continue growing the WSO’s objectives while leading and motivating a highly effective management team to devise and execute successful strategies.

This is an exciting and unique opportunity for a professional arts executive who can bring together their vision, experience, and passion for music in Winnipeg and Canada. The Executive Director must have an interest in orchestral music, be invested in the success and growth of the WSO and find personal fulfillment in being part of its future.

Role and Responsibilities – WSO Executive Director

In partnership with the Music Director and the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will further the goals of the orchestra’s 2024-2029 strategic plan, which includes a transformational campaign, including endowment and facilities, as a joint venture with the Performing Arts Consortium of Winnipeg Inc. (PAC).  This $60m project will transform the Pantages Theatre into a 1,100-seat acoustically appropriate orchestral hall for the WSO and for widespread community use (anticipated occupancy 2028-29). With close to 30% of the goal already committed, the incumbent will help to build upon the work of a team of dedicated champions, including the outgoing Executive Director.

The new Executive Director also develops and executes the annual business strategies of the WSO and has responsibility and oversight for all board, financial, production and performance and business operations. Working with the board, highly skilled musicians and stellar guest artists, a dynamic administrative staff of 23 full-time dedicated individuals, plus part-time teachers, staff and volunteers, the Executive Director will advance the WSO in the community, and act with the Music Director and Chair as the senior representative for fundraising and public relations.

The Executive Director will support, guide, and direct the WSO’s commitment in continuing to evolve the role of a modern symphony orchestra in a dynamic and changing community.

DIRECT REPORTS: Senior Director, Finance and Administration / Senior Director, Public Engagement and Facilities / Director of Program Planning / Director of Production and Operations / Director of Education & Community (vacant)

Responsibilities

Leadership

• In collaboration with the Music Director, articulates and portrays a clear vision that demonstrates the WSO’s values of excellence, innovation, engagement, and integrity.
• Ensures that all events (concerts, rehearsals, tours, run outs, and special events) run smoothly, effectively and in a financially responsible manner.
• Develops strategies and policies for consideration by the Board, including governance-related best practices.
• Is an ambassador for the organization and the public-facing spokesperson for the organization.
• Oversees public relations with patrons and donors, and ensures the smooth execution of sales, and information systems and security.
• Oversees negotiations of the collective agreement with the musicians’ union (CFM) in collaboration with Human Resources and Artistic Production, as well as for WSO’s stage manager and stage supervisor (IATSE).
• With the Music Director, takes mutual responsibility to maintain a cooperative relationship and advance the best interests of the organization.

Financial Management

• Leads WSO activities in alignment with the strategic and business plans, and budgets approved by the Board.
• Works closely with the Senior Director of Finance and Operations to ensure solid financial and business operations of the organization, including financial planning, control and reporting, annual operating budget, long-range plan and financial projections.
• Works to ensure the financial sustainability of the WSO while increasing the financial position/capacity of the organization.
• Ensures that financial reporting accurately reflect the organization’s up-to-date financial position as much as possible.
• Identifies risks and implements risk management and mitigation strategies.
• Ensures WSO’s compliance with federal and provincial charitable organization provisions.

Fundraising

• Establishes fundraising targets with the development team and is ultimately responsible for reaching fundraising goals.
• Oversees the development, management and implementation of the fundraising program, including grants, government and corporate relations and individual benefactors.
• Develops and maintains strategic partnerships and relationships with government agencies and corporate partners.

Marketing & Communications

• Along with the Music Director and in collaboration with the Senior Director of Public Engagement, shares the responsibility as the primary spokesperson for the WSO.
• Stays abreast of marketing and communication activities including public relations, advertising, season subscription and renewal campaigns, ticket sales, audience research, new subscriber activities.
• Ensures that the WSO’s values of excellence, innovation, engagement and integrity inform all communications and volunteer activities.
• Works with the Music Director to market the WSO locally and across Canada.

Community Outreach & Education

• Ensures the development, administration, promotion and evaluation of education and outreach programs.
• Represents the WSO to other arts, education and civic institutions to promote constructive and beneficial working partnerships in the community.
• Ensures community engagement and education programs align with WSO’s values and strategic goals, including building inclusivity with diverse and Indigenous partners.

Human Resource Management

In collaboration with the Director of Human Resources:

• Hires, trains and evaluates those reporting to the Executive Director.
• Ensures compliance with various collective agreements.
• Establishes and enhances an environment of appreciation and gratitude for supporters and volunteers throughout the organization.
• Creates an appropriate environment to stimulate employee morale and productivity.
• Continues to build on a workplace culture that encourages creative thinking, anticipates demands and seizes future opportunities.