Executive Director

Position Summary

The Executive Director is responsible for advancing the LaPorte County Symphony Orchestra's mission through strategic leadership, financial stewardship, fundraising, marketing, community engagement, and operational excellence. Working in close partnership with the Board of Directors and Music Director, the Executive Director provides leadership that strengthens the organization's financial sustainability, community presence, and artistic impact.

The Executive Director fosters a collaborative culture, builds strong relationships with patrons, musicians, volunteers, community leaders, and business partners, and ensures the long-term success of the organization through strategic planning and effective management.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategic Execution

• Provide visionary leadership to advance the organization’s strategic priorities, strengthen its financial sustainability and position it for long-term growth.
• Partner with the Board of Directors to develop and implement strategic, financial, and operational plans.
• Cultivate a strong partnership with the Board through transparent communication and mutual accountability to advance organizational priorities.
• Serve as the primary liaison between the Board and the orchestral direction of the Music Director.
• Foster a collaborative, high-performing organizational culture built on accountability, transparency, and teamwork.
• Represent the organization as a visible and credible ambassador throughout the community.

Fundraising & Marketing

• Lead all fundraising initiatives including annual campaigns, major gifts, corporate sponsorships, planned giving, endowment efforts, special events, and donor stewardship programs.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors, sponsors, foundations, and community partners.
• Research, prepare, and submit grant applications.
• Develop and execute comprehensive marketing and audience development strategies to increase visibility, engagement, subscriptions, and ticket sales.
• Oversee concert programs, advertising, promotional materials, digital communications, website content, and social media platforms.
• Collaborate with the Music Director on media relations, public appearances, and promotional opportunities.

Financial & Administrative Management

• Provide strategic oversight of the organization’s financial resources, ensuring fiscal stability, accountability, and long-term sustainability.
• Prepare annual operating budgets for Board approval and provide monthly financial reporting and forecasting.
• Ensure sound financial management practices, internal controls, and compliance with applicable policies and regulations.
• Monitor revenues and expenditures and authorize expenses within approved budget parameters.
• Develop and implement short- and long-term organizational, operational, and personnel plans.
• Direct the day-to-day operations of the organization and oversee administrative staff.
• Foster professional growth, development, and performance excellence within the team.
• Serve as an ex-officio member of the Board of Directors and its committees.

Concert Operations & Production

• Partner with the Music Director and Board to identify and secure the annual performance program for the orchestra.
• Negotiate and manage venue leases, performance agreements, and related production contracts.
• Direct ticket sales, volunteers, front-of-house operations, and all aspects of concert logistics to ensure exceptional audience experiences.

Artistic Administration

• Collaborate with the Music Director in the selection and engagement of guest artists, guest conductors, ensembles, and repertoire that support artistic excellence.
• Negotiate and administer contracts for guest artists and artistic personnel within approved budget guidelines.
• Maintain and administer musician policies and support positive musician relations.
• Facilitate effective communication among artistic leadership, musicians, staff, and board members.

Leadership Competencies

Strong candidates will possess:

• Proven nonprofit leadership experience, preferably within arts, cultural, educational, or community-based organizations.
• Strategic thinking and planning capabilities, with the ability to translate vision into measurable results.
• Demonstrated success in fundraising initiatives ranging from annual campaigns and corporate sponsorships, to special events and donor stewardship programs.
• Financial management expertise, including budgeting, forecasting, and organizational stewardship.
• A collaborative leadership style that builds trust, engages stakeholders, and empowers teams.
• Strong community credibility and the ability to cultivate meaningful relationships with donors, business leaders, civic organizations, and community partners.
• A passion for the performing arts and a commitment to the organization's mission and values.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree
• Proven fundraising track record, including major gifts, sponsorships, grants, donor development, and campaigns
• Supervisory experience
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Computer literacy with Microsoft Word, Excel, SharePoint and Quick Books Online Version preferred

Pay: $60,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule
• Health savings account
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

Work Location: In person