employment

As NSO’s Executive Director, you will play a critical role in leading our administrative
functions, ensuring financial sustainability, and amplifying our presence as a premier
cultural institution. You will:

• Embody collaborative leadership to inspire a culture of excellence, innovation, teamwork, and respect across the entire NSO community, including our musicians, staff, and stakeholders.
• Conduct strategic planning and execution to drive the NSO’s mission forward in accordance with our strategic vision.
• Champion fundraising activities, build relationships with government entities, and develop partnerships to secure the NSO’s enduring legacy.
• Lead marketing and public relations efforts to heighten the NSO’s profile and expand our audience base within the Niagara region.
• Direct education and community outreach initiatives that support the NSO’s commitment to educational excellence.
• Manage general administration, oversee financial operations and budgeting, ensure effective human resource management, and uphold the Collective Bargaining Agreement for organizational efficiency and fiscal accountability.

• The ideal candidate will possess a post-secondary degree or equivalent experience in communication, management, arts, business, or a related field.
• We are looking for a leader with at least five years of relevant management experience (preferably in arts administration), demonstrated exemplary customer service, and the ability to drive strategic initiatives forward.
• Your skills should include effective communication, budget management, and experience in fundraising and donor relations. Experience in grants and sponsorships would be advantageous.
• You’ll also need a track record of inspiring teams, problem-solving, and a commitment to the NSO’s vision.
• A personal appreciation for symphonic music and the role of symphony orchestras in today’s society would be an asset.
• Proficiency in English and professional presentation skills are essential.

To apply for this position, please submit a resume and cover letter quoting the job title in the subject line by May 23, 2024, to:

Bonnie Rose
Chair, ED Search Committee
Niagara Symphony Orchestra
[email protected]

Niagara Symphony Orchestra is committed to the principles of equality and diversity in the workplace. We welcome applications from Indigenous peoples, minority communities, immigrants, persons with disabilities and the LGBTQ2S+ community. We will provide accommodation in all phases of the hiring process, up to the point of undue hardship, upon request.

Thank you for your interest. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis as qualified candidates are received. Due to the anticipated volume of applications, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

ORCHESTRA OPERATIONS:

• Maintain a good working relationship with the members of the orchestra, ensuring compliance of the master agreement pertaining to rehearsals and performances at the PAC as well as for sold services and outreach activities.
• Maintain a close working relationship with staff at the PAC, including management and members of IATSE as required.
• Schedule all required PAC crew for rehearsals and performances, and schedule NSO staff support as needed.
• Sold Service Requests: Manage and enable all sold services for the orchestra, and orchestra members.
• Ensure all equipment is in place for work at thePAC, that proper storage is arranged when not on site, and update and maintain NSO instruments and other goods owned by the organization.
• Assist the personnel manager with respect to musicians required for performances.
• Provide management with accurate estimates for all costs related to the season,working with the Music Director on the artistic and production portion of master budgets, and note any variances, copying the finance manager, music director, and any required consultants and/or the Executive Director.
• Ensure a thorough working knowledge of musician/orchestra and union agreements.
• Remains up to date with PAC policies and requirements, maintaining close relationships with PACmanagement and staff.

ADMINISTRATION:

• Provide regular updates to management, for Board reporting regarding the regular orchestra and production operations of the NSO.
• Maintain a company credit card for regular expenditures related to production, upon approval by management.

• Working knowledge of the orchestra industry, and general knowledge of orchestral music.
• Working knowledge of all aspects of production, including sound, lighting, andi nstrument maintenance, with an appropriate post-secondary education.
• Experience working with union collective agreements is an asset
• Degree in performing arts, or related field, with 3 years + experience.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills (oral and written).
• Ability to manage multiple projects, follow-through, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to supervise, motivate, and lead any assigned team of staff and contractors.
• Exhibit a positive attitude and be an example to others in the areas of problem-solving.
• Ability to build effective relationships and has experience with individuals and suppliers.
• Demonstrated ability to turn vision into action, collaborating with others to achieve goals.
• Financial literacy.
• Ability to learn and manage new software systems specific to orchestras and the performing arts.
• Ability to negotiate agreements for sold services, and with suppliers for all production requirements.
• G class driver’s licence with clean abstract
• Ability to lift and move up to 22KG (approx. 50lbs)
• Professional in appearance and presentation.The NSO does not discriminate based on actual or perceived race, religion, creed, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, marital status, medical condition, disability, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, provincial, or local laws and ordinances. The NSO management team is dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment during employment.

COMPENSATION: 45-50K per annum (based on experience)

An updated CV and cover letter should be sent by email to: [email protected]

• A clean driver’s abstract and a criminal record check will be required, prior to hiring. 
• Only those accepted for a short-list of candidates will be contacted with results of this career search.