Executive Director

Executive Director

The Peoria Symphony Orchestra seeks a dynamic and accomplished Executive Director to serve as its chief administrative officer. Reporting to the Board of Directors through the President, the Executive Director provides strategic, financial, and operational leadership for all aspects of the organization. The successful candidate will combine a passion for orchestral music with strong executive leadership, financial acumen, fundraising expertise, and outstanding interpersonal skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as chief administrative officer with overall responsibility for the Orchestra's operations, strategic planning, and long-term sustainability.
• Work in close partnership with the Board of Directors, Music Director, and committees to advance the mission and goals of the organization.
• Ensure organizational compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations.

Financial Management & Administration

• Oversee all financial operations, including budgeting, financial planning, analysis, and reporting.
• Develop annual budgets and multi-year financial projections in coordination with the Music Director and Finance Committee.
• Achieve or exceed earned and contributed revenue goals while managing expenses to budget and maintaining balanced operations.

Fundraising & Development

• Provide leadership and strategic direction for all fundraising activities in collaboration with the Director of Development and Patron Engagement.
• Partner with the Board of Directors and development staff to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individual and institutional donors.
• Demonstrate a strong track record of fundraising success and donor relationship management.

Artistic Partnership

• Collaborate closely with the Music Director to support the Orchestra's artistic vision and goals.
• Support artistic excellence while respecting the Music Director's responsibility for artistic planning, content quality, and execution.

Human Resources & Labor Relations

• Oversee all human resource functions, including staff leadership, performance management, and organizational culture.
• Lead and support a collaborative, high-performing administrative team through mentorship and coaching.
• Manage union contract negotiations and maintain effective labor relations with musicians and stagehands in a collective bargaining environment.

Marketing, Communications, & Community Engagement

• Serve as the primary spokesperson and visible representative of the Orchestra in the community.
• Build and sustain strong relationships with donors, patrons, civic leaders, and community partners.
• Work closely with the Peoria Symphony Foundation and Peoria Symphony Guild to advance shared objectives.

Qualifications

• Senior executive leadership experience, preferably within nonprofit performing arts organizations.
• Demonstrated expertise in financial management, fundraising, and organizational leadership.
• Strong understanding of orchestral music, artists, and repertoire, with awareness of current trends in the performing arts.
• Proven ability to motivate and support a volunteer Board of Directors and collaborate effectively with artistic leadership.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.

Personal Attributes

• Strategic, creative, and dynamic leadership style with the ability to innovate and inspire.
• High integrity, sound judgment, and strong ethical standards.
• Collaborative, flexible, and solutions-oriented approach, with the ability to align diverse perspectives.
• Commitment to community engagement, audience development, and outreach as central to the Orchestra's mission.

Compensation

• Compensation and benefits are competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Application Process

• Applicants should submit a cover letter outlining their interest in the Peoria Symphony Orchestra and qualifications for the position, along with a résumé and salary requirements. All applications will be treated confidentially.
• Please submit materials electronically to search@peoriasymphony.org.