Executive Director

JOB DESCRIPTION: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (DENVER PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA)

About the Denver Philharmonic Orchestra

The Denver Philharmonic Orchestra (DPO), helmed by Music Director Lawrence Golan, is an internationally award-winning semi-professional orchestra serving musicians and music lovers in and around Denver with seven concerts per season. Principal players are compensated and section players are avocational.

The DPO seeks to present classical music that inspires and engages the large and diverse audience in our greater Denver community.

Executive Director

The DPO is seeking an Executive Director (ED).  Reporting to the Board of Directors, the ED will have overall responsibility for the DPO’s concert logistics, volunteer and musician coordination, community partnerships, fundraising, grant writing and community-based marketing. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a passion for innovatively connecting community with classical music programming.

Responsibilities

Leadership, Operations, & Concert Execution

1. Plan, execute and oversee logistics for all concerts, including working with Music Director, Volunteer coordinator, Board members and volunteers
2. Coordinate educational, outreach, and other off-stage activities
3. Work with DPO Personnel Manager and Music Director to manage musician matters, including auditions, scheduling, and recurring paid engagements
4. Oversee volunteer development, planning, and deployment in collaboration with Volunteer Coordinator
5. Develop and implement policies and procedures to promote organizational governance
6. Coordinate the operation of DPO board committees
7. Attend all Board meetings to deliver ED report; synthesize Board recommendations and requests; seek and build board involvement in ongoing efforts; attend certain committee meetings where ED participation is required, including Executive Committee and Marketing Committees
8. Create problem-solving solutions for equipment, fixtures, instrument, and other logistical concerns for concerts
9. Navigate residual COVID and similar organizational challenges by monitoring public health developments and working on audience-building initiatives
10. Track operational and leadership considerations as necessary for grants
11. Produce annual celebratory meeting for all DPO musicians, Board, volunteers, and other stakeholders

Fundraising, Marketing, Finance, & Communications

1. In collaboration with Treasurer and bookkeeper, set, monitor, and manage fundraising and budgetary goals
2. Source current, and create new, opportunities to generate ongoing sponsorship and donor relationships, including Colorado Gives Day
3. Organize and develop donor thank you messages, database, and other ongoing donor maintenance efforts
4. Coordinate grant-writing efforts and timely preparation of all required reports, from significant funders (including SCFD) and new granting relationships
5. Develop fundraising special events and initiatives in collaboration with the Fundraising Committee
6. Managing subscription to Bloomerang CRM software for donor management and cultivation.

Qualifications

Preference will be given for candidates with backgrounds in music, arts administration, fundraising, and/or marketing. The ED position is supported by an hourly marketing and administrative support staff member on an as-needed basis, subject to general budgeting considerations. Additional support comes in the form of musicians who fill the roles of Personnel Manager, Librarian, and Stage Manager. Prior experience working with a Board of Directors and the ability to cultivate existing board member relationships is preferred.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Commitment to attend and oversee the successful operation of most, if not every concert, which mostly take place at night
• Strong project management skills
• Ability and necessary equipment to work independently
• Ability to adapt, innovate, and take a practical-visionary approach to a small organization’s big goals
• Desire to promote classical music, professionalism, and pragmatism
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; a persuasive and passionate speaker and communicator who can tell the DPO’s story to new audiences
• Proficiency or a willingness to learn Microsoft Excel & Word and/or Google Docs & Sheets.

Preferred Skills & Qualifications

• Financial and budgeting acumen
• Marketing experience
• Ability to manage multiple organizational priorities on time and within budget
• Comprehensive fundraising strategy awareness and, preferably, prior fundraising experience
• Experience with the operations of a nonprofit arts organization, ideally an orchestra
• Understanding and prioritization of diversity and other EDI matters
• Physical demands: Able to lift up to 30 pounds and navigate staircases several times per day on concert days

Compensation, Benefits, Hours, and Location

• $35,000 – $50,000 annually, depending on experience, with additional potential for compensation package including bonus structure to be determined based on fundraising success and other mutually agreed upon organizational goals.
• Flexible time off arrangement, subject to occasional mandatory attendance events (including concerts and required in-person meetings, etc.)
• Must reside in the Denver Metro area
• Apart from concerts, occasional rehearsals, and occasional other required in-person meetings, applicant will work from home with flexible hours

Applicants should upload a cover letter and resume below OR email those same materials to info@denverphilharmonic.org