Executive Director, Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra

League of American Orchestras; Winnipeg; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A major Canadian symphony orchestra seeks an Executive Director to lead its strategic initiatives and fundraising efforts. The ideal candidate will have significant leadership experience in arts management, a strong understanding of community engagement, and the ability to work collaboratively with musicians and staff. The role requires innovation and a passion for orchestral music. This position offers a dynamic opportunity to shape the future of the orchestra and its impact in the community.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Opportunity to influence arts programming

Qualifications

• A proven track record of senior leadership experience in an arts management role.
• Strong passion for performing arts and community service.
• Experience related to fundraising and sponsorship development.

Responsibilities

• Articulate and portray a clear vision for the organization.
• Ensure all events run smoothly and within budget.
• Develop strategies for governance and community outreach.

Skills

Leadership

Fundraising

Financial management

Community engagement

Public relations

Strategic planning

Education

Undergraduate degree in Arts Administration or Business

Job description

THE WINNIPEG SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

From its 1948 debut performance to over 3,000 audience members, the WSO has become a powerhouse orchestra, regularly surprising guest conductors and artists with the exceptional musicianship and flexibility of its members. The WSO holds close to 80 events per year in its five-music series, community outreach and vibrant education programs. Under the leadership of Music Director Daniel Raiskin, the orchestra has earned a place among the ranks of major Canadian symphony orchestras, welcoming eminent artists and conductors from all over the world.

The WSO’s activity regularly extends beyond its home stage at the Centennial Concert Hall. Each year, the WSO’s much lauded and highly innovative Winnipeg New Music Festival regularly draws crowds in the thousands. The WSO has produced concerts on Olympic size diving boards, in cottage country harbours and outdoors at The Forks in -30c.

In 2011, the WSO founded Sistema Winnipeg, based on the famous Venezuelan El Sistema program for at-risk children, in partnership with two Winnipeg school divisions. Over 40,000 students attend orchestra concerts presented by the WSO each season and its innovative pops and film programs serve a rapidly growing audience.

With the majority of its concerts taking place at the 2300-seat Manitoba Centennial Concert Hall (MCCH), the WSO performs over its 34-week season [1] Classics, Live at the WSO, Kids concerts, Movies with orchestra, summer programming and many specials. The orchestra has toured twice to Carnegie Hall and regularly tours throughout southern Manitoba, in Kenora and Wasagaming. In addition to its Winnipeg New Music Festival, now in its 38 ^th year, the WSO serves as the orchestra that supports the Royal Winnipeg Ballet and Manitoba Opera each year.

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.

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.

[1] 2025-26: 34 weeks / 2026-27: 35 weeks / 2027-28: 36 weeks.

CANDIDATE ATTRIBUTES

Position Specification

• A proven track record of senior leadership experience with stellar business skills in an arts management role, preferably in a symphony orchestra or similar cultural organization.
• A strong passion for the performing arts and an in-depth understanding of the role that a Canadian orchestra serves in its community.
• A history of sound fiscal management.
• Experience in marketing and/or fundraising with a proven ability and enthusiastic willingness to fundraise and develop significant sponsorships and partnerships. Capital campaign knowledge or experience is an asset.
• Experience and demonstrated ability in executing a long-range strategic plan and an annual operating plan for both financial and operational areas.
• Strong and clear ability to present relevant information to the Board and stakeholders for decision-making purposes.
• Understanding and experience fostering government relations.
• Proven history of recruiting, hiring, evaluating and inspiring qualified staff, building a team, empowering talented people, and delegating responsibilities.
• Proven ability to plan for and respond to various contingencies; and a grounded approach to dealing with competing priorities and time-sensitive matters.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Understanding of, and successful experience working in a unionized environment in the performing arts in Canada.
• An undergraduate degree in Arts Administration or Business, or experiential equivalent, with advanced training in music an asset.

Ideal Characteristics

• An inspirational visionary who leads by example and with the ability to lead in a period of significant dynamic change; a fearless relationship builder who enjoys connecting with the community.
• A genuine appreciation for orchestral music, both traditional and contemporary, with a profound belief in its importance to society.
• An understanding of the importance of inclusion of Canada’s Indigenous peoples in the artistic programming of the orchestra.
• A commitment to reflecting the music of diverse cultures and traditions on the stage with the orchestra.
• Possesses a collaborative approach with the Music Director, and senior artistic leaders, and builds trust with staff, musicians, board members, and stakeholders.
• A vibrant and influential communicator who is engaging and outgoing, with a polished presence.
• Superior listening skills, and the ability to interact with sponsors/potential sponsors at functions and represent the WSO in a professional manner.
• Works well under pressure and is a creative and innovative thinker and problem solver.
• An appreciation and understanding of technological change and its impact on audiences.
• Builds a natural rapport with musicians, donors and other stakeholders.
• Is disciplined, takes initiative and accepts ownership with a hands-on approach.