Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony Orchestra – Executive Director

Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts; Kitchener; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in the performing arts seeks an Executive Director to lead its revitalization after overcoming recent challenges. This pivotal role involves strategic oversight, community engagement, and innovative fundraising to ensure sustainable revenue and enhance patron experiences. The successful candidate will have a strong background in managing performing arts organizations and a passion for symphonic music. Join a vibrant community in the Waterloo Region, known for its cultural richness and dynamic environment, and play a key role in shaping the future of this renowned orchestra.

Benefits

Relocation assistance

Health benefits

Qualifications

• Experience leading organizations with budgets of $1-5 million.
• Strong skills in fundraising and community engagement.

Responsibilities

• Oversee operations, management, and strategy for the organization.
• Develop a staffing model with contracted support.

Skills

Leadership in performing arts

Financial management

Fundraising

Public relations

Community engagement

Organizational skills

Excellent communication

Political savvy

Education

Business management training

Cultural administration training

Job description

Posted by Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony Orchestra

GENOVESE VANDERHOOF & ASSOCIATES

Cultural Management Consultants

JOB OPPORTUNITY

The Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony Orchestra (KWS) invites applications and referrals for the position of Executive Director.

The Position of Executive Director:

• Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director (ED) is responsible for developing an effective, fiscally responsible operating model for KWS and leading the organization's revitalization through innovation.
• The ED will be the organization’s first full-time hire since the bankruptcy was annulled in October 2024, supported by an engaged Board and an experienced Artistic Advisor.
• The role includes overseeing general operations, management, leadership, strategy, fundraising, development, financial management, marketing, public relations, community engagement, and outreach.
• The ED will develop an appropriate staffing model, with contracted support in bookkeeping, administration, marketing, and production.

The KWS seeks a professional with an entrepreneurial mindset who excels in execution to help achieve sustainable revenue, re-establish community presence, and offer unique patron experiences. The budget for 2025-26 is approximately $1.3 million.

About the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony Orchestra:

Founded in 1945, KWS has evolved into one of Canada's outstanding orchestras. Under Raffi Armenian’s leadership (1971-1993), it became a fully paid professional orchestra with 52 musicians. The orchestra performs at the Centre in The Square, a 2,000-seat venue opened in 1980.

After declaring bankruptcy in September 2023, the musicians, with community support, raised nearly $500,000 through a GoFundMe campaign to continue concerts and cover legal and financial expenses. The bankruptcy was annulled in October 2024, leaving the organization debt-free. Musicians continued to perform monthly concerts at St. Matthews Lutheran Church, attracting close to 500 patrons per event. The organization is now focused on reimagining its future, emphasizing flexibility, innovation, and sustainability.

The Region of Waterloo:

With a population of approximately 675,000, the Waterloo Region includes Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, and surrounding townships. It is known for its vibrant tech sector, higher education institutions (University of Waterloo, Wilfrid Laurier University), and cultural festivals. The region offers a mix of urban energy and scenic rural landscapes, accessible by road, rail, and air, and hosts numerous venues such as the Centre in The Square and Maxwell’s Concerts and Events.

Qualifications:

• Experience leading performing arts organizations with budgets of $1-5 million.
• Training in business management or cultural administration is preferred.
• Familiarity with symphonic music and orchestral operations is a plus.
• Strong financial, organizational, fundraising, public relations, marketing, and community engagement skills.
• Political savvy, diplomacy, and excellent communication skills are essential.

The ED must establish effective relationships with officials, the Board, media, artists, sponsors, educational institutions, volunteers, and audiences, contributing to the cultural and economic growth of Waterloo Region.

Additional Information and Application Process:

• Salary range: $80,000 to $100,000, plus benefits and relocation assistance.
• Preference for qualified Canadian applicants residing in Waterloo Region.
• Application materials (letter of interest, resume, references) are due by Monday, June 30, 2025 and should be submitted in confidence to: