Executive Director

Overview

SymphonyNH is seeking a visionary, collaborative, and dynamic Executive Director to serve as its chief administrative officer. The Executive Director is a key organizational leader, central public advocate, and fundraiser, with a special personal ability to lead and inspire. The successful candidate will lead the organization through SymphonyNH’s next phase of growth, ensuring financial sustainability, deepening community ties, and working to maintain artistic excellence.

Reporting directly to the Board of Trustees, the Executive Director forms the core leadership team in close partnership with the Music Director. The Executive Director is currently supported by a full-time Operations Manager, a part-time Marketing Manager, and a contracted bookkeeper; staffing by the new Executive Director will be at their discretion. The Executive Director will work out of the Nashua, NH, office, with the possibility of hybrid remote work.

The Executive Director will begin on September 1 or earlier.

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership and Strategy: Provide overall strategic direction and partner with the Board to develop and execute short- and long-range strategic plans. You will serve as the primary liaison between the Board and staff, and foster a positive, high-performing organizational culture.
• Financial Management: Act as the chief financial officer, overseeing a budget of $450,000-$500,000. You will develop financial reports, oversee audits, ensure compliance with current laws and regulations, and promote healthy cash flow and adequate reserves.
• Fundraising and Development: Lead contributed revenue strategies, including major donor cultivation, grant writing, annual giving, and special events. You will structure active Board engagement in fundraising and build a culture of philanthropy.
• Marketing and External Relations: Serve as the organization's public ambassador to funders, donors, civic leaders, and the community. You will oversee all marketing, brand development, and ticket sales operations to broaden our reach to new and diverse audiences.
• Artistic Administration and Operations: Build a strong working relationship with the Music/Artistic Director to achieve artistic goals, negotiate guest artist contracts, and approve concert logistics.
• Human Resources: Hire, train, supervise, and evaluate a small professional staff and volunteers, ensuring an inclusive, equitable, and productive working atmosphere.
• Education and Community Engagement: Collaborate with the artistic team and education committees to design, fund, and implement impactful youth education and outreach programs.
  
  

Qualifications And Characteristics

• Experience: A minimum of 5 years of senior leadership experience in arts administration or a related nonprofit environment. A Bachelor's degree is required, with an advanced degree preferred. Familiarity with the challenges of fully-professional, small-shop orchestras will be an advantage.
• Skills: Proven expertise in financial budget management, successful fundraising/revenue growth, and organizational development.
• Communication: Excellent written, interpersonal, and public speaking skills, with the ability to inspire diverse stakeholders and build relationships.
• Industry Knowledge: A deep passion for, and appreciation of, the classical, choral, and orchestral repertoire. Familiarity with the operations of symphony orchestras or choral presenting is highly desirable. Strategic understanding of the greater orchestral and nonprofit landscape is essential.
• Leadership Style: A "big picture" thinker who is skilled at concrete execution. You should value inclusivity, collaboration, and have a track record of successfully working with nonprofit boards and artists.
  
  

Compensation And Benefits

The anticipated salary spans from $55,000-$65,000, depending on the candidate's skills and experience. SymphonyNH offers a flexible working environment, with in-person attendance expected at concerts, occasional rehearsals, and development and fundraising activities. For healthcare related expenses, SNH offers the opportunity for a QSEHRA (Qualified Small Employer Health Reimbursement Arrangement), a tax-free vehicle to cover qualified medical expenses. There are three weeks paid vacation, and all major holidays are observed.

How To Apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume, a cover letter detailing their specific interest and qualifications, and a list of three professional references in PDF format to [email protected]. All submissions will be acknowledged Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis with a priority deadline of June 15. All expressions of interest and conversations will be held in the strictest confidence; references will not be contacted without the candidate’s permission.

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership and Strategy: Provide overall strategic direction and partner with the Board to develop and execute short- and long-range strategic plans. You will serve as the primary liaison between the Board and staff, and foster a positive, high-performing organizational culture.
• Financial Management: Act as the chief financial officer, overseeing a budget of $450,000-$500,000. You will develop financial reports, oversee audits, ensure compliance with current laws and regulations, and promote healthy cash flow and adequate reserves.
• Fundraising and Development: Lead contributed revenue strategies, including major donor cultivation, grant writing, annual giving, and special events. You will structure active Board engagement in fundraising and build a culture of philanthropy.
• Marketing and External Relations: Serve as the organization's public ambassador to funders, donors, civic leaders, and the community. You will oversee all marketing, brand development, and ticket sales operations to broaden our reach to new and diverse audiences.
• Artistic Administration and Operations: Build a strong working relationship with the Music/Artistic Director to achieve artistic goals, negotiate guest artist contracts, and approve concert logistics.
• Human Resources: Hire, train, supervise, and evaluate a small professional staff and volunteers, ensuring an inclusive, equitable, and productive working atmosphere.
• Education and Community Engagement: Collaborate with the artistic team and education committees to design, fund, and implement impactful youth education and outreach programs.
  
  

Qualifications And Characteristics

• Experience: A minimum of 5 years of senior leadership experience in arts administration or a related nonprofit environment. A Bachelor's degree is required, with an advanced degree preferred. Familiarity with the challenges of fully-professional, small-shop orchestras will be an advantage.
• Skills: Proven expertise in financial budget management, successful fundraising/revenue growth, and organizational development.
• Communication: Excellent written, interpersonal, and public speaking skills, with the ability to inspire diverse stakeholders and build relationships.
• Industry Knowledge: A deep passion for, and appreciation of, the classical, choral, and orchestral repertoire. Familiarity with the operations of symphony orchestras or choral presenting is highly desirable. Strategic understanding of the greater orchestral and nonprofit landscape is essential.
• Leadership Style: A "big picture" thinker who is skilled at concrete execution. You should value inclusivity, collaboration, and have a track record of successfully working with nonprofit boards and artists.
  
  

How To Apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume, a cover letter detailing their specific interest and qualifications, and a list of three professional references in PDF format to [email protected]. All submissions will be acknowledged Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis with a priority deadline of June 15. All expressions of interest and conversations will be held in the strictest confidence; references will not be contacted without the candidate’s permission.