Executive Director

Position Overview. The Executive Director’s primary responsibility is the health and welfare of the New Mexico Symphonic Chorus. This position reports to the Board of Directors. The position requires a strategic thinker who can conceive and articulate business strategy and financial direction for the organization. S/he should stimulate and promote excellence and innovation in the company's programs, as well as play an advocacy role on behalf of the company.  The Executive Director will steward the chorus's resources in a responsible manner.

On a day-to-day basis, the Executive Director must plan, manage, and execute the marketing, development and administration of Ensemble Music New Mexico. The Executive Director works in close cooperation with the Artistic Director, board, staff and volunteers to build, nurture and sustain the company to achieve its mission.

About the organization. The New Mexico Symphonic Chorus is a nationally known group that boasts 40-years of music making in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The volunteer members of the chorus are a diverse group. Some of the singers work in music-related fields as professional musicians, some hold degrees in music, and some maintain private teaching studios. All of the singers have studied voice, are currently studying voice, or play an instrument. Some travel from as far as Santa Fe and Socorro to sing in the chorus. We perform with members of the New Mexico Philharmonic and have been featured in the Vail music series with our outgoing conductor, Roger Melone, who is looking forward to a relaxing retirement.

Salary: $40,000

Key Responsibilities:

• Direct the day-to-day operations and communication of the NMSC.

• Oversee the organization’s structure, policies, system controls, and procedures.

• Ensure the maintenance of official records and documents, complying with federal, state, and local regulations.

• Hire, train, and supervise administrative staff and volunteers in accordance with NMSC policies and all applicable laws; plan and oversee work; appraise performance; and address complaints and problems.

• Establish a strong working relationship with the board of directors of NMSC.

• Communicate with the board regarding strategy, financial results, and operations.

Marketing Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement marketing strategies for ticket sales, balancing revenue maximization, building new audiences, and expanding the Chorus’s presence in the community.

• Negotiate contracts with vendors for services such as advertising, printing, ticketing and other support services.

• Address ticketing, usher and house management issues, customer service issues and other concerns which may arise.

• Direct the creation and production of print, radio and television advertising, as well as electronic and social media activities.

• Generate partnerships with other institutions throughout New Mexico.

Development/Fundraising Responsibilities:

• Lead NMSC’s fundraising strategies and provide organizational leadership in all aspects of development and fundraising.

• Coordinate annual fundraising strategy and campaign.

• Coordinate relationships with key funders and donors, facilitating the creation of new and renewed sources of major gifts, grants, and sponsorships.

• Oversee grant agreements, reporting and application processes.

• Explore new revenue streams.

• Working collaboratively with the Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers as appropriate.

Finance and Administrative Responsibilities:

• Attend rehearsals and concerts to facilitate administrative issues including attendance and music distribution.

• Develop and manage institutional budget to assure adequate cash flow and oversees adherence to budget in collaboration with staff.

• Manage financial reporting to staff and board.

• Manage bookkeeping functions and banking relationships.

• Ensure that sound financial structures and accurate reporting systems are in place.

• Act as primary liaison with government regulatory agencies.

• Manage technology deployed within the organization.

• Serves as Human Resources manager (Payroll, etc.).

• Manage contracts and licenses.

• Assists with Board business:

  • Attend all board and committee meetings

  • Serves as main staff liaison with the Board of Directors

  • Prepare reports for board meetings

  • Assure follow-up for action items

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Proven arts administration experience.

• Strong financial analysis and financial reporting experience.

• Expertise in accounting and budget development and analysis.

• Familiarity with current and emerging technologies.

• Expertise in marketing methods and systems.

• Knowledge of fundraising methods and systems.

• Attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

• Strong communication skills both speaking and writing.

• Thoughtful problem solving skills.

• Background or interest in the arts and chamber music in particular is preferred.

Education and Experience Requirements:

• A Bachelors of Arts with 3-5 years of experience or MBA/MA Arts Administration with 1-3 years of experience. 

• Experience/knowledge of chamber music and non-profit performing arts organizations is preferred.