Executive Director
Genovese Vanderhoof & Associates (GVA) is conducting a search for a new Executive Director for Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra & Chamber Choir. Tafelmusik has grown into an internationally acclaimed orchestra with full-time players, a chamber choir, world-wide tours and its own recording label. The position offers the opportunity towork closely with the Music Director to innovate and lead new audience experiences and growth both in Canada and globallyTafelmusik, founded in 1979 in Toronto, performs Baroque and Classical music on period instruments or modern replicas, and uses techniques appropriate to those instruments and styles. From its modest origins as a four-member chamber music collective with a six-concert season and an $ 11,000 budget, Tafelmusik has grown into an internationally acclaimed orchestra with full-time players, a chamber choir, world-wide tours and its own recording label.
Tafelmusik currently engages Toronto audiences with an annual season of more than 80 concerts in diverse venues across the city, as well as national and international audiences through an extensive schedule of tours and critically acclaimed recordings.
Tafelmusik also seeks to transport audiences to the baroque and classical periods through adventurous cross-cultural collaborations, on stage with Toronto's Opera Atelier, and underground at its Haus Musik series. The orchestra’s musicians share their knowledge and experience through artist training initiatives such as the Tafelmusik Baroque Summer and Winter Institutes. Tafelmusik's award-winning recordings on the SONY, CBC Records, Analekta, and Tafelmusik Media labels have garnered nine JUNO Awards and numerous other recording prizes. After 33 years of outstanding leadership, Jeanne Lamon was succeeded by Elisa Citterio who was appointed Music Director in 2017.
Tafelmusik has an operating budget of more than $ 5 million, and 17 years of consecutive surpluses. It is governed by a Board of Directors and has an administrative staff of 24.
Position Summary and Opportunity
Working with an operating budget of over $ 5 million, the Executive Director provides the leadership and management of Tafelmusik’s non-artistic functions, including business planning, audience development, sales and marketing, fundraising, government relations, financial management, human resources, governance and community relations. The Executive Director shares the responsibility for the success of the organization on an equal footing with the Music Director.
The position offers the opportunity towork closely with the Music Director to innovate and lead new audience experiences and growth both in Canada and globally.
Relationships
The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors through its Chair.
The Executive Director will need to establish a key collaborative partnership with Tafelmusik’s Music Director, Elisa Citterio.
Reporting to the Executive Director are:
· Director of Artistic Administration and Operations
· Development Director
· Marketing Director
· Director of Finance/Controller
Core Responsibilities:
Work closely with the Board, the Music Director and other key stakeholders to update and develop the Strategic Plan, create and then manage tactical initiatives to realize its strategic objectives.
Consistent with Tafelmusik’s Strategic Plan forge a positive partnership with the Music Director to develop new ways to increase Tafelmusik’s audience beyond its existing core audience. Working with the Marketing Director, build audience development strategies to increase earned revenues, enhance customer experience and the reputation of Tafelmusik.
Manage the non-artistic side of the organization, build a successful team that meets its annual key objectives and financial budgets consistent with Tafelmusik’s 3-year strategic plan. Reinforce and foster a collaborative workplace culture that includes a commitment to excellence, integrity and outstanding communication.
Working with the Development Director and the Board, build up the fundraising function so that Tafelmusik’s donor base of corporate donors, foundations and individual patrons is expanded and feels actively involved in the success of Tafelmusik. Lead the preparation of all municipal, provincial, federal and foundation grant applications, and build close working relationships with key individuals in these organizations.
Work with the Music Director to expand and improve Tafelmusik’s international touring profile by identifying and connecting with leading concert venues. Manage and develop key external relationships including touring agents, government officials and donors, and senior relationships in Toronto’s cultural community that will foster Tafelmusik’s presence as a leading orchestra in Canada and internationally. Help build Tafelmusik’s audience outside of Toronto by increasing its reach through touring, on line media and recording projects. Work with the Music Director to increase the monetization of the recordings made under Tafelmusik’s in-house recording label. Be the public face of Tafelmusik, build close relationships with the arts and broader community and media. Take on public speaking roles, interviews etc. that expand Tafelmusik’s profile.
Candidate Profile
A proven strategic thinker with solid experience managing and leading growth in a performing arts organization
A strong entrepreneurial leader with a passion for the arts and a love of classical music.
An outstanding Manager with a proven record of audience development, strong skills in sales and marketing, a comprehensive grasp of fundraising, and solid experience in building a successful management team and creating a positive work environment.
An inspiring leader with exceptional networking skills and a high-energy level for donor cultivation and fundraising.
A confident and respected leader who can command the trust of the Music Director, Board, staff, volunteers and community and can represent Tafelmusik to all its stakeholders and the public.
Demonstrated experience in working with a non-profit Board of Directors and volunteers.
Excellent, oral, written and presentation skills are required.
Preference will be given to those with a music background or familiarity working with an orchestra.
Ability to travel on company business as required.
