The Opportunity
As the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra (WSO) nears its 75th anniversary in 2023, the organization is looking for an Executive Director (ED) who can provide renewed vision and leadership to support the next transformation and growth phase of the organization.
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the ED is the operational chief executive who manages the business of the WSO, and whose leadership role spans all aspects of the WSO’s activities and operations. A constant agent of change, the ED will harness the creative spirit and ideas from all parts of the organization, both employees and volunteers, to identify and realize new opportunities, ensuring the long-term viability and relevance of the WSO.
Responsible for articulating the strategic vision and strategic objectives and direction as set by the Board of Directors, the ED will develop an annual plan and budget in support of such strategic objectives. The ED is responsible for the management of all aspects of operations and administration and all employees, with the exception of the Music Director (MD) and the artistic management of the members of the orchestra. The ED will lead the WSO into its next period of growth by cultivating and maintaining its strategic partnerships with funders, donors, patrons, business leaders, educational organizations and other cultural institutions while maintaining prudent fiscal management of operating expenses. In the role of lead spokesperson for the organization, the ED will elevate the visibility of the WSO, ensuring it maintains its important and unique voice in the Winnipeg community, nationally and internationally and in the Canadian and international arts communities. The ED will work closely and collaboratively with the MD to ensure that the artistic programming and activities are consistent with the WSO’s strategy and support its financial objectives.
By adapting to changes in our communities and identifying and seizing on new opportunities, the WSO, under the leadership of its ED, will continuously seek to thrive artistically, be relevant culturally, and sustainable financially in the next 75 years.
About the WSO
Established in 1948, the WSO's mission is two-fold: to create exceptional musical experiences for Manitobans and to be an orchestra of international caliber that performs and promotes symphonic music through a wide range of programs and activities such as diverse concert series, a critically acclaimed and internationally recognized Winnipeg New Music Festival and a flourishing Sistema program to name a few. The vision of the WSO is to thrive artistically and organizationally while enhancing its position as a dynamic, pivotal musical institution in Manitoba, and to be an internationally recognized model of artistic excellence and community relevance with structural pillars that include excellent musicians, innovative programs, strong leadership, and a well-diversified and solid financial foundation.
Winnipeg, with its many parks and golf courses, offers affordable high-quality housing, excellent schools, both public and private, and fine universities. A major centre for culture and the arts, Winnipeg is also home to several arts and cultural organizations, including the internationally renowned Royal Winnipeg Ballet, the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, the Manitoba Opera, the Winnipeg Art Gallery, Prairie Theatre Exchange, the Manitoba Museum and the Canadian Museum of Human Rights.
Qualifications
You are a creative leader, experienced general manager, skilled administrator and dynamic fundraiser, who values debate and diverse opinions as a means of achieving better engagement and outcomes. An effective delegator, you possess strong organizational skills, and have experience working with Boards, negotiating contracts (including collective bargaining agreements) and managing the bottom lines of organizations either in the for profit or not-for-profit sectors. Relevant experience managing arts organizations, and in particular orchestras, is an advantage, but not a requirement.
A strong communicator, you are passionate about the arts, especially symphonic music, and the role that they play in a thriving community. You have a vision for the role the WSO has in the community and the arts world.
You are committed to promoting Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility in the WSO in clear and measurable ways.
A Bachelors or Graduate degree in Music, Business or Not-For-Profit-Organization administration, Commerce or other such similar areas is an asset.
Qualified applicants should send their application, including a detailed CV, by e-mail to edsearch@wso.mb.ca, by April 16, 2021. Only applicants that are being considered for the position will be contacted.
