Job Description

Join us in shaping the future of orchestral music in Alberta.
The Rocky Mountain Symphony Orchestra's (RMSO) mission is to service communities of music lovers in Alberta's small towns, delivering unique and engaging live concert experiences. The 2024 YYC Music Award for Community Ensemble of the Year, RMSO, is seeking an Executive Director to drive this mission forward, working closely with the musicians, the volunteers, the staff, the Board of Directors and communities throughout southern Alberta.
If you're a passionate, strategic leader who thrives on collaboration, innovation, and community connection, we invite you to apply for the role of Executive Director of the Rocky Mountain Symphony Orchestra. Help us deliver extraordinary musical experiences to the heart of small-town Alberta and lead our organization into a sustainable, dynamic future.
The Role
The Executive Director (ED) is accountable for oversight of all aspects of the organization's operations, including musician, employee and stakeholder relations, financial governance (as directed by the Board approved budget), program delivery, fund development delivery, administration, human resources, health and safety, marketing and customer experience. Through effective leadership, engagement, and advocacy, the ED fosters a culture of excellence and innovation, securing support from donors and the community while championing the orchestra's Vision, Mission, and values within the arts landscape.
The Executive Director is accountable to the Board of Directors for the organization's realization of its mission and delivering the organization's strategy and business plan. The ED collaborates with the Board, Musician's Committee, staff, volunteers and other arts organizations to ensure sustainability and growth, focusing on operationalizing the Strategic Plan, financial management, and resource development. This position is key in the transition to lead all aspects of RMSO operations to sustainability.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership

• Actively embody RMSO's values of "Excellence, Belonging, Dynamic, and Collaboration".
• Lead and direct the implementation of Strategic and Business Plans, guided by Key Performance Indicators.
• Collaborate with the Board of Directors and the Musicians' Committee to implement and evolve the organization's Strategic Plan and Business Plans.
• Support the Board Chair in maintaining an effective governing Board.
• Serve as a spokesperson for the Orchestra's interests.

Administration

• Create and manage the annual budget.
• Manage payroll for Musicians, guest artists and staff.
• Establish parameters for upcoming season in collaboration with the Board and the Musicians' Committee.
• Negotiate and draft contracts for Musicians, conductor(s), and guest artists.
• Negotiate and manage venue rental agreements & leases.
• Manage third-party IT consultant for: computer systems and software for administrative tasks, ticket sales and audience engagement.
• Maintain databases of members, musicians, donors, sponsors, funders and audience members.
• Manage copyright issues and licensing agreements.
• Secure and manage insurance coverage for instruments, liability, and events.
• Ensure annual filings are up to date.
• Oversee organizational assets (e.g., music library).

Resource Development

• Actively seek out and apply for grants (e.g., calendar, deadlines, write proposals).
• Plan and execute fundraising events with support from the Board and musicians.
• Develop a Resource Development Plan to manage fund development and drive sustainability.
• Identify, cultivate and steward relationships with donors, funders and sponsors.
• Coordinate and manage invitations, ticket sales and tickets for sponsors to events.
• Manage Volunteer Database.
• Recruit volunteers and match with appropriate responsibilities.

Marketing & Public Relations

• Work with the web master to develop and maintain a strong brand.
• Create social media posts that reflect the Orchestra's distinct artistic identity and generate content for concert programs.
• Market and promote concert programs to attract diverse audiences.
• Conduct public relations and address media inquiries.
• Create content such as videos, interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage.
• Ensure compliance with all copyright laws.

Board Governance Support

• Lead and support strategic planning efforts with the Board.
• Support Board-level financial oversight.
• Draft, revise, and finalize key governance documents.

Education and Community Engagement

• Coordinate professional development workshops for musicians.
• Organize community events and initiatives.
• Facilitate partnerships and collaborate with community organizations for artistic outreach.

Desired Qualifications

• Proven leader with a minimum of 5 years of leadership experience.
• Business education, arts management or equivalent experience is required.
• Fundraising and partnership development expertise is required.
• Grant writing experience is preferred.
• Existing relationships with key funders is an asset.
• Collaborative, self-initiator.
• Strong familiarity with local arts landscape and non-profit organization administration are considered assets.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to think and act strategically.
• Demonstrated skills and experience in budgeting, financial and human resource management.
• Experience leveraging volunteer resources to achieve organization goals.
• Social media & marketing experience.

Apply now and be a driving force in our next chapter.
Please submit your resume and cover letter online, in one document. While we thank all applicants, only those eligible to work in Canada and who demonstrate the role requirements will be considered.