Seeking an Executive Director

As we bid a fond farewell to Jason Smoller after five years in the position, the GVO is now seeking a new part-time Executive Director. This is a paid position and is a great opportunity for somebody who wants to take on a leadership role in a small arts organization.

Introduction

The Greenwich Village Orchestra, founded in 1986 by a group of amateur classical musicians, is a 70-person community orchestra that has for more than 35 years striven to bring the best possible performances of great music to our audience. The GVO is committed to making music at the highest possible level and dedicated to enriching the lives of our players and our audience. Our performances are emotionally charged, exhilarating experiences that truly delight our audiences and performers alike.

Led by Music Director and Conductor Barbara Yahr since 2002, the orchestra performs seven full-length concerts per year and tackles repertoire ranging from Strauss tone poems to Sibelius symphonies, from Bach concerti to new works by Jesse Montgomery. This year, the GVO presented the New York premiere of a work we commissioned by Jonathan Leshnoff. In recent years, we have collaborated with world-renowned soloists such as Christine Goerke, Raehann Bryce-Davis, Adele Anthony, Wolfgang Schmidt, and more.

We are seeking a motivated and energetic part-time Executive Director to help guide the orchestra out of the Covid era, in partnership with Music Director Barbara Yahr. This exciting role will allow the right candidate to grow into a leader in performing arts administration, and requires a can-do attitude and a willingness to take part in every aspect of running an orchestra.

Responsibilities

As a key leader of the GVO team, the Executive Director will:

• Work in tandem with the Music Director and Board of Directors to guide the Greenwich Village Orchestra out of the Covid era and establish a strong footing for the orchestra’s future.
• Oversee the production of seven concerts per year: contract soloists and work with agents, book rehearsal and concert venues, manage concert logistics, guide marketing and audience development efforts, troubleshoot any on-the-ground problems, ensure staffing for concert days, coordinate with vendors, provide post-concert accounting, etc.
• Supervise the GVO’s Operations Manager, Orchestra Librarian, and volunteers.
• Ensure that the orchestra maintains fiscally sound practices and oversee budgeting. With the Board Treasurer, forecast annual spending and per-project spending.
• Manage cashflow and put through monthly payroll; ensure that vendors and soloists are paid on time.
• Oversee all fundraising campaigns, including government grants (NYC DCLA), donations from individuals, and other applications for funding. Ensure accurate record-keeping and data management. Establish relationships on behalf of the GVO and the Board and cultivate potential funders.
• Direct public relations, marketing, and communications activities (primarily via Mailchimp and Facebook) in partnership with volunteers.
• Establish and maintain relationships with musicians, donors, funders, audiences, etc. Carry out all directions and other duties and responsibilities deemed appropriate by the Board.
• Ensure that the GVO adheres to non-profit best practices, especially those related to board governance.
• Serve as ex-officio, non-voting member of the Board of Directors; regularly participate in and present during GVO Board meetings.

Requirements

We believe that the most important and impactful art is made when we consider and commit to diversity, equity, inclusion, and access. We highly encourage folks who are Black, native or indigenous, people of color, queer or trans, poor or working class, disabled, young, elderly, and/or who speak English as a second language to apply.

The right candidate will have:

• 2–3 years experience in arts administration, orchestra or performing arts preferred.
• Knowledge of classical music and issues pertinent to the orchestra world
• A can-do attitude and a strong commitment to the GVO’s dual mission as a music-making community and as an orchestra that produces concerts of the highest quality
• Curiosity and excitement about learning new things

The part-time Executive Director is expected to attend weekly GVO rehearsals (Tuesday evenings, usually 6:30–9:30pm) and all dress rehearsals and concerts (a full schedule will be provided). On average, the position requires 1–4 hours of work per week in addition to the weekly rehearsals. Musicians who currently play in the orchestra or are interested in playing in the orchestra are encouraged to apply.

Remuneration

The salary for this position is $7,500 annually (paid monthly).

Application

To apply, please email a cover letter and resume to george@gvo.org.