OVERVIEW
Worcester Chamber Music Society strives to cultivate an appreciation for classical music, building a vibrant, inclusive, and diverse community through inspiring concerts and education. We believe that the transformative power of music enriches the greater Worcester area, empowers young musicians, promotes and preserves the appreciation of a broad range of classical music, and creates connection and dialogue that celebrates the diversity of our community. With our music, we open a pathway to a deeper understanding of our neighbors, our community, and our world.
Founded in 2006, WCMS is a multi-faceted, non-profit organization committed to serving the community through a unique combination of affordable concerts, education, and community engagement. It has become a recognized cultural presence within the Greater Worcester area by presenting a wide variety of concerts to captivated audiences, receiving consistent critical acclaim, and building new young audiences. Our unique concerts appeal to diverse audiences and showcase both widely known and extraordinary, underrepresented composers. WCMS is committed to engaging with the community and training rising musicians through its robust educational programs, including its Neighborhood Strings and summer ChamberFest programs.
Over the course of 20 years, WCMS has grown from a small organization with an annual budget of $12,000 performing four concerts each year to a robust organization with a $700,000 annual budget offering at least 20 concerts and events annually in communities throughout Central Massachusetts. Our primary focus is on increasing access to the arts, which we pursue by making concerts appealing and accessible – both financially and geographically – to demographically distinct groups. As a result, we have seen a 500% increase in audiences since 2006.
Our acclaimed education program, Neighborhood Strings, has attracted national attention and support from funders such as the National Endowment for the Arts, Carnegie Hall, and, most recently, a national foundation that anonymously donated $1,000,000 to expand our program.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
WCMS now seeks a new Executive Director to lead WCMS into its next stage of creative enterprise. That individual must demonstrate a combination of skills, talents, and experience including fundraising, a collaborative management style, executive leadership, and operational expertise. The following are the most significant roles and responsibilities of the Executive Director:
- Expertise in leading performing or fine arts organizations and/or programs
- A working knowledge of significant developments and trends in the field of classical and chamber music as well as social justice in music education
- Demonstrated ability to serve as chief development officer, driving the sourcing and securing of individual, institutional, and governmental philanthropy and grants, while establishing and maintaining productive relationships with donors, funders, and grantors
- Initiate, maintain, and adapt programs to meet WCMS goals; assure that programs and activities are developed, executed, modified or discontinued to support WCMS’s mission, organizational growth and stability
- Build respect and visibility for the organization, both in the community, and with various constituencies
- Work with the Board to develop and maintain strategies for achieving mission, goals, and financial growth and stability
- Establish and lead an effective management and staff team
- Initiate appropriate changes to operations and budget to ensure financial stability
REPORTS TO:
This position reports to and works collaboratively with the Board of Directors. The Executive Director’s performance evaluation is conducted by the Board on an annual basis.
QUALIFICATIONS:
A bachelor’s degree or equivalent with 7-10 years of progressive senior leadership experience. We take a holistic approach in evaluating each applicant’s experience and skills. We are open to diverse backgrounds and are most inclined to consider candidates who possess a majority of the qualifications and experiences listed below.
- 7-10 years of experience as an ED, or program director of a nonprofit musical organization.
- Demonstrated track record of successful strategic planning, financial management, and program development.
- Strong leadership and management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate staff, board members, and volunteers.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders and build consensus.
- Proven ability to cultivate relationships with donors, foundations, and corporate sponsors, with a “best practices” knowledge in fundraising to secure financial support for the organization.
- Passion for the arts and a commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of the organization.
- Ability to demonstrate effective and strategically significant collaborations with other organizations
- Proficient in Google Suite & cloud-based CRM such as PatronManager.
- Possess detailed understanding of non-profit financial, accounting and regulatory requirements, with an ability to analyze and effectively communicate financial and operational information.
LOCATION, COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
This is a full-time position. The primary office is located at Mechanics Hall, Worcester. The salary for this position is $85,000. Benefits include health, flexible PTO which may be used for vacations, illness, family illness, and household emergencies, a voluntary 401(k) plan, and paid parking.
HOW TO APPLY:
Please submit your resume, three references, and a cover letter highlighting your relevant experience and why you are a good fit for the Worcester Chamber Music Society. No phone calls, please. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and will continue until the position is filled.
Please email all application materials to:
Jeffrey Paster, Board President
jeff@worcesterchambermusic.org
Include “Executive Director” in the subject line.
Deadline: January 30, 2025
We value all types of experience. For us, a successful candidate has many of the qualifications listed above, and the desire and capacity to learn the rest on the job. If much, but not all, of this job posting describes you, we welcome your application.
Worcester Chamber Music Society is an equal-opportunity employer. We will not discriminate based on race, religion, age, marital status, gender identity or gender expression, sexual orientation, citizenship status, creed, color, ethnic or national origin, military status, or disability in its employment practices or the administration of its concert activities and educational programs. We are committed to providing an inclusive, equitable, and welcoming environment for all.