Position Summary
The Executive Director of The Knights is a strategic, entrepreneurial leader who works in tandem with The Knights’ Artistic Directors and Board of Trustees to provide leadership and drive revenue growth, managing the artistic, human, and financial resources of an ambitious and creative orchestral collective at home in New York City and on tour across the US and abroad.
Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the Executive Director oversees an annual budget of approximately $2 million, a concert season of up to 25 performances per year including a new residency at Carnegie Hall, seasonal domestic and international tours, recordings on major labels, and an expanding presence in NYC. Acting as the head of fundraising and strategic planning, the Executive Director is responsible for maximizing both earned and contributed revenue and directing a campaign to ensure organizational sustainability. The Executive Director, with the support of the administrative staff, will execute the goals and objectives of the Artistic Directors. and in close collaboration with the musicians of the orchestra. The Executive Director serves as the chief communicator between The Knights and the community, guiding and overseeing all marketing and communications efforts.
The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will be comfortable and confident in providing leadership to develop and execute comprehensive fundraising plans, including a campaign for organizational sustainability. An excellent knowledge of fiscal management is critical, including the ability to maximize earned income opportunities and increase contributed income. They will be energetic, innovative and committed to the musicians and mission of the orchestra. The ideal candidate will be knowledgeable about the field of classical music, and is experienced in the management of performing ensembles, budgeting and financial reporting, and marketing in print and on digital platforms. The ideal candidate interacts with collegiality, has an extensive background in building and motivating teams, and exhibits exemplary communication skills. They are flexible and adaptable, willing and able to accommodate and adjust to differing styles of management and communication. The ideal candidate is an adept negotiator; the candidate is accomplished in building patron relations, has a demonstrated track record in fundraising with institutional and individual donors, and brings an established network of contacts throughout the field. Previous experience in the New York City performing arts community, while not essential, is important. The ideal candidate is proficient in Microsoft Office, Google Suite, Quickbooks, and Patron Manager or other fundraising software.
Qualified applicants will have an undergraduate degree as well as 10+ years of relevant experience in increasingly senior-level positions.
This is a full-time exempt position based in New York City. The Knights’ administrative office is currently located in downtown Brooklyn. Evening and weekend hours may be required based on the schedule of concerts and events, which comprise approximately 12-15 weeks annually.
Responsibilities include and are not limited to:
Institutional Strategy
- In collaboration with the Board, Artistic Directors, staff and musicians, lead organization in short- and long-term planning
- Articulate and implement organization’s strategic vision and organizational goals
Fundraising and Revenue Enhancement
- Build on existing individual and institutional relationships and source and cultivate new leads
- Develop and implement fundraising strategies and proposals for support from individuals, corporations, foundations, and government agencies
- Plan and execute a new campaign for sustainability of the orchestra and support for artistic growth
Board Relations
- Apprise Board of all matters within the Executive Director’s scope of responsibility
- Attend all meetings of the Board and committees and prepare and present reports as required
- Assist in governance, development, and recruitment of new Board members
Finance
In collaboration with the Director of Artistic Operations, oversee:
- Budgets and financial reports under guidance of the Treasurer of the Board
- Day-to-day accounting and cash flow
- Internal controls and collaborate with auditor in preparation of all tax filings
- Payroll and timely payment of invoices
- Necessary insurance policies, including general liability insurance, directors and officers’ insurance, workers compensation, disability and other legal requirements as necessary
- Negotiation of all contracts with managing agents, booking representatives, presenters, and collaborating artists and composers
Administration
- Work with Artistic Directors, Director of Artistic Operations, staff, musicians, and Opus 3 Artists to plan artistically and financially well-balanced concert seasons, including NYC projects and tours
- Create and communicate project budgets that meet artistic needs in context of Board-approved operating budget
- Engage member musicians in the leadership of the organization through committee and project work, as well as regular meetings and open communication
- Attend all concerts and events in NYC and key engagements on tour; build relationships with presenters
- Oversee fundraising activities and the creation of related program materials
- Oversee Director of Artistic Operations in production and tour planning
- With Artistic Directors to execute recording and digital media strategy to create and distribute traditional and unconventional recordings that promote the mission of The Knights
- Maintain a regular presence in the office when not attending offsite meetings and appointments
Marketing and PR
- Maintain The Knights’ brand consistently in all print and digital publications
- Create and oversee public relations strategy in collaboration with outside consultants or partners
- Oversee Grants & Communications Coordinator and all creative partners in the creation of marketing and engagement strategies and print and digital content to promote Knights activities in NYC and worldwide
Compensation
The salary range for this position is $110,000 – $135,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience. The Knights offer a benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance, and have a generous paid time off policy including paid holidays, sick leave, and vacation days.
Application process
Please send resume and cover letter before February 28, 2025 to jobs@theknightsnyc.com with the subject heading “Executive Director.”
The Knights are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
About The Knights
The Knights are a collective of adventurous musicians dedicated to transforming the orchestral experience and eliminating barriers between audiences and music. Driven by an open-minded spirit of camaraderie and exploration, they inspire listeners with vibrant programs rooted in the classical tradition and passion for artistic discovery. The Knights evolved from late-night chamber music reading parties with friends at the home of violinist Colin Jacobsen and cellist Eric Jacobsen. The Jacobsen brothers together serve as artistic directors of The Knights, with Eric Jacobsen as conductor.
Proud to be known as “one of Brooklyn’s sterling cultural products… known far beyond the borough for their relaxed virtuosity and expansive repertory” (The New Yorker), the orchestra has toured extensively across the United States and Europe since their founding in 2007. The Knights’ roster boasts musicians of remarkably diverse talents, including composers, arrangers, singer-songwriters, and improvisers, who bring a range of musical influences to the group, from jazz to indie rock music. The Knights are celebrated globally, appearing across the world’s most prestigious stages, including those at Tanglewood Music Center, Ravinia Music Festival, the Kennedy Center, the Vienna Musikverein, and Hamburg’s Elbphilharmonie. The orchestra has collaborated with many renowned soloists including Emanuel Ax, Yo-Yo Ma, Dawn Upshaw, Béla Fleck, and Gil Shaham.
In 2025-26, The Knights’ third season at Carnegie Hall will blend timeless tradition with bold innovation, in the orchestra’s signature style. Additionally, The Knights’ Rhapsody project, a multi-year commissioning initiative inspired by the 2024 centennial of George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, continues through 2027. For the latest on our season and a complete list of artistic partners and collaborative projects, please visit our website: https://theknightsnyc.com/.