About Worthington Chamber Orchestra

Worthington Chamber Orchestra (WCO), formerly McConnell Arts Center Chamber Orchestra, was founded by Dr. Antoine T. Clark in 2013 and serves Worthington, Ohio, and neighboring communities. The 42-piece chamber orchestra annually performs three masterworks programs and education, family, and chamber concerts throughout the community. 

The chamber orchestra’s annual operational budget is $160,000. The chamber orchestra has received grant funding from the Ohio Arts Council, the Columbus Foundation, the City of Worthington, the Johnstone Fund for New Music, the Women’s Philharmonic Advocacy, and Lincoln Financial.

The Executive Director and chamber orchestra are supported by a part-time staff of Orchestra Manager (Librarian/Personnel Manager), Production Manager, and Marketing Manager. The WCO also contracts with a bookkeeper, a grant writer, and a program notes writer. 

Executive Director Job Summary (Full Job Description: https://www.worthingtonchamberorchestra.com/executivedirectorsearch)

The Executive Director (ED) serves as the chief administrative officer, manages the orchestra’s human and financial resources, and facilitates all aspects of its operations. The ED reports to the Board of Trustees and works alongside the Artistic/Music Director to implement, lead, and achieve the WCO’s mission and artistic goals.

Required Education 

•    A bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university is preferred, or two to three years of related professional experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 

•    Preference will be given to candidates with training and non-profit management experience in performing arts administration. 

Hours and Working Conditions

•    Part-time position. Typically averaging 20-30 hours a week. Flexible hours. Evenings and weekends as necessary. 

•    Hybrid work environment (remote and onsite).

•    Weight of Workload: Fundraising 50%, Management 25%, Marketing 25%.

•    Residency in Central Ohio is preferred but not required. 

•    Hold a valid driver’s license. 

Compensation and Benefits 

•    Salary: $32,000. 

•    Association of Fundraising Professionals Membership

•    WCO will encourage and support professional development through organizations such as the Greater Columbus Arts Council, Ohio Arts Council, and The Columbus Foundation.

•    A laptop computer will be provided for WCO work.

•    Unmatched opportunity to learn from a highly motivated and committed group of individuals. Board members have expertise in finance, communications, editing, marketing, development, education, legal services, etc.

Management and Leadership Responsibilities

•    Demonstrate exemplary leadership and teamwork skills while incorporating diversity, equity and inclusion in all orchestra operations, programming, audience development, and personnel. 

•    Utilize goal-oriented and sound decision-making.

•    Lead efficient operation of all orchestra activities with accountability and diplomacy.

•    Manage time and priorities to develop and maintain collaborations and partnerships that further the orchestra's mission. 

•    Exhibit high motivation and self-governance. 

•    Demonstrate familiarity with standard operating software to perform the position’s essential functions. 

•    Possess clear, concise, and persuasive verbal and written communication skills.

•    Display an ability to motivate and build productive relationships with the Artistic/Music director, staff, musicians, board members, donors, patrons, and community stakeholders.

•    Demonstrate a desire to excel in non-profit arts administration. 

•    Exhibit passion for advancing arts in the community. 

•    Serve as spokesperson for the WCO by maintaining a strong community presence. 

•    Recruit, supervise, and direct the work of staff, interns, and volunteers. 

•    Organize and lead regular staff meetings. 

Board of Directors

•    Establish and maintain all communication channels between the Board of Trustees, Artistic/Music Director, staff, musicians, and volunteers.

•    Serve as an ex-officio member in all Board meetings, providing detailed information and support. 

•    Leverage Board talents and networks to advance the WCO mission.

•    Participate in the nomination, orientation, development, and education of Board members. 

•    Collaborate with the Board to successfully execute the orchestra’s strategic plan and annual review. 

Business and Finance

•    In consultation with the Artistic/Music Director, develop an annual operating budget and maintain fiscal responsibility and stability. 

•    Be responsible for accurate financial records and creating bi-monthly reports for the Board.

•    Understand and comply with best accounting practices, tax filings, and audits.

•    Ensure that grants are spent in accordance with grant guidelines and that all reporting requirements are met. 

Development/Fundraising

•    Develop relationships with donors, patrons, and prospective partners to strengthen the chamber orchestra’s financial well-being and to raise financial support. 

•    Lead and manage fundraising, grant writing, state and local government support, and other fundraising opportunities that may arise.

•    Create and implement an annual stewardship and fundraising plan. 

•    Supervise and maintain WCO’s contacts, subscribers, contributors, and sponsors database.

Community Engagement and Education Outreach

•    Develop opportunities for community outreach, sharing WCO vision, programs, and quality, and becoming the face of WCO in the community. 

•    Actively participate in the dialogue between arts associations, city leaders, and the media to further community collaboration. 

•    Partner with community organizations and businesses to strengthen relationships and promote WCO’s mission. 

•    Expand strategic partnerships with school districts and regional organizations for education and programming. 

•    Oversee and evaluate education programs. 

Artistic and Production Management

•    Consult with the Artistic/Music Director in the selection of guest artists and programs to support the orchestra’s mission. 

•    Attend all rehearsals, concerts, and events. 

•    Be available at rehearsals and organization activities to assist in stage and venue managerial duties. 

•    Ensure that concerts are properly staffed. 

•    Oversee the successful execution of all performances, including but not limited to securing venues, equipment, instruments, licenses, permits, and contracts.

Marketing

•    Ensure effective communication and marketing/publicity tools: website updates, press releases, posters, flyers, newsletters, electronic and social media, letters, annual reports, and thank you notes.  

•    Recommend policies and procedures that will enhance the organization’s mission and goals.

Application Procedure

•    Application Deadline: June 7, 2024

•    Submit a letter of interest and resume by email to worthingtonchamberorchestra@gmail.com, Attention: Search Committee. 

•   Applicants should address how their knowledge, skills, and abilities would allow them to meet the executive director’s basic function, role, duties, and responsibilities as outlined in this job description. 

•    References shall be provided upon request. 

•    Finalists will be notified by July 15, 2024, regarding in-person interviews scheduled at a mutually agreed-upon time.

•    An offer of employment will be contingent upon a successful background check. 

•    Start date: September 1, 2024.