Manchester Music Festival is hiring: Executive Director in Manchester

Background Founded in 1974, the Manchester Music Festival (MMF) is a non-profit classical music festival that takes place during July and August in Manchester VT and its surrounding areas. The Festival celebrated its 50th anniversary this summer 2024. In fall 2023, Philip Setzer became the Artistic Director of the MMF. Setzer is a founding member of the world-renowned Emerson String Quartet, a Distinguished Professor of Violin and Chamber Music at SUNY-Stony Brook, Visiting Professor at the Cleveland Institute of Music, and Director of the Shouse Institute of the Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival. Description Manchester Music Festival is seeking a full-time Executive Director (ED) who will work in partnership with the Artistic Director (AD) and Board of Directors to shape a dynamic, engaging, and relevant future for the organization, to ensure both the short-term and long-term viability of the organization through programming excellence, audience engagement, operational integrity, financial stability, and strategic initiatives for institutional advancement and sustainability. The ED is responsible for business operations, marketing, development, financial performance, and supporting the work of the AD; while the AD is primarily responsible for developing the artistic and educational programs and their components. Both positions report to MMF’s Board of Directors. As the representative of the Manchester Music Festival, the Executive Director (ED) will be an entrepreneurial and flexible leader who is approachable, congenial, and trustworthy, who thinks innovatively and speaks confidently with different stakeholders, including donors, concert attendees, musicians, students, and local businesses and community organizations. The ED should have a demonstrated ability to grow for-profit businesses or non-profit organizations. The individual should be comfortable managing multiple projects, tasks, and priorities in all areas of the organization, exhibiting a commitment to collaboration and partnerships. Overview of Responsibilities Provide effective management of the day-to-day operations of the organization, during pre-Festival (Oct-June), Festival (July-Aug) and post-Festival (Sept) periods. In partnership with Board leadership and the Artistic Director, help establish goals and priorities, set objectives, and monitor progress. Provide leadership to help develop various business initiatives, including organizational and financial plans in coordination with the Board, Artistic Director, and staff; and to execute those plans and policies as authorized by the Board. Spearhead fundraising, communications, marketing, outreach to community and businesses, while serving as an advocate and spokesperson for the MMF organization. Coordinate and support the Young Artists during their residency program. Build MMF’s relevance to the community through increasing the depth and breadth of the MMF audience and stakeholders. Promote active and broad participation by volunteers in all areas of MMF's work. Propose and monitor annual budgets; work with bookkeeper, accountants, and Treasurer to produce monthly/annual financial reports and tax filings. Maintain official records and documents, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. Qualifications Five years of leadership experience or demonstrated increasing senior management responsibility, preferably with a music festival, concert series, or performing arts center, including the overall management of the operations and budget. Experience working with non-profit board of directors. Ability to work collaboratively and effectively with the Artistic Director, Board, Young Artists, and community partners. Outstanding management, development, and marketing skills. Excellent communication skills, verbal and written; comfortable making presentations and in social settings with donors and community partners. Knowledge of arts marketing and social media platforms. Working knowledge of budgeting and financial management. Knowledge of classical music repertoire. Strong interpersonal skills; an openness to feedback and new ideas. Availability to work evenings and weekends during the festival summer season. Resides in the Manchester, VT or surrounding area or is willing to relocate permanently to the area. #J-18808-Ljbffr