Executive Director

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Executive Director (ED) of SYSO is responsible for the leadership and management of the organization’s strategic priorities and working with the Music Director (MD) to oversee the success of SYSO’s artistic and educational programming. The ED is responsible for ensuring that SYSO operates within the parameters of a Board-approved budget and that programs have the resources necessary to succeed within the budget. Answering directly to the Board, the ED provides updates to the Board and supporting committees on progress against responsibilities, inclusive of any challenges.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership, Strategic Planning

1. Partners with the Board to establish Strategic Plans and goals and leads execution of the Strategic Plan to achieve organization goals and workplans.
2. Maintains full transparency and accountability to the Board and its committees. Provides regular, timely, and accurate communication on emerging opportunities, strategic progress, finances, and risk management.
3. Provides leadership, day-to-day management, and operational oversight to the MD, staff, and contractors, including process optimization between staff and across SYSO.
4. Fosters a positive culture of effective, collaborative teamwork among the Board, MD, staff, and contractors.
5. Represents and provides a visible presence in the SYSO community and the local music and arts community. Cultivates and develops community partnerships to raise awareness and promote SYSO’s mission, strategic priorities, and programs.

Programming

1. Works with the MD to oversee the planning, implementation, and evaluation of SYSO’s programs, services, and special projects – ensuring that they align with SYSO’s mission, advance strategic priorities, and remain within annual scope and budget.
2. Partners with the MD to explore innovations to programs and associated revenue streams that will further SYSO’s mission and program sustainability.
3. Monitors daily execution of SYSO’s programming and services to the community, ensuring operational support for programs. Develops multi-year strategies and plans to improve the quality of programs and services.
4. Develops and maintains systems and metrics to track progress. Regularly evaluates programs and operations to measure outcomes, communicates those to the Board, the MD, donors, staff, and other key stakeholders.

Finance

1. Further develops financial systems and practices to ensure transparency, timely decision-making, and long-term financial growth and sustainability.
2. Works with the Board and staff to build, present, and approve annual budgets. Manages regular budget reporting to the Board, committees, and staff, including annual forecasting and multi-year planning.
3. Oversees the organization’s financial health, as well as the building and application of strategic reserves and endowment funds.
4. Oversees execution and delivery of the annual audit. Ensures all accounting operations follow best practices, as recommended by auditors, Treasurer, and accounting staff/consultants.

Development and Communications

1. Oversees the success of development operations, including the creation, implementation, and regular evaluation of fundraising plans. Executes necessary adjustments to achieve revenue growth and sustainability of program operations, cash reserves, and the Board designated endowment fund.
2. Partners with the Director of Development and the Development Committee to establish and implement fundraising strategies that advance SYSO’s strategic priorities, strengthen existing donor relationships, and increase SYSO’s donor base.
3. Oversees execution of SYSO’s communications and marketing strategies to raise brand awareness, increase enrollment, and expand concert attendance.

Operations

1. Develops an annual operational plan with staff and contractors, including goals and objectives consistent with those outlined in the Strategic Plan.
2. Oversees risk assessment, including design and implementation of mitigation strategies. Authors and monitors SYSO policies and procedures to help manage risk and maintain compliance of SYSO operations and programs.
3. Oversees SYSO’s technical infrastructure, including data management, website, software and hardware acquisition and maintenance, and all related contracts.
4. Working with the MD, oversees the sourcing and management of SYSO’s facilities, including office and meeting spaces, rehearsal and performance spaces, and all related contracts.
5. Partnering with the MD, oversees the successful implementation of all domestic and international travel, performances, and cultural experiences.

Human Resources

1. Determines staffing requirements for organizational management and program delivery, ensuring reporting structures and responsibilities align with the Strategic Plan, multi-year budget, and future needs of SYSO.
2. Oversees the process of recruiting, interviewing, and hiring staff and contractors. Manages all onboarding and offboarding processes, including any legal action around employees exiting SYSO.
3. Supervises the daily work of all direct reports, including annual performance reviews, merit adjustments, professional development, and any necessary feedback and/or performance improvement plans. Ensures execution of performance management structure for all managers.
4. Updates HR policies, procedures, and practices consistent with nonprofit best employment practices.

PRIORITIES

1. Develop a multi-year operational plan to fully realize SYSO’s Strategic Plan.
2. Perform an organizational assessment by reviewing programs, processes, policies, staffing, and structure to ensure alignment with SYSO’s mission.
3. Craft a plan to meet earned revenue targets and exceed contributed revenue targets, creating a positive trend for development ROI.
4. Work with the MD to help realize the artistic vision and ensure the appropriate balance of resources for all SYSO programs. Establish rapport and positive working relationships with all key stakeholders. Serve as a highly visible and strong ambassador for SYSO.

IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE

The ideal candidate will build positive relationships with the entire SYSO community. They will have excellent verbal and written communication skills, an innovative mindset, and be committed to upholding the highest ethical and professional standards. A deep connection to music and youth development, along with a successful track record with major donors is also desired. The ideal candidate will also possess strong business and financial acumen, five or more years of teambuilding and management experience, and will also have experience answering to and collaborating with Boards of Directors.

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