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Thrive Washington | Chief Executive OfficerBozeman Symphony Orchestra I Executive Director

Thrive Washington | Chief Executive Officer

Founded in 1968, the Bozeman Symphony Society will soon celebrate its 50th Anniversary of enthralling symphonic and

choral performances. Led by maestro Matthew Savery, the orchestra has earned a reputation for musical excellence and

is held in high regard by other world class musicians: “Bozeman has a rare treasure in its symphony orchestra and music

director” (Spencer Myer, pianist). Locals and visitors flock to the concerts during the regular concert season, with nearly

sold-out audiences for performances in the newly renovated, 1,100 seat Willson Auditorium. Innovative musical programs for

families and children, an active commissioning program, and free live performances in rural hamlets and communities beyond

Bozeman are just a few of the reasons that the Symphony is so beloved throughout the region.

Visit www.bozemansymphony.org to learn more about the organization.

Nestled in the Gallatin Valley below the Bridger Range and Spanish Peaks, in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Bozeman

boasts stunning scenery and has been lauded by numerous national journals for its quality of life. Outdoor enthusiasts are

within short driving distance of some of the west’s best fishing, hiking, biking, swimming, and skiing; Yellowstone National

Park is just 90 miles south of town.

Home to one of the state’s most respected public universities, Montana State University, a growing tech sector, and an

historic downtown with a vibrant arts and restaurant scene, Bozeman offers the rare combination of the intellectual and

cultural amenities of a large urban area with the strong community connections found in a small town. Along with the

Symphony, Bozeman is home to opera and ballet companies as well as numerous art galleries, a major museum, and theater

organizations, proving just how much the community enjoys and supports its cultural life. Bozeman has a well regarded public

school system (with music education taught at all grade levels), and was identified by both National Geographic Adventure

and Bloomberg Businessweek as a “best place” to raise a family. Whether a Bozeman local, a ‘transplant’, or a part time

second home owner, those who live in the area do so because of their passion for this unique community.

The Organization

About Bozeman, Montana

Bozeman Symphony Orchestra I Executive Director


The Opportunity

The new Executive Director of the Bozeman Symphony Society will be joining an organization that is thriving artistically with

a reputation for musical excellence throughout the northern intermountain region. The Symphony has an actively engaged

Board of Directors (to whom the executive director will report), a dedicated staff of six (some of whom also play in the

orchestra), a donor base with untapped potential, and an enthusiastic and supportive audience. The Executive Director who

has a passion for music and the savvy of an experienced and highly skilled nonprofit executive will be rewarded with the

opportunity to take the Symphony to the next level of operational excellence.



Strategic Action

The new Executive Director will provide a thoughtful and strategic approach to the next phase of the Symphony’s operational

advancement that supports both growth in the near term and sustainability in the future. The ED will work closely with the

Music Director and the Board of Directors to guide the implementation of a business plan that capitalizes on the organization’s

artistic achievements.

Fundraising Leadership

As chief fundraiser, the executive director will direct and lead all fundraising efforts, including annual appeals, major gifts,

endowment campaigns and other campaigns as needed to fund extraordinary opportunities. With the 50th Anniversary

approaching in 2017, there is a compelling occasion around which to build a dynamic fundraising program. The board and

conductor are actively engaged in donor relations and fundraising and will support the ED’s leadership in this work.

Talent and Board Leadership

The Board of Directors is seeking an executive director who will lead with inspiration, strong managerial skills, and full

transparency. She or he will serve as a partner to the Music Director and will supervise and work closely with the administrative

team, empowering them to drive action, and be accountable for outcomes. The ED will ensure goals are shared, clearly

communicated and expectations for performance are understood and met. The new ED will work closely with the Board of

Directors to define roles and increase their involvement and participation. She or he will help to leverage the skills, influence,

interests, and financial support of the Board.

Administrative Oversight

The new ED will apply strong business acumen and best practices to manage and support the Symphony’s administration and

operations. This includes the creation of strategic and operational plans; fiscal responsibility and accountability; budgeting;

personnel management; and technology and facilities management.

Community Relations

The Executive Director, alongside the Conductor, is a public face of the organization and will play a prominent community

advocacy role. As an external ambassador, the Executive Director will build upon and strengthen the Symphony’s role as a

collaborative partner to a range of community stakeholders, including the University, peer nonprofits in the region, local

businesses, and others. She or he will also be actively engaged in relevant community activities as a representative of, and

advocate for, the Symphony.

Key Priorities




Ideal Candidate

The new Executive Director is a proven nonprofit leader with strong business skills and a clear commitment to, and passion for,

symphonic music. She or he is an inspiring leader who understands how to effectively partner with a dynamic music director

for the benefit of the organization. As one of the Symphony’s two senior leaders, the ED is a big picture thinker who sees

around corners while managing the details of day-to-day business matters. The successful candidate is comfortable making

fundraising asks and brings a diplomatic yet persistent approach to the task. She or he is a consummate networker and able

to work a room with confidence and poise. Calm under pressure, the Executive Director is as adept at speaking in front of a

crowd as she or he is at handling patron relations during a concert. A strong desire to live in Bozeman and become integrated

into the community is essential.

Specific competencies include:

• Inspiring leadership that stimulates the confidence, support and respect of administration, board, donors, musicians,

volunteers, and community partners

• Exceptional communication skills and ease as a public figure

• A collaborative style and ability to build consensus and trusting relationships

• A creative and fearless approach to fundraising and a track record securing significant contributions

• Nonprofit management skills to make sound business and financial decisions and recognize opportunities and

challenges

• Approachable and empowering people management skills

• Ability to leverage talents of current board members and attract new ones

Candidates should have a minimum of 10 years of executive level experience in nonprofit arts management or a related

field, strong financial management skills, and proven success in fundraising. She or he has a deep appreciation for music

and the arts; familiarity with the orchestra world is an asset. A Bachelor’s degree is required; an advanced degree in arts

management, nonprofit management, or business is preferred.




To Be Considered

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. To be considered, please go to candidateportal.waldronhr.com and submit

your resume and cover letter expressing your passion for the mission and fit for the role. Cover letters may be addressed to

Sarah Meyer.

The search for the next Executive Director of the Bozeman Symphony is being assisted by a team from Waldron:

Sarah Meyer Search Director

206-792-4221 direct

[email protected]

Heather Mohler Senior Associate

206-792-4225 direct

[email protected]


waldronhr.com

Waldron is honored to work with the Bozeman Symphony Orchestra in the search for an Executive Director. We believe

in and support the work of Bozeman Symphony and we are doing our best to recruit a talented team member who will

accelerate this mission. As the consulting partner strategic leaders choose to help attract, engage, and inspire effective

leaders, Waldron provides a unique combination of executive search, leadership development, and career transition

services across sectors and industries. Our passion is helping people and organizations realize their full potential and

increase their impact.

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Executive Director - Waldronfield, strong financial management skills, and proven success in fundraising. She or he has a deep appreciation for music and the arts; familiarity with