POSITION PROFILE

New West Symphony – Chief Executive Officer

Organization

The New West Symphony (NWS) is a leading regional orchestra based in Ventura and Los Angeles Counties, California, dedicated to uniting communities through the power of live symphonic music. Guided by a mission to inspire passion for symphonic music through live performances and education initiatives that engage and enrich its diverse audiences, the Symphony serves one of the most diverse regions in the Los Angeles Metropolitan area with performances that celebrate both symphonic tradition and global heritage.

Founded in 1995, the Symphony presents masterful performances by world-class musicians under the artistic direction of Maestro Michael Christie, a GRAMMY® Award-winning conductor celebrated for his innovative programming. Each concert season showcases renowned guest artists, premieres of new works, and cross-genre experiences that connect music to broader themes of culture, history, and humanity.

The Symphony performs throughout Ventura County and the Conejo Valley, presenting its Masterpiece Series at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza and the Rancho Campana Performing Arts Center, along with community concerts and educational events that bring orchestral music directly to neighborhoods, schools, and families.

Its award-winning education programs, including the Laby Harmony Project for underserved youth, Symphonic Adventures concerts for 3rd, 4th and 5th graders, the traveling “instrument petting zoo,” also known as the Music Van program, and Side-by-Side concerts, reach thousands of students annually — fostering a lifelong love of music and providing mentorship opportunities between professional musicians and young learners. The Symphony boasts several education programs for all ages including “Meet the Artists,” “Intermission Insights” and “Hear and Now Live” that increase the community’s engagement and education programs.

Short term goals (one to two years):

• Operationalize and modify (as required) Membership Program.
• Engage with neighboring organizations on collaborative projects for US 250th Anniversary.
• Fundraising Plan: strengthen comprehensive fund development plan with traditional and new elements and strategies; fully analyze past successes and challenges; expand the formal “Legacy Society” to encourage legacy giving and engagement.
• Review and update internal processes both on staff and Board levels. Establish staff and Board work plans that engage all parties and support positive interaction between staff and musicians.
• Close 2027 season planning and budgeting to present to Board for approval.
• Maximize relationships with local political jurisdictions, particularly County of Ventura.
• Evaluate and update marketing and development strategies and tactics.
• Update Strategic Plan.
• Nurture relationship with AFM Local 47 and NWS bargaining unit; establish timeline for next Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Longer term goals (three to five years): (We will strive to accomplish the following)….

• Streamline revenue raising sources (annual fund, special events, corporate partnerships, Legacy Society) for purpose and income generation.
• Establish programming rhythm.
• Firmly establish position as artistic leader in the County, drive larger region-wide initiatives enhance regional profile by leveraging Music Director’s visibility.
• Increase number of community and performing partnerships.
• Maximize lifelong learning portfolio.
• Create reserve or endowment to mitigate volatility in contributed and earned income.

CEO Position Summary

The Chief Executive Officer will be a visionary, strategic, and community-driven leader responsible for advancing New West Symphony’s mission and ensuring its artistic, financial, and organizational vitality. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the CEO will lead efforts to expand the Symphony’s reach, deepen community engagement, and sustain a financially strong and artistically vibrant organization. The CEO will collaborate closely with the Music Director, Board, and staff to develop innovative artistic and educational initiatives that inspire audiences, unite diverse communities, and uphold the highest standards of artistic excellence. This role requires an entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for the arts’ transformative power to connect people and ideas across cultures.

POSITION DUTIES

RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT:

• Serve as the organization’s chief fundraiser and ambassador to donors, sponsors, and grant-making institutions.
• Sustain revenue generation and financial stewardship.
• Lead the planning and execution of annual and multi-year fundraising campaigns, including major gifts, corporate partnerships, and foundation grants; maximize planned giving.

FISCAL INTEGRITY:

• Work with staff and the Finance Committee to ensure sound financial management, transparent reporting, and justifiable and understandable budgeting.
• Ensure ethical and transparent reporting and communications consistent with best practice.

SUPPORT FOR GOVERNANCE AND PLANNING

• Lead implementation of a strategic plan cycle that ensures organizational sustainability, artistic integrity, and community relevance.
• Identify and pursue new earned revenue opportunities aligned with the organization’s mission and brand.
• Support Board and team leadership and learning; partner with the Board to strengthen governance practices, recruit and train new members, and engage current trustees in meaningful ways.

OUTREACH AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS:

• Strengthen community partnerships and position NWS as a cultural leader and collaborative catalyst in the region.
• Represent NWS as a visible and trusted leader in the community, engaging with civic, cultural, and business organizations.
• Promote NWS as a regional asset that drives artistic innovation, education, and community cohesion, while attracting new residents and visitors to the region.
• Drive marketing and communications strategies that increase visibility, expand audiences, and strengthen the Symphony’s identity.
• Build relationships with underrepresented communities and amplify cultural inclusion through programming and partnerships.

OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT:

• Partner with the Music Director, Board, and staff to achieve long-term artistic, educational, and financial goals.
• Champion artistic innovation that builds new audiences while maintaining loyalty among core supporters.
• Oversee labor relations, including negotiation and administration of collective bargaining agreements.
• Build and nurture a high-performing, collaborative staff culture rooted in respect, innovation, and accountability; encourage teamwork between musicians, staff, and volunteers, fostering a unified organizational vision.
• Prepare and manage the budget, in cooperation with the Treasurer and Finance Committee, as approved by the Board.
• Manage recruitment, evaluation, and exiting of personnel, in alignment with the approved budget
• Support professional development and implement equitable and transparent management practices.
• Maintain support systems for paid and unpaid employees to ensure maximum productivity in today’s workplace .

Requirements of Applicants

• A degree from an accredited college or university in a field related to NWS mission and services [educational qualifications may be waived depending on work history]
• Five years of experience in a senior level of nonprofit administration (with knowledge and experience in the performing arts field) including fundraising, outreach, planning, budgeting and fiscal management, with a minimum of three years of experience at an executive level
• Valid driver’s license, safe driving record, current vehicle insurance, and ability to use personal vehicle for NWS business
• Knowledge of Microsoft Suite and Google Suite is helpful; knowledge of Patron Manager (or similar) fundraising software
• High level of integrity, honesty, dependability, accountability, creativity and confidentiality in performance of duties
• Willingness to travel within NWS’s service area, and beyond for conferences, etc.
• Must be able to pass criminal background check

Qualities we are Seeking

• Understanding of orchestral music industry, performing arts management, and/or related fields
• Exceptional oral and written communication, public speaking, diplomacy, and interpersonal skills with diverse stakeholders
• A collaborative, creative, and mission-driven mindset with the ability to inspire trust and enthusiasm
• Proven ability to innovate and address changes in the field
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills to quickly resolve challenging situations
• Keen ethical grounding and focus on transparency and engagement

Working Conditions

Work is performed typically in an office environment and in a variety of settings among diverse stakeholders and audiences. Remote work will be considered, as appropriate. Frequent use of electronic media will be required. The CEO will frequently work outside normal working hours and will drive for work with donors, collaborators and other stakeholders in the community. While performing the duties of this job, the CEO is regularly required to sit, speak, hear, stand and walk. The CEO is frequently required to use hands on a keyboard. Specific vision abilities required include close vision and ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Compensation

Salary: $140,000-$150,000 DOE plus partially paid medical and fully paid dental coverage, and other standard employee benefits (as outlined in the employment handbook), such as PTO, sick leave and holidays.