Executive Director

THE ORGANIZATIONThe Nashville Civic Orchestra (NCO) is a newly established nonprofit performing arts organizationlaunching its inaugural 2026-2027 concert season. The NCO’s mission is to engage the Nashvillecommunity through high-quality performances, meaningful education, and programming that honorsthe great traditions of orchestral music while supporting living composers and emerging artists.The vision of the NCO is to build a unique model for civic music-making in Nashville where emergingartists, seasoned professionals, living composers, and education programs come together to craftvibrant performances that reflect, engage, and serve the community. The organization is governed bya Board of Directors and led artistically by its Artistic Director.THE POSITIONThe Executive Director is NCO’s first full-time hire. This is a founding-stage role: the ED will take overthe building of NCO’s administrative infrastructure from the Board President while partnering closelywith the Artistic Director to bring the inaugural season to life.The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors per NCO’s bylaws.RESPONSIBILITIESOperations & AdministrationBuild and manage NCO’s administrative systems, records, policies, and day-to-day operationsServe as the organizational point of contact for venues, vendors, contractors, and community partnersAdminister NCO’s digital platforms including Google Workspace, project management tools, and the websiteSupport the Board’s organizational compliance requirements concerning contracts, insurance, operational risks and any other areas as assignedFinanceDevelop the annual operating budget alongside the Treasurer and Finance Committee for Board approvalManage accounts payable and receivable, financial reporting, and cash flowAdminister Section Leader per-service pay, NCO Fellows stipend disbursement, and any compensation for guest artists and composers. Fundraising & DevelopmentLead grant research, writing, submission, and reporting in coordination with the Fundraising CommitteeDevelop and manage individual donor and corporate sponsor relationshipsCoordinate development activity with the Finance Committee and BoardMarketing & CommunicationsOversee marketing strategy, website, email, and social media in coordination with the Marketing Committee and social media sub-contractor.Manage ticketing operations, press outreach, and patron communicationsEnsure that the NCO’s professional-grade brand standards are upheld across all public-facing channelsServe as a visible representative of the NCO in the arts, civic, and philanthropic communityMusicians & Concert ProductionManage all operational musician communications following Board-approved audition decisionsCoordinate rehearsal logistics, music distribution, and season scheduling with the Artistic Director and LibrarianAttend and coordinate venue set-up and tear-down for all NCO rehearsals and concerts Administer guest artist contracts, travel, accommodations, and hospitalityEducation & CommunityCoordinate school visit logistics, community partnerships, and Open Dress Rehearsal operationsAdminister the NCO Fellows Program and university partner relationshipsSupport all educational outreach initiativesBoard RelationsPrepare Executive Director report for Board meetingsAttend Board meetings as a non-voting, ex officio memberImplement Board decisions and report on progress, keeping the Board President proactively informedEngage in and execute long-range organizational planning in conjunction with the Artistic Director and the Board Of Directors QUALIFICATIONS:Required:3-5 years of nonprofit management or arts administration experienceDemonstrated experience in fundraising, including grant writing and individual donor cultivationBudget management experience with organizational-level financial responsibilityStrong written and verbal communication skills; comfortable as a public-facing organizational representativeAbility to build systems and manage multiple priorities in a fast-moving environmentGenuine passion for orchestral music and its role in community lifePreferred:Familiarity with the professional orchestral or performing arts sectorExperience working with or alongside an Artistic DirectorKnowledge of Nashville’s arts, philanthropic, and civic communityComfort with Google Workspace, BaseCamp, Mailchimp, CRM/donor databases, and ticketing platformsCOMPENSATION & BENEFITSThis is a full-time, exempt position. Salary ranges from USD $70,000-85,000 commensurate with experience. The NCO does not currently offer employer-sponsored health, dental, or vision benefits. The organization is committed to revisiting this as the budget grows.TO APPLY Submit the following materials in a single PDF to jobs@nashvillecivicorchestra.org with the subject line, “[LAST NAME, FIRST NAME] - Executive Director Application” (e.g. “Smith, John - Executive Director Application”):Cover letter addressed to the NCO Executive Director Search Committee. Please speak specifically to why you are drawn to the Nashville Civic Orchestra's model and mission, and describe your vision for what an organization like NCO can become.Resume or CVA response to one of the following prompts (no more than one page):Describe a fundraising initiative you led from conception to close. What was the goal, what was your strategy, and what was the outcome?OR: How would you approach building a donor and sponsor base for a new performing arts organization in a city that already has established ensembles?One work sample of your choosing; a grant application, board report, donor communication, or similar document that you authored and that reflects your professional writing and strategic thinking.References will be requested of finalists only. Application deadline is June 12, 2026. The search committee will begin reviewing applications on a rolling basis. Early submission is encouraged. The Nashville Civic Orchestra provides equal opportunity in employment for all qualified persons regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, or veteran status.