President and Chief Executive Officer
Position Summary
The President & CEO will be a visionary who guides the strategy, planning, and implementation of the unique Symphony-Schermerhorn business model in an iconic music, arts, and entertainment destination. Reporting to the Board of Directors and responsible for overall revenue generation, capital and artistic initiatives campaign, community engagement, musician relations, and managerial direction, the President & CEO will align the Symphony’s mission, vision, and values with its artistic, educational, strategic, and financial goals in and for a rapidly evolving community. The President & CEO will ensure fiscal resiliency and facility vibrancy in leading significant programmatic and revenue initiatives that promote artistic excellence and impacts locally and nationally while distinguishing the Symphony’s artistic caliber and the Schermerhorn as an international destination.
An external networker and public advocate for the importance of the arts and culture sector, the President & CEO will actively engage in the cultivation and stewardship of donors to sustain the Symphony’s significant infrastructure and ensure its legacy. Enthusiastically representing the Symphony and promoting its role as a leading community asset that drives artistic, educational, social, and economic vitality, they will continue to foster authentic and deeply collaborative relationships with other arts, social, educational, and business organizations. The President & CEO will guide and inspire artistic and managerial team members to explore new opportunities that expand access, increase audiences, and ensure the Symphony’s long-term success. They will foster a welcoming culture consciously designed to promote teamwork, unity, collaboration, innovation, adaptability, equity, and inclusion throughout and across the Symphony.
Qualifications
A minimum of 10 years of relevant senior management experience in maximizing philanthropic support, increasing earned revenues, designing resilient business models, and engaging deeply with a variety of constituencies and communities. Demonstrated strong results in individual and institutional donor cultivation, as well as overall financial and facility stewardship, are expected. Experience in effective strategic partnerships and active community participation is needed. Exceptional writing and verbal communication skills are required, as is the capacity and enthusiasm to attend evening and weekend performances and events. A master’s degree or equivalent experience in business, arts administration, nonprofit governance, or a related field is preferred. A deep understanding of producing, presenting, or touring in the performing arts sector or related creative industries is valued but not necessarily required. A candidate who does not meet all the qualifications but possesses transferable or equivalent skills, experience, or education is encouraged to inquire or apply while highlighting those relevant areas.
Compensation and Benefits
Nashville Symphony provides a competitive and equitable compensation package with an estimated base salary in the range of $350,000 to $400,000. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurances; flexible spending account (FSA) for medical, dental, vision, and over the counter expenses; dependent care FSA for eligible childcare or eldercare expenses; 403(b) retirement plan with discretionary employer match; life and disability insurance; additional voluntary benefits such as accident insurance, critical illness and cancer coverage; a generous paid time off policy, and 14 paid holidays annually. Other perks include free 100% employer-paid parking, flexible work schedules, and an employee assistance program, along with the quality of life and vibrancy that Nashville offers.
