Summerville Orchestra Executive Director

Join a Community Orchestra Like No Other!  

The Summerville Orchestra was founded 22 years ago by a small group of amateur musicians for the sheer joy of playing music together.   

Today, we’re an 80-member volunteer orchestra that includes some of the finest musicians in the Charleston area, alongside emerging youth and devoted amateur players. We are at full capacity—with a waiting list of musicians eager to join. We’ve commissioned original works, performed world premieres, and in 2023, we were honored as Best Performing Community Orchestra in the Nation by The American Prize.

The Summerville Orchestra has reimagined what it means to be a community orchestra. With more than 30 musical experiences each year, our programming blends genres, engages the senses, and breaks down traditional barriers between audience and performer.

Now, we’re looking for a dynamic Executive Director to help lead us into our next chapter.

About the Role

The Executive Director (ED) is the chief administrative officer of the Summerville Orchestra, reporting to the Board of Directors (BOD) and works in close partnership with the Music Director (MD). The ED is responsible for the overall management of the organization, including staff, operations, development, community engagement and strategic implementation.

We’re seeking a confident, collaborative leader who brings both structure and soul to their work. You don’t need to have managed an orchestra before—but you do need to love music (really love it), and you need to understand its value in a community like ours.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership

   •  In partnership with the BOD, work to achieve the long-term vision, achieving the strategic goals of 
      Sustainability, Community Engagement, and Artistic Excellence.
   •  Inspire collaboration and growth for all performing entities: Summerville Orchestra, Youth Philharmonic 
       SOJazzy, Encore Series, Music Chats, Art Strolls and various small ensembles.

Administrative Management

  • Develop and follow policies for efficient and transparent day-to-day operations.
  •  Supervise and support all staff, promoting efficient operation while serving our public constituency.
  •  In conjunction with the MD, develop an annual plan for orchestra operations, including rehearsal schedules, 
     concerts, special events and broadcasts.
  •  Ensure that all rehearsals, concerts and other events are properly staffed.
  •  In coordination with the BOD Treasurer, manage the organization’s budget and financial reporting, ensuring 
     financial sustainability and responsible resource allocation.
  •  Maintain all payroll records for administrative and artistic staff.
  •  Develop and execute fundraising strategies to grow individual, corporate and grant funding.
  •  Manage the orchestra’s brand identity and public image.
  •  Oversee all marketing materials, website and social media presence.
  •  Attend all Board meetings, prepare reports as requested, and serve as ex officio member of all Board 
     committees.

Artistic Collaboration

  •  Partner with the MD in fulfillment of the artistic mission.
  •  Support the MD’s programming and artistic vision, collaborating for marketability and funding, and arranging all 
     logistics for guest artists.

Community Engagement

•  Foster strong relationships with community partners, sponsors, and stakeholders.
•  Advocate for the arts and the importance of live performance within the diverse community.
•  Represent the orchestra in local and regional civic planning, and as liaison to public schools.

QUALIFICATIONS
•  Four-year degree minimum with proven experience in arts administration.
•  Strong leadership skills with a demonstrated ability to build and motivate teams.
•  Excellent communication, writing and interpersonal skills to cultivate relationships with musicians, artists, donors
   and community partners.
•  Expertise in fundraising, marketing, social media and financial management.
•  Technical proficiency with MS Office required; QuickBooks and relevant software (i.e. Charity Proud, Canva) 
   experience desired.
•  Passion for music and live performance.  

How to Apply
To apply, please send a résumé and cover letter outlining your interest and qualifications to edsearch@summervilleorchestra.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with priority given to those received by August 1. All inquiries and submissions will be kept confidential.