Careers & Internships
Open Positions
Executive Director
Peoria Symphony Orchestra
Position Summary
The Peoria Symphony Orchestra seeks a dynamic and accomplished Executive Director to serve as its chief administrative officer. Reporting to the Board of Directors through the President, the Executive Director provides strategic, financial, and operational leadership for all aspects of the organization. The successful candidate will combine a passion for orchestral music with strong executive leadership, financial acumen, fundraising expertise, and outstanding interpersonal skills.
Key Responsibilities
Organizational Leadership & Strategy
- Serve as chief administrative officer with overall responsibility for the Orchestra’s operations, strategic planning, and long-term sustainability.
- Work in close partnership with the Board of Directors, Music Director, and committees to advance the mission and goals of the organization.
- Ensure organizational compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
Financial Management & Administration
- Oversee all financial operations, including budgeting, financial planning, analysis, and reporting.
- Develop annual budgets and multi-year financial projections in coordination with the Music Director and Finance Committee.
- Achieve or exceed earned and contributed revenue goals while managing expenses to budget and maintaining balanced operations.
Fundraising & Development
- Provide leadership and strategic direction for all fundraising activities in collaboration with the Director of Development and Patron Engagement.
- Partner with the Board of Directors and development staff to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individual and institutional donors.
- Demonstrate a strong track record of fundraising success and donor relationship management.
Artistic Partnership
- Collaborate closely with the Music Director to support the Orchestra’s artistic vision and goals.
- Support artistic excellence while respecting the Music Director’s responsibility for artistic planning, content quality, and execution.
Human Resources & Labor Relations
- Oversee all human resource functions, including staff leadership, performance management, and organizational culture.
- Lead and support a collaborative, high-performing administrative team through mentorship and coaching.
- Manage union contract negotiations and maintain effective labor relations with musicians and stagehands in a collective bargaining environment.
Marketing, Communications, & Community Engagement
- Serve as the primary spokesperson and visible representative of the Orchestra in the community.
- Build and sustain strong relationships with donors, patrons, civic leaders, and community partners.
- Work closely with the Peoria Symphony Foundation and Peoria Symphony Guild to advance shared objectives.
Qualifications
- Senior executive leadership experience, preferably within nonprofit performing arts organizations.
- Demonstrated expertise in financial management, fundraising, and organizational leadership.
- Strong understanding of orchestral music, artists, and repertoire, with awareness of current trends in the performing arts.
- Proven ability to motivate and support a volunteer Board of Directors and collaborate effectively with artistic leadership.
- Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
Personal Attributes
- Strategic, creative, and dynamic leadership style with the ability to innovate and inspire.
- High integrity, sound judgment, and strong ethical standards.
- Collaborative, flexible, and solutions-oriented approach, with the ability to align diverse perspectives.
- Commitment to community engagement, audience development, and outreach as central to the Orchestra’s mission.
Compensation
- Compensation and benefits are competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Application Process
Applicants should submit a cover letter outlining their interest in the Peoria Symphony Orchestra and qualifications for the position, along with a résumé and salary requirements. All applications will be treated confidentially.
Please submit materials electronically to search@peoriasymphony.org.
Director of Development
Peoria Symphony Orchestra & Peoria Symphony Foundation
Job Summary
The Peoria Symphony Orchestra (PSO), one of the nation’s oldest symphony orchestras, seeks a dynamic and strategic Director of Development to lead all fundraising efforts for the Orchestra and the Peoria Symphony Foundation. The Director of Development is responsible for cultivating meaningful donor relationships, securing financial support from individuals, corporations, and foundations, and strengthening the Symphony’s role in the community. This position works closely with the Executive Director, Board of Directors, PSO Foundation, and Guild to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of the organization.
Key Responsibilities
Fundraising Strategy & Leadership
- In collaboration with the Executive Director, design and implement a comprehensive annual fundraising plan to support the PSO and Foundation.
- Manage all revenue streams including annual fund, major gifts, corporate sponsorships, special projects, planned giving, grants, and endowment support.
- Prepare and monitor the annual development budget, ensuring goals for revenue and expenses are achieved.
Donor Cultivation & Stewardship
- Build and steward relationships with donors, sponsors, and community leaders; personally solicit major gifts and sponsorships.
- Ensure timely acknowledgments, tax documentation, and regular donor communications.
- Oversee donor engagement events and receptions, from invitation to follow-up.
- Maintain detailed donor records, including interests, giving history, and relationships, within the CRM system.
Campaign & Foundation Support
- Serve as lead staff for the In Harmony Endowment Campaign, managing strategy, prospect research, and donor pipeline.
- Partner with the Executive Director and campaign committee to solicit gifts, track progress, and report results.
- Promote and expand participation in the Endowed Chair Program and Harold Plowe Society to sustain Foundation growth.
Grants & Institutional Giving
- Research, prepare, and submit grant applications; manage reporting and compliance.
- Build relationships with local, regional, and national foundations and government agencies.
Community Engagement
- Represent the PSO at concerts, civic functions, and community events to expand visibility and donor networks.
- Seek opportunities for presentations to businesses, civic groups, and cultural organizations.
- Serve as a visible ambassador for the Symphony, articulating its mission and impact.
Qualifications
- Minimum 4 years of professional fundraising experience, preferably in the arts sector.
- Proven track record in major gift solicitation, campaign management, and donor cultivation.
- Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills; comfortable engaging donors and the public.
- Experience with donor databases/CRM systems (knowledge of PatronManager a plus).
- Ability to manage multiple priorities, work independently, and collaborate across teams.
- Passion for music, the arts, and the role of the Symphony in enriching community life.
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
- Benefits package includes health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plan.
- Opportunities for professional development and networking within the national orchestra field.
Apply Today
Please send a cover letter and resume to employment@peoriasymphony.org. Applications will be reviewed as received and accepted until the position is filled.
Internships
The Peoria Symphony Orchestra is looking for bright, organized, detail-oriented individuals with excellent communication skills who possess a good attitude and the ability to take direction and follow through on projects. Interns work side by side with professionals as they experience the day-to-day workings of a world-class symphony.
The Peoria Symphony Orchestra is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
