Summary
Description
Denver Young Artists Orchestra is seeking an interim executive director to move the organization’s mission and innovative programming forward. DYAO is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with a history of serving talented young musicians in the Front Range since 1977.
Mission:
The mission of DYAO is to expose young musicians and audiences to the joy and beauty of symphonic music, pursuing excellence through exceptional orchestral training, unique and diverse performance opportunities, and new pathways to symphonic experiences. Ultimately, we seek to cultivate the next generation of musicians who will reimagine the future of symphonic music in our community.
Job Description:
The Interim Executive Director is responsible for delivering the Denver Young Artists Orchestra’s mission, vision, and values in partnership with the community, staff, and board of directors. This will be accomplished through the following responsibilities, duties, qualifications, experience, and competencies:
Leadership:
Supervise, train, and motivate a staff of diverse professionals; providing guidance, resources, and professional development to enhance and support the organization’s culture.
- Foster an inclusive organizational culture where equity and accessibility are embedded across leadership, programming, and community partnerships.
- Execute the organization’s strategic plan, in partnership with the board of directors and staff.
- Increase the visibility, financial resources, relevance, and community impact of Denver Young Artists Orchestra.
- Act as the primary ambassador of Denver Young Artist Orchestra within the community at large and significant partners.
- Serve as an ex-officio, non-voting member of DYAO’s board of directors, guiding the governing body in partnership with the board’s executive committee.
Fundraising & Engagement:
- As the primary fundraiser for the organization, actively cultivate and steward revenues of $800,000+ annually.
- Serve as the primary relationship manager with all grant funders and major donors, reviewing and/or collaboratively writing grant applications, proposals, and reports in collaboration with the organization’s grant writer. Focus will be on the SCFD grant due in March 2026.
- Together with appropriate staff and board members, develop and execute a robust funding and events plan that supports revenue diversity and stability. Focus will be on the annual gala happening on April 12, 2026.
- Oversee the development and staff execution of a robust marketing and communications plan that is tied to the organization’s strategic and fundraising plans.
Programming & Partnerships:
- Manage relationships of the organization with community partners.
- In concert with DYAO’s Program Manager and Conducting Staff, oversee the development and staff execution of robust programming plans that maintain the status and quality of the Denver Young Artists Orchestra Association and create a positive atmosphere for the young musicians to thrive.
- Review and provide oversight to the selection and stewardship of current and new teaching artists and conductors who work with DYAO’s students
- Facilitate Music Director search process
- Facilitate the organization’s scholarship and Pathways programs in collaboration with the Scholarship Committee from the Board and applicable staff
Operational Management:
- Oversee staff and contractors managing the organization’s financial, payroll and benefits processes, ensuring that records and transactions are accurate and are compliant with local, state and federal law.
- In partnership with the board’s executive committee, ensure all legal contracts and partnership agreements protect the organization and are in accordance with local, state and federal law.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications & Experience:
- Executive Nonprofit Leadership experience is highly preferred
- 5-8 years of progressive experience working in the nonprofit sector is required, and experience in arts/music administration is preferred.
- Proven success in fundraising and development is required, preferably including grant writing. Knowledge of the funding landscape in Denver is preferred.
- Proven experience with developing and managing an annual organizational budget is required.
- Excellent communication skills, including public speaking, are required.
- Proven, prior staff supervision is required.
- This position may require travel for tours or conferences periodically
- A basic understanding of employment law and experience managing HR practices is preferred but not required.
- A basic understanding of nonprofit accounting is required and experience with Quickbooks Online is preferred.
- Experience working with youth programming is preferred.
- Experience working with professional artists is preferred, but not required.
- Experience with developing and executing strategic plans is preferred but not required.
- Past work with board development, board governance and board fundraising are preferred
- Experience in marketing and public relations is preferred but not required.
- A bachelor’s degree or higher in a music, arts administration, or related field is required.
The Denver Young Artists Orchestra is committed to building a team that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and identities, and we value lived experience alongside professional qualifications.
Additional Position Details and Application Directions:
Salary: $7500-$10,000 per month, commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Preferred geographic location: The interim executive director is expected to reside in the Denver-metro area.
Starting date: Late November – Early December 2025
Denver Young Artists Orchestra is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Should an offer of employment be extended to an applicant, employment with DYAO is at-will and is subject to all Denver City & County, Colorado State, and Federal laws.
Benefits
Benefits: DYAO provides paid downtown parking.
How to Apply
How to apply: Please e-mail a resume, list of references, and cover letter to careers@dyao.org with the subject line: interim executive director applicant. No phone calls or mailed copies, please.
Deadline to apply: The organization’s application review and selection process will be accelerated, although the job posting will remain active and applications will continue to be accepted until an interim is selected.
