Summary
Description
Position: Executive Director, Grand Junction Symphony Orchestra (GJSO)
The GJSO Executive Director, a visionary, strategic, and innovative leader, will play a pivotal role in shaping the Grand Junction Symphony Orchestra’s ascendance. The Executive Director shall work to ensure the GJSOs continued growth, relevance, and impact within the community and beyond. The Executive Director will assume a wide range of responsibilities, from strategic planning and fiscal management to marketing, fundraising, and advocacy. The Executive Director will work collaboratively with key stakeholders to uphold the Symphony’s mission and advance its long-term vision. With a blend of strategic vision, financial acumen, and dedication to artistic excellence, the Executive Director will lead the Grand Junction Symphony Orchestra towards a vibrant and sustainable future.
History
The GJSO, now in its 46th season, provides high-quality orchestral performances and educational programs to the residents of Mesa County, the Grand Valley, and the Western Slope of Colorado. The GJSO is proud to be the largest professional orchestra between Denver and Salt Lake City and one of the largest arts organizations in the Grand Valley. The organization has grown to a subscriber base of over 600 individuals and is a Level Five orchestra based on guidelines of the League of American Orchestras.
The Symphony performs at the 1050 seat Avalon Theatre in downtown Grand Junction. Starting in the 2024-2025 season, the GJSO will also have performances at the new 850-seat Colorado Mesa University Asteria Theatre and the new 1500-seat Grand Junction High School Auditorium. The Symphony currently plays five classical subscription series concerts and two symphonic pop concerts with two performances each in its season. The organization produces four chamber music concerts throughout the year at different locations around Grand Junction. Each summer, the orchestra performs a free outdoor concert for 4,500 community members at Las Colonias AMP. The largest fundraiser is the annual Gala which is held in late Fall. The GJSO has produced full productions of opera and ballet in recent years.
Primary Responsibilities
The Executive Director will
• lead a comprehensive strategic planning initiative to assess the orchestra’s long-term health and direction, collaborating with stakeholders to identify opportunities for growth and innovation;
• partner with the Music Director, Board Chair, and Finance Committee to develop the annual budget and establish policies for sound fiscal management while ensuring responsible stewardship of financial resources and adherence to budgetary parameters;
• work closely with Marketing Director, the Music Director, and the Company Manager to oversee season planning and implement a strategic marketing effort while driving initiatives to increase subscription and individual ticket sales, special concert events, and other revenue-generating opportunities;
• serve as a frontline fundraiser for the organization, cultivating relationships with donors, sponsors, educators, government leaders, and partners to secure financial support and advance the GJSO’s mission;
• build and nurture community relationships across the arts organizations;
• provide the tools and opportunities needed to achieve artistic success within budgetary parameters;
• coordinate programming efforts with musicians to ensure alignment with artistic goals and organizational objectives;
• bring innovative ideas, energies, programs, and initiatives to the GJSO, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence across all organizational activities while respecting orchestra tradition of the GJSO;
• represent the GJSO externally throughout Grand Junction and the Western Colorado area, acting as a visible spokesperson alongside the Music Director;
• position the GJSO as a catalyst for engaging future generations of music lovers through education and community engagement programs;
• serve as the primary board advisor and liaison, inspiring and guiding best practice governance, strong participation, diverse appointments;
• foster a culture of collaboration among musicians, board, staff, volunteers, and affiliates;
• oversee the hiring and management of the administrative staff, providing leadership and guidance to staff while supporting and strengthening the GJSO’s culture of collaboration and inclusion;
• maintain a strong working relationship with musicians
• sustain the GJSO’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion as critical to its future success and lead by example in fostering a culture of continual learning and excellence;
• communicate regularly with professional colleagues in the arts community, sharing information and current trends involving symphony orchestras and keeping abreast of existing and emerging artists and repertoire to ensure the GJSO remains relevant and responsive to audience preferences;
• collaborate with internal stakeholders to advocate for resources and support necessary for musician engagement initiatives and projects.
Preferred Competencies and Qualifications
The Grand Junction Symphony seeks an Executive Director with
• a commitment to the mission of the Grand Junction Symphony — To engage and enrich our community through symphonic music;
• progressive leadership experience within the arts or non-profit sector in roles that demand strategic planning, fiscal management, fundraising, stakeholder engagement, and team leadership;
• vision, determination, and an ability to lead and inspire teams toward a common goal while fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence;
• strong business acumen and a history of effective financial management and fundraising success;
• experience in budgeting, revenue generation, expense management, and diversifying funding sources to ensure the financial sustainability of an organization;
• an ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams, external partners, and the Board of Directors to achieve shared goals and objectives;
• experience in team mentorship, talent development, and creating a culture of trust, respect, and collaboration;
• exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with an ability to engage and inspire diverse stakeholders, including patrons, donors, board members, staff, musicians, and community leaders;
• a visionary leadership approach and an ability to develop and execute innovative, forward-looking strategies that advance mission and long-term goals;
• experience in strategic planning, trend analysis, and navigating challenges while identifying opportunities for growth and impact;
• an ability to cultivate strong relationships and partnerships with donors, sponsors, government officials, educators, community organizations, and other key stakeholders;
A bachelor’s degree focused on arts administration, non-profit management, business administration, or music or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 5 years of progressive leadership experience in executive roles within the arts or non-profit sector, is preferred for this position. A MBA degree or CFRE certification will be considered a definite bonus for consideration. The Grand Junction Symphony will consider candidates with a broad range of backgrounds. If you are excited about this role and feel that you can contribute to the GJSO, but your experience does not exactly align with every qualification listed above, we encourage you to apply.
Location
Grand Junction, Colorado, is a hidden gem that perfectly balances the beauty of the outdoors with the warmth of a close-knit community. Nestled between the majestic red rock canyons and lush vineyards of the Colorado River Valley, Grand Junction offers a stunning natural landscape for adventurers and relaxation seekers alike. This vibrant town is known for its incredible hiking and biking trails, like those in the Colorado National Monument, as well as its thriving wine country—the heart of Colorado’s wine industry. Beyond the scenery, Grand Junction radiates a welcoming, small-town charm, with locally-owned shops, art galleries, and community events that make everyone feel at home. Whether you’re exploring breathtaking views, savoring local wines, or enjoying the town’s rich cultural heritage, Grand Junction is a place where you can live life to the fullest, connected to nature and community.
Benefits
Salary and Benefits
The salary range for this position is $80,000 to $100,000 annually. The Grand Junction Symphony offers a 403(b)-retirement plan, and generous paid time off.
How to Apply
Application Instructions
All applications must be accompanied by a cover letter and résumé. Cover letters should be responsive to the mission of the Grand Junction Symphony Orchestra and the responsibilities and qualifications specified in the position prospectus. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the successful candidate has been selected.
To apply for this position, please send Application Materials to EDSearch@gjso.org or visit the GJSO.org website.
All inquiries will be held confidentially
