Executive Director

POSITION PROFILE

The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra (LPO) seeks a visionary, entrepreneurial, and collaborative leader to serve as its next Executive Director. This is an opportunity to lead one of America’s most distinctive orchestras and one of Louisiana’s most important cultural institutions. The Executive Director will partner with musicians, Board leadership, artistic leadership, staff, donors, volunteers and community stakeholders to shape the next era of artistic excellence, financial sustainability, audience growth, and statewide impact. The Executive Director serves as the organization’s chief executive officer and strategic leader, responsible for growing philanthropy, advancing the mission, strengthening organizational capacity, expanding community engagement, and ensuring long‑term institutional resilience. The Executive Director reports directly to the Board of Trustees and works in close partnership with the Music Director and orchestra leadership.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra stands at an important moment of institutional opportunity. Building upon artistic momentum, expanding impact, strengthening educational reach, and deepening community partnerships, the organization seeks a leader who can guide the orchestra through its next phase of growth and sustainability.

THE NEXT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR WILL INHERIT:

A nationally distinctive governance model Strong artistic leadership Deep community roots Meaningful education initiatives Engaged musicians, Board, volunteers, and staff A recognized civic role within one of America’s most culturally significant communities THE NEXT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR WILL PLAY A CENTRAL ROLE IN: Strengthening long‑term financial sustainability Expanding philanthropy and contributed revenue Growing earned revenue opportunities Increasing audience engagement and participation Building statewide visibility and impact Advancing strategic planning initiatives Strengthening operational excellence Positioning the LPO as an essential civic and cultural institution for Louisiana’s future This role requires an executive who understands and appreciates both the art and enterprise of primarily orchestral but includes all forms of music — someone who combines strategic vision with operational rigor, financial discipline with entrepreneurial thinking, and community leadership with a deep appreciation for artistic excellence.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership The Executive Director will: Lead development and implementation of organizational strategic priorities Partner with Board leadership, Music Director, volunteers and musicians to advance long‑term institutional goals Foster innovation while preserving organizational mission and artistic excellence Position the organization for long‑term sustainability Lead organizational planning initiatives Identify opportunities for strategic growth and institutional advancement Monitor industry trends and evolving audience behaviors Fundraising and Philanthropy The Executive Director will: Serve as chief fundraiser and lead ambassador Personally cultivate, solicit, and steward major gifts Expand relationships with foundations, corporations, government agencies, and individual donors Support annual, campaign, endowment, and planned giving initiatives Strengthen contributed revenue performance Partner closely with development staff and Board leadership Advance institutional fundraising strategy Build philanthropic culture across the organization Financial and Business Leadership/management The Executive Director will: Oversee financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting Ensure responsible stewardship of organizational resources Develop multi‑year financial sustainability strategies Monitor performance through measurable operational and financial indicators Expand earned revenue opportunities Strengthen business operations and organizational systems Support data‑informed decision‑making practices Ensure compliance and sound governance practices Audience Development and Community Engagement The Executive Director will: Lead strategies to expand audience growth and retention Enhance the organization’s visibility and community impact Foster accessibility and audience relevance initiatives Expand partnerships across education, tourism, business, government, and community sectors Support education and community engagement programming Position the LPO as an essential civic institution Advance initiatives that broaden participation and deepen community connection Organizational Leadership The Executive Director will: Recruit, develop, manage, and retain high‑performing staff Foster accountability, transparency, and collaboration Build organizational culture aligned with mission and values Support professional development and leadership growth Promote effective cross‑functional communication Lead changes in management initiatives when necessary Assure excellent communication with audiences, Board, and musicians External Relations and Advocacy The Executive Director will: Serve as a primary organizational spokesperson Represent the organization with elected officials, civic leaders, donors, media, and community stakeholders Strengthen institutional visibility and reputation Build strategic partnerships that advance mission and sustainability Advocate for arts investment and cultural policy priorities Participate actively in industry leadership organizations and broader civic conversations

QUALIFICATIONS

The successful candidate will demonstrate: Required Experience Minimum 10 years of progressive leadership experience Significant executive or senior leadership experience within nonprofit, performing arts, cultural, higher education, mission‑driven, or complex enterprise organizations Demonstrated fundraising success Experience managing significant operating budgets Strategic planning and organizational leadership experience Team leadership and talent development experience Ability to direct and motivate all components of the organization Exceptional communication and relationship‑building skills Preferred Experience Experience within orchestras or performing arts institutions Knowledge of nonprofit governance structures Familiarity with orchestra economics and labor environments Experience with collective bargaining environments Audience development and earned revenue strategy experience Experience leading organizational transformation initiatives Bachelor’s degree required. Advanced degree greatly preferred. Traits and Characteristics Strategic acumen Fundraising confidence and proven success Entrepreneurial mindset Financial sophistication Collaborative leadership style Emotional intelligence Exceptional interpersonal skills Sound judgment Adaptability and resilience Creativity and innovation Transparency and integrity Commitment to mission‑driven leadership Passion for orchestral music and community impact The successful candidate will inspire trust and transparency across musicians, Board leadership, staff, volunteers, donors, and community stakeholders while advancing a compelling vision for the organization’s future. #J-18808-Ljbffr League of American Orchestras