Opportunities

Executive Director

the opportunity

With the vision to be a vital cultural force in Los Angeles and recognized as a premier orchestra worldwide, Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra is well positioned for the future and seeking an Executive Director inspired by its 50-year history and excited to lead the organization toward its next chapter.

The Executive Director will have the opportunity to guide LACO into the achievement of its strategic goals: to position the Orchestra as an indispensable community resource; to present programs that diversify, expand and strengthen the LACO community; and to establish a stable financial foundation on which to build the next 50 years of sustainability. The Orchestra has identified four pillars on which to build: concert impact, accessibility and diversity, learning and creating, and innovation and entrepreneurship. Unique to LACO is its ability to respond to different geographies and demographics and capitalize on the diversity and vitality of Los Angeles by balancing innovative and traditional elements in all programs. Furthermore, the Orchestra strives to live its tagline, “making great music personal.” Exciting for the next Executive Director is the chance to further position LACO as the flexible model orchestra of the future.

The Executive Director will be presented with the exceptional opportunity to partner with LACO’s new music director, acclaimed flutist and conductor Jaime Martín, to move the Orchestra to new heights.

Responsibilities

As the administrative leader of LACO, the Executive Director is responsible for providing the vision, strategic direction and oversight of the organization’s resources to ensure success in carrying out its mission. Together with the Board of Directors, Music Director and the orchestra-at-large, the Executive Director will work to ensure LACO’s financial and operational stability and maintain its artistic excellence. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director oversees an annual budget of approximately $4.5 million and a total staff of 12.

Specific responsibilities include, but may not be limited to:

  • Leadership – Articulating the vision and strategic direction of LACO, implementing the strategic plan, and recommending short-term and long-range plans to the Board, staff and musicians; articulating both the short-term and long-term vision of the organization to relevant stakeholders and ensuring that overall organizational objectives are met.
  • Fundraising – Taking a leadership role in personally developing new and existing funding sources and opportunities for LACO; working closely with the development staff and the Board to sustain and grow existing funding, while establishing new relationships and partnerships with prospective donors to increase the organization’s resources, donor pool and overall fundraising capacity.
  • Staff Development – Leading staff members to strengthen and support the programmatic and operational goals of LACO; creating a work environment that attracts and retains top talent; participating in developing and motivating staff; identifying training needs and ensuring professional growth and implementation of programs and procedures that address these needs; developing effective compensation programs.
  • Board Relations and Support – Facilitating operations and administration of the Board by promoting proactive Board development and advising and informing Board members; effectively contributing to the selection and recruitment of well-positioned Board members; tapping the potential of direct relationships and contacts and supporting the Board to fulfill its governance and fundraising functions.
  • Orchestra Relations – Recognizing the unique relationship of the orchestra members to the organization, developing close working relationships with key orchestra members and meeting regularly with the Orchestra Committee to solicit feedback and share information; facilitating open communication and mutual respect that are imperative to a strong partnership. Participating in the negotiation of American Federation of Musicians contracts as well as fostering a constructive relationship among all parties.
  • Finance and Administration – Ensuring efficient, timely and smooth execution of all LACO activities, including concerts, fundraising events, tours, recordings, commissioning, Board and Board committee meetings. Overseeing the development of budgets for submission to the Board; ensuring the Board is regularly informed on the financial status of the organization through proper and timely financial reporting; and ensuring there are ongoing adequate and appropriate accounting and controls in place for all funds and assets. Understanding and implementing adequate risk management requirements and controls for the organization including financial, personnel, Board, property, and reputation.
  • Community Engagement, Partnerships and Collaborations – Serving as a primary spokesperson and public face of the organization, actively seeking to expand LACO’s scope and reach by cultivating relationships with the audience at large, including current and potential members of the LACO community; ensuring that its programs are consistently presented in a strong, positive image; clearly articulating its mission, vision, programs and impact on the community; and cultivating and maintaining strong relationships with other organizations and artistic communities.

Traits & characteristics desired

The Executive Director will be an innovative leader and strategic thinker with the ability to see the big picture and identify opportunities, as well as develop and oversee implementation of a long-term vision. The ideal candidate will be creative, conceptual and collaborative and possess exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to interact effectively with staff, musicians, Board members, community members, and collaborating institutions. This individual will be a compelling, credible leader who can move an organization forward by inspiring and motivating people with energy and a sense of humor. The Executive Director should also be a revenue enhancer and relationship builder with strong fundraising and marketing skills. A team builder who attracts and develops talent, the Executive Director should delegate effectively and work collaboratively and respectfully with the Music Director, Orchestra members and the artistic team, which includes Conductor Laureate Jeffrey Kahane, Creative Advisor and Composer-in-Residence Ellen Reid and Artist-Educator Derrick Spiva. As such, the Executive Director should not only possess strong personal communication skills and be a decisive leader, but should also be a good listener and thrive in an environment that is conducive to open and direct communication with individuals of varying degrees of involvement in the organization and its work. This individual should have humility and be someone willing and able to understand and adopt LACO’s unique culture of collaboration among staff, Board, and musicians. The ability to think strategically, generate new ideas, plan, set goals and objectives, as well as implement and follow through on these goals is imperative. The Executive Director must be an articulate ambassador and spokesperson who unites LACO’s current constituencies and inspires new ones by telling the organization’s story persuasively, in person and through various media. The Executive Director will be comfortable with public visibility and be an effective public speaker, projecting energy and enthusiasm. At the same time, this individual must be a fiscally responsible executive who ensures that LACO carefully manages its financial and programmatic resources.

Career path leading to this position

Prior nonprofit leadership experience is preferred. A strong interest or passion for classical music, including contemporary classical music, is critical. Although previous experience in the arts is not required, experience working in a collegial relationship with a music director or an artistic director would be a plus. Prior successful fundraising, marketing/branding and Board relations experience is expected and essential. The ideal candidate will have experience mentoring and managing staff and working collaboratively with cross-functional teams. The Executive Director should have a demonstrated commitment to professional development for staff, as well as to community involvement and partnership building. While the successful candidate will likely have solid knowledge and skills in nonprofit management, those with other professional experience who demonstrate a passion for LACO may also be considered.

compensation

Annual compensation will be competitive and relocation assistance, if needed, is negotiable.

how to apply

Morris & Berger are conducting the Executive Director search. To apply, please submit application, including resume and a letter of interest, in confidence to Morris & Berger through their website:

https://morrisberger.com/

accounting associate

department

finance

reports to

director of finance and administration

full-time position/non-exempt

position purpose

As accounting associate, this position processes payables and disbursements, creates journal entries in the general ledger, performs excel reconciliations and period closing entries, processes payroll and related benefits for orchestra and staff, using initiative and good judgment in problem solving. This position requires extensive data entry including AP and ADP entry. This is a position with the ability to grow and expand finance and IT duties.

· In coordination with the director of finance and administration, prepare monthly financials for committee and board meetings. Prepare special reports and analysis as needed.

· Process invoices, check requests and credit card charges into AP system (Quick Books).

· Process semimonthly payroll in ADP for staff and orchestra payroll as scheduled.

· Set up new employees in ADP, create personnel folders, and oversee enrollment in benefit plans.

· Maintain vendor files and manage all vendor communications.

· Analyze and reconcile credit card and union dues accounts.

· Prepare, distribute and file IRS 1099 and W-2 forms.

· Track sick leave and vacation.

· Assist with preparing annual audit schedules.

characteristics required

· Extreme discretion and strict confidentiality.

· Highly organized and efficient with ability to respond to requests promptly.

· Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.

· Attention to detail and accuracy.

· Positive attitude and interest in music.

· Friendliness and flexibility in a small office.

requirements

· Knowledge of basic accounting procedures and standards.

· One year of accounting work. Bachelor’s degree in accounting preferred.

· Facility and accuracy with ADP and accounting software (currently Quick Books).

· Advanced Excel ability, with strong typing and computer skills.

apply now

Development Assistant

department

Development

reports to

Director of Development

full time position/non-exempt

position purpose

As a key member of the Development team, the candidate hired for this position plays a key role in helping make the work of the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra (LACO) possible.  The successful candidate will have impeccable instincts for internal and external customer service: excellent organizational skills; successful experience interacting with donors or other high net worth individuals; and a love of the arts and a commitment to advancing art in our city and community.

scope & responsibilities

As development assistant, this individual  supports the development team with primary duties focusing on donor relations, solicitation, stewardship and acknowledgement activities, and the facilitation of day-to-day development operations. This position reports directly to the director of development, working collaboratively with the full development department.

This position serves as the primary contact-point for LACO in supporting the Board of Directors’ meeting schedules, logistics, minutes, and committee meetings. .

The position is 40 hours a week with some required overtime, evenings and weekends for concert attendance and during heavy events periods. A flexible schedule to attend evening and weekend events is required.


Specific responsibilities are as follows:

  • Ensures accurate gift processing by receiving and logging donations, creating daily donation logs, entering gifts into patron database, updating contact information;
  • Maintains the Patron Manager donor database, working with other development team members to ensure its accuracy and timeliness;
  • Holds responsibility for the donation acknowledgement process, including preparing letters, performing mail merges, managing lists and personalization;
  • Creates and maintains the master Development calendar, helping development and other LACO team members stay aware of current and upcoming deadlines;
  • Coordinates with LACO senior staff to prepare, compile and distribute materials for Board and committee meetings, coordinates meeting logistics, tracks attendance and maintains Board archive; maintaining the master Board and Committee calendar; and takes confidential minutes at meetings;
  • Assists development staff in preparing for meetings with prospects, including updating and compiling LACO collateral and preparing donor packets;
  • Assists in donor event coordination and gala coordination, including meeting catering and logistics;
  • Provides on-site support at concert donor lounges, special events, education programs, one major fundraising gala each season and other events as needed;
  • Completes other development and general office tasks as needed and assigned.

 

experience/characteristics required

The ideal candidate will possess the ability to interact effectively and congenially with a wide variety of colleagues and constituents including LACO’s Board of Directors and donors; think analytically and work independently while handling multiple assignments simultaneously; manage multiple projects in varying stages of completion; shift priorities efficiently and assist where needed; possess a strong attention to detail; meet project deadlines consistently; collaborate effectively on team projects; and demonstrate proactive thinking to anticipate obstacles and take initiative as challenges and opportunities arise. Specifically:

  • 1-3+ years of experience in an administrative role, preferably at an orchestra or other arts organization;
  • Ability to anticipate and support the needs of high-level leaders like Board or donors;
  • Ability to work independently, meet deadlines and manage multiple projects in varying stages of completion;
  • Excellent attention to detail and strong responsibility for a high-quality work product;
  • Strong time management and deadline management skill and commitment;
  • Excellent oral, written and interpersonal skills; ability to adapt to organization’s writing style;
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook required. Familiarity with email marketing preferred, preferably Emma;
  • Experience with database management or CRM (Customer Relationship Management) interface preferred; familiarity with Patron Manager or Salesforce preferred;
  • Scheduling flexibility including evening and weekend hours at concerts and special events required;
  • Bachelor’s degree is required;
  • Valid driver’s license is required;

to apply

Please email resume, comprehensive cover letter and 1-2 page writing sample to info@laco.org. Subject line: development assistant
No phone calls, please.

meet the music docent

hours:

There are three Meet the Music concerts each season. Docents are asked to attend a two hour weekday morning training session at the LACO offices a few weeks prior to each of the four concerts. After the meetings, docents will then disperse to schools to teach students participating in Meet the Music. Docents are invited to attend all Meet the Music concerts.

duties include:

Going to schools to teach students about the music they will hear at a LACO concert. Introducing students to classical music in a fun way.

skills required:

Enthusiasm and the ability to present knowledge in exciting ways to large groups of 4th, 5th and 6th graders. An appreciation of music is a big plus, but a musical background is not required. We will provide you with all the information and training that you will need to teach the students.

salary:

Volunteer Position with insider perks and the invaluable opportunity to experience LACO’s Meet the Music concerts. Parking for training sessions and Meet the Music concerts will be provided.

Please call Taylor Lockwood at 213 622 7001 × 212 for more information.

volunteer

Volunteering is a satisfying way to give back to your favorite Orchestra. Volunteers have the opportunity to meet the musicians, attend concerts, receive acknowledgment in our season program and more!

Some of the ways you can help include office support, music education, concert/event support and orchestra hospitality. Learn more, or contact us at info@laco.org.