DIRECTOR OF EXTERNAL RELATIONS

position purpose

Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra (LACO) is seeking an experienced professional to play a leading role in the creation and implementation of a new, collaborative approach to patron and audience development.

This is an executive level position reporting to the Executive Director. The Director of External Relations will lead the institution’s development and marketing/communications/patron services departments and will play a critical role within the institution’s leadership team, contributing to the overall strength and future impact of the institution.

This position is responsible for leading, motivating and supervising a dedicated, collaborative team that plays a crucial role in achieving the institution’s overall goals and objectives. The ideal candidate will be a relationship builder and collaborator, will possess proven external relations expertise, will be a strategic leader, and will be a champion for LACO’s mission and vision.

A highly visible, collegial professional, the Director of External Relations maintains open and ongoing communication with constituent leadership, providing complete and accurate activity reports, revenue forecasts and situation analyses on a regular basis. The Director of External Relations also leads efforts to support major audience development initiatives and strategic funding projects. This individual will be a skilled communicator and relationship builder who can 1) articulate clear and compelling cases for funding LACO’s public performances, arts education programs, and community engagement initiatives and 2) articulate clear and compelling strategies for more deeply engaging current audiences and attracting the interest of new audiences from throughout greater Los Angeles.

LACO opens its 53rd season this fall and is at a pivotal time in its history, with a new Music Director and new Executive Director.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work closely with the Music and Executive Directors to position the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra for future success
• Oversee all external stakeholder relationships, including liaising with the board of directors
• Provide strong leadership to the development and marketing/communications/patron services departments
• Create strategies to deepen the engagement with existing subscribers, donors and ticket holders, while reaching new audiences and donor prospects through targeted and innovative outreach
• Achieve annual revenue goals through effective leadership of the organization’s revenue centers
• Develop and implement all internal and external communications, message development and positioning, based on the recently adopted institutional branding

SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES

Applicants should have at minimum an undergraduate degree and at least 10 years of relevant experience, with a minimum of 5 years in a senior managerial role. The ideal candidate will possess:

• A passionate, enthusiastic commitment to the mission of the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra
• Successful background in development and/or marketing and communications at various levels, proven fundraising record, and capacity to formulate both traditional and entrepreneurial strategies
• Ability to think strategically and in an organized fashion
• Experience in establishing clear direction, achieving objectives, and meeting deadlines

• Strong knowledge of and experience in external stakeholder engagement at the highest levels
• Superior communication, interpersonal, diplomacy, and leadership ability
• Experience maintaining effective working relationships with board and volunteers
• Strong organizational skills and ability to thrive in a fast-paced setting while maintaining precise attention to priorities, formats, procedures, details, and quality
• Strong financial management skills with experience in budget analysis, forecasting and planning

ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILE

The Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, under Music Director Jaime Martín, is one of the country’s leading chamber orchestras. Proclaimed “America’s finest chamber orchestra” by Public Radio International, “LA’s most unintimidating chamber music experience” by Los Angeles Magazine, “resplendent” by Los Angeles Times, and “one of the world’s great chamber orchestras” by KUSC Classical FM, LACO is among the world’s top musical ensembles. The Orchestra has made 32 recordings and garnered eight ASCAP Awards for Adventurous Programming.

Over 40 performances annually celebrate the classical canon and exhilarating modern works, while fostering engagement between artists and diverse audiences. LACO also offers low-cost season passes to college students, complimentary tickets and transportation for more than a dozen Community Partners, and a free education program that reaches over 1,500 underserved Los Angeles elementary school students each year.

The Orchestra’s mission is to enrich and connect our community through intimate and transformative musical experiences that exemplify and foster artistic excellence, education and innovation.

The Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra offers competitive compensation, commensurate with experience, and a benefits package that includes paid time off, health insurance and a generous employer contribution toward a 401(k) retirement plan.

The Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

Please apply by sending a cover letter and resume to executivedirector@laco.org with “Director of External Relations” in the subject line.