Aspen Leadership Group is proud to partner with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra in the search for a President and Chief Executive Officer.
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the President and Chief Executive Officer (President) will serve as the chief strategic and operational leader for the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra. Working in close collaboration with the RPO’s Music Director and Board, they will be responsible for building on and managing long-term strategic initiatives to ensure artistic excellence and financial stability. The President will think creatively and strategically to lead the business operations of the RPO, ensuring an enterprise that is capable of supporting its initiatives and ambitions. In addition, they are responsible for expanding the recognition and relevance of the RPO in the community, providing leadership and motivation to the entire organization, including staff, orchestra, Board, and volunteers.
The President will be a consummate professional with a deep appreciation for the symphonic art form. They will be a confident and experienced spokesperson, strong communicator, and comfortable in the public eye. They will have experience leading a world-class performing arts organization or significant leadership experience in a nonprofit, private, or public sector environment coupled with a fundamental understanding of the current and evolving business model and financial aspects of orchestra management.
The President will have fundraising experience and a history of successfully asking for and obtaining major gifts, either as a volunteer fundraiser or as an executive, and experience reporting to, or working with, an engaged board of directors. They will have demonstrated capacities in leadership and communication and be committed to innovation and creative thinking. The President will have experience leading a team and an ability to work with a high degree of success in collaborative settings. They will be able to work a flexible schedule and thrive in a fast-paced environment, handling competing priorities with decisiveness and grace.
The GRAMMY® Award-winning Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) has been committed to enriching and inspiring our community through the art of music since its origins in 1922. The RPO presents approximately 150 concerts and broadcasts a year, serving up to 170,000 through ticketed events, education and community engagement activities, and concerts in schools and community centers throughout the region. Music Director Andreas Delfs has reinvigorated the Rochester Philharmonic both musically and institutionally, and Principal Pops Conductor Jeff Tyzik, now in his 32nd season, has earned a national reputation for excellence in Pops programming during his tenure with the orchestra.
The Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) believes that all residents should experience music engagement and learn throughout their lives. With that in mind, the RPO became one of the first orchestras in the country to place an emphasis on music education for all members of our community. Our programs are comprehensive in their content and most are offered free of charge. In 2024, the RPO launched Voices of Today, a five-season commissioning, recording and storytelling initiative that champions new concert music and creates a unique online resource that extends the life of the commissioned music far beyond its concert premiere.
We are committed to creating an environment where all individuals feel welcomed, respected, and inspired—on stage, behind the scenes, and in the audience. Through thoughtful programming, meaningful partnerships, and a supportive culture, our goal is to connect with all corners of the community by understanding that, together, we share more than music. We share a passion for community, a connection to the human spirit, and a commitment to providing extraordinary musical experiences that know no boundaries. This is “RPO for All”.
A bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least ten years of experience, including five years in senior management, is required for this position. Experience in an arts or cultural institution is preferred. The Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra will consider candidates with a broad range of backgrounds. If you are excited about this role and feel that you can contribute to RPO, but your experience does not exactly align with every qualification listed above, we encourage you to apply. All applications must be accompanied by a cover letter and résumé. Cover letters should be responsive to the mission of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra and the responsibilities and qualifications specified in the position prospectus.
The salary range for this position is $280,000 to $300,000. The Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra offers a comprehensive package of benefits, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, and a 403(b) retirement plan.
If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, or participating in the selection process, please contact Millie Taylor at millietaylor@aspenleadershipgroup.com.
To apply for this position, visit: https://apptrkr.com/6971904.
