Job Details

MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST SYMPHONY
GULFPORT, MS
I. TITLE: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
II. REPORTING RELATIONSHIP: BOARD PRESIDENT
SUPERVISES: Administrative Staff

JOB SUMMARY : The Executive Director is responsible for managing the human and financial
resources of the Symphony in order to achieve the orchestra's mission. To that end, the
Executive Director is responsible and accountable for all aspects of the organization, and
implementing the policies set by the Board of Directors. The Executive Director will serve as
the executive officer of the Gulf Coast Symphony Orchestra and reports to the Board of
Directors through the Board President.

III. JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Planning
• Assist and participate in the development and implementation of a master plan for the
orchestra that supports the artistic, financial, and public relations objectives of the
organization.
• Develop and implement current and long-range administrative and personnel planning to
ensure that the organization is effectively structured and staffed competently.
• Develop and follow policies for efficient and transparent day-to-day operations
management.

Board of Directors
• Advise the Board on matters within the Executive Director's scope of responsibilities to
promote the efficient operation of the orchestra and the delivery to the public of the
services the Symphony was chartered to provide.
• Staff the Board and its committees; ensure that meeting minutes are recorded and filed.
• Serve as ex officio member of all Board committees.
• Attend all meetings of the Board and Executive Committee: prepare and present reports
for each Board and Executive Committee meeting and for other committee meetings as
required.
• Working with the Board Development Committee, help to identify and recruit qualified
candidates for Board membership; assist with new member orientation.

Fundraising and Development/External Relations
• Ensure effective communication with the Symphony's constituencies: Guild, other arts
organizations, public agencies, government agencies, and the general public to achieve
the public service objectives of the Symphony.
• Lead fundraising activities in consultation with the Board and President including annual
fund drive, corporate sponsorships, special events, endowment campaigns, planned
giving program, and identification and cultivation of donors.
• Oversee preparation of grant applications and reports to foundations, corporations, and
government agencies.
• Ensure that all contributions and other support are acknowledged as may be required by
law and as is otherwise appropriate; maintain accurate and complete records of financial
contributions and other substantial support.
• Monitor legislative activity that affects the orchestra and recommend appropriate action
to the Board of Directors.

Artistic Administration
• Assist in the development, implementation, and monitoring of the orchestra's artistic
objectives.
• Consult with the Music Director in the selection of guest artists, guest conductors,
performing groups, and programs to support the orchestra's artistic objectives.
• Ensure contracts are negotiated and executed for all guest artists within budget
parameters set by the Board. Arrange for their transportation, lodging, and other needs as
negotiated.

Concert Production
• Oversee development of an annual master plan for orchestra operations, including
rehearsal schedules, concerts, program themes and ideas, special events, broadcasts, and
audience development. Direct implementation of the master plan.
• In consultation with the Music Director, seek and obtain new opportunities for
performances by the orchestra and its ensembles.
• Negotiate and execute concert hall leases and rent other concert space as required as
approved by the Board.
• Secure required equipment, instruments, licenses, and permits.
• Ensure that rehearsals and concerts are properly staffed.
• Attend at least one rehearsal per performance and all concerts.

Marketing and Promotion
• Oversee development and implementation of a marketing plan for subscription
campaigns and for individual performances, using appropriate advertising and publicity
to achieve maximum season and single ticket sales; oversee ticket sales operations.
• Maintain relationship with media contacts; generate feature stories in print and broadcast
media about the orchestra.

Finance
• Ensure that accurate books of accounts are maintained; maintain bank accounts as
directed by the Board.
• Oversee the preparation and submit for approval annual operating budgets. Monitor and
authorize expenditures in accordance with approved budget; oversee preparation of
updated projections based on actual income and expense activity.
• Renew and seek out new grants to supplement the budget of the symphony; prepare and
submit grant applications as directed by the Board
• Ensure that grants are spent in accordance with grant guidelines and that all requirements
are met.

Administrative
• Maintain the business office of the organization.
• Purchase equipment supplies, etc. according to budget and approved procedures.
• Handle correspondence, including patron suggestions and complaints.
• Maintain documents according to legal requirements and/or Board policies and
procedures.
• Maintain adequate insurance to protect the orchestra's assets/property.
• Recruit, select, and supervise administrative staff. Promote, discipline, and terminate in
accordance with legal requirements and Board policy. Evaluate staff performance as
needed but at least annually in writing. Maintain personal files.
• Develop, implement, and monitor compensation and benefits programs.
• Ensure that all employer responsibilities are met and that the organization is in
compliance with local, state, and federal laws.
• Prepare and revise job descriptions, employee handbook, and employment policies.
• Maintain all payroll records for administrative and artistic staff.

Musicians
• Assist Music Director in hiring of all musicians including negotiations as needed and
execute individual contracts according to approved budget and policies set by the Board.
• Serve as principal staff spokesperson/liaison to the orchestra for policy issues and non?artistic matters.
• Works with Personnel Manager to coordinate all aspects of auditions.

Education
• Work with the Music Director to recommend education initiatives to the Board and
oversee their implementation.
• Work with the Personnel Manager to supportall youth music education efforts.
• Serve as liaison to public schools in planning of in-school programs.

General
• Keep abreast of activities and developments in the orchestra field; advise the Board of
matters that may be helpful to promote the orchestra's objectives.

see Description