WINNIPEG SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA (WSO) is seeking a creative, dynamic, and collaborative individual to serve as its next Executive Director. Reporting to the Board of Directors and working in partnership with the Music Director, the Executive Director will be responsible for managing all operational components of the WSO. The Executive Director will be a leader in the Winnipeg arts community, with a strong commitment to engaging with orchestras and musicians across Canada and internationally. The ideal candidate will have a drive to build public- and private-sector support to deliver on strategic priorities and embrace collaboration with the WSO team to maximize earned and contributed revenue while achieving organizational success.

As the management leader of WSO, the Executive Director will play a crucial role in planning for the organization’s overall advancement. Supporting and partnering with musicians, staff, the board, and volunteers, the Executive Director will implement the strategic plan while building a thriving, creative, and diverse culture that serves musicians, audiences, stakeholders, and the Winnipeg community. The Executive Director will conceptualize and implement a plan to continue growing the WSO’s objectives while leading and motivating a highly effective management team to devise and execute successful strategies.

This is an exciting and unique opportunity for a professional arts executive who can bring together their vision, experience, and passion for music in Winnipeg and Canada. The Executive Director must have an interest in orchestral music, be invested in the success and growth of the WSO and find personal fulfillment in being part of its future.

Role and Responsibilities

In partnership with the Music Director and the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will further the goals of the orchestra’s 2024-2029 strategic plan, which includes a transformational campaign, including endowment and facilities, as a joint venture with the Performing Arts Consortium of Winnipeg Inc. (PAC). This $60m project will transform the Pantages Theatre into a 1,100-seat acoustically appropriate orchestral hall for the WSO and for widespread community use (anticipated occupancy 2028-29). With close to 30% of the goal already committed, the incumbent will help to build upon the work of a team of dedicated champions, including the outgoing Executive Director.

The new Executive Director also develops and executes the annual business strategies of the WSO and has responsibility and oversight for all board, financial, production and performance and business operations. Working with the board, highly skilled musicians and stellar guest artists, a dynamic administrative staff of 23 full-time dedicated individuals, plus part-time teachers, staff and volunteers, the Executive Director will advance the WSO in the community, and act with the Music Director and Chair as the senior representative for fundraising and public relations.
The Executive Director will support, guide, and direct the WSO’s commitment in continuing to evolve the role of a modern symphony orchestra in a dynamic and changing community.

DIRECT REPORTS: Senior Director, Finance and Administration / Senior Director, Public Engagement and Facilities / Director of Program Planning/ Director of Production and Operations / Director of Education & Community (vacant)