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Posted: 28-Apr-25
Location: Stamford , Connecticut
Type: Full Time
Salary: $125,000-$150,000
Salary Details:
Additional Information:
President and CEO
Orchestra Lumos
Stamford, Connecticut
Position Summary
The President and CEO (CEO) of Orchestra Lumos will be an innovative leader with a passion for leading an orchestra that delivers high-quality concert experiences across numerous musical genres for the widest possible audiences in Fairfield County, CT.
The CEO will provide vision and strategic direction to the institution and oversee the day-to-day operation of the orchestra, including all administrative, fundraising, audience engagement, financial control, education, community engagement, inclusion, public relations, and collaborative partnership functions.
The CEO will lead the creation of an artistic and business model that ensures the ongoing success of the orchestra and guarantees the institution's sustainability in the future.
The CEO will have a proven record in non-profit leadership, have demonstrated success in fundraising, have a finger on the pulse of the orchestral and performing arts sectors, and be equipped to exploit new opportunities in technology and alternative presentations. The CEO will have an entrepreneurial flair for alternative sources of income, partnerships, and experimentation, and will bring experience in managing a team of professionals.
From the Chairman
Our next CEO will build upon the significant developments that have transformed Orchestra Lumos over the last 5 years. We seek a highly motivated, energetic individual who will continue to build audiences and lead the next major fundraising campaign. Adding concerts, fine-tuning our education and community engagement programs, and building on our diversity, equity and inclusion work will continue our efforts to be relevant to many more members of our diverse community in Fairfield County. Much has been achieved, but the next period of development for Orchestra Lumos will need to see increased audiences, a more secure financial base, and the foundations of long-term sustainability. This post is a wonderful opportunity for the next CEO to make their mark in this field and continue to transform the institution for the future.
Thomas Herbig, Chairman
Organization and Activities
The Stamford Symphony was originally formed in 1919. It was formally established as a nonprofit organization in 1967 and quickly became an integral part of the cultural life of Fairfield County. Our rebranding as Orchestra Lumos in 2022 was the culmination of an ambitious plan for growth and a renewed sense of purpose to increase our impact by sharing the joy of music and increasing our impact with audiences of all backgrounds and ages throughout Fairfield County.
Orchestra Lumos is a fully professional orchestra with musicians from AFM Local 802 in New York City. Its roster of 65 talented musicians is drawn from throughout the region, eager to connect with audiences. The orchestra is led by Music Director Michael Stern, one of America’s foremost conductors, who was selected after a two-year nationwide search.
The orchestra reaches an audience of close to 15,000 annually across Fairfield County. It unites the passion of some of the region’s most talented musicians to create exhilarating artistic experiences that aim to inspire, connect, and strengthen the communities it serves – in the concert hall, in schools, and in the community.
Artistic programs include the Palace Series in a 1927 theatre that seats 1,500, featuring the full orchestra in four weekend programs for eight performances; the Small Space Series, presenting our musicians in intimate neighborhood venues throughout Fairfield County; and Family Fun, with holiday, movie, and Broadway favorites for all ages. We bring world-class soloists to our Palace Series – legends such as Yo-Yo Ma, Joshua Bell, Pinchas Zuckerman, and Midori, as well as up-and-coming stars like Conrad Tao.
The 2025-26 Palace Series is inspired by the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America under the overall theme of America 250. Every composer featured in the season is either American or has a connection to the United States through their compositions or careers. They include national treasures such as Wynton Marsalis and Leonard Bernstein, European visitors such as Tchaikovsky and Dvo?ak, and new voices such as Jonathan Leshnoff and five additional composers who are part of our Five American Portraits commission project.
The 2025–26 Small Space Series will feature ten chamber music concerts curated by members of the orchestra in various ensembles. The concerts are presented from September through June, in venues including several places of worship, a senior living center, the Westport Library, the Bruce Museum in Greenwich, and the Stamford Museum and Nature Center. We anticipate that a total of close to a thousand audience members will attend the series next year.
Education and community engagement programs include a partnership with the Stamford public schools, collaborations with the Greater Connecticut Orchestras, and engagement with community organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club of Stamford, INTEMPO, Project Music, and public libraries. Our Reading and Rhythm program reaches preschool children and our Music and Wellbeing collaboration with Stamford Hospital enhances patients’ physical and behavioral rehabilitation programs with live music engagement. With these programming and strategic partnerships, the orchestra presents a broad range of musical voices and traditions.
Through these activities and more, Orchestra Lumos plays an important role in making Stamford and surrounding communities a dynamic place to live, learn, work, raise families, and enjoy a stellar quality of life. Orchestra Lumos is dedicated to expanding its reach and fostering meaningful connections with the diverse communities it serves.
In addition to artistic excellence and community partnerships, the orchestra is distinguished by its strong financial position and the collaborative engagement between its administrative staff, Board of Directors, and musicians.
Reporting Relationships
The CEO reports to the Board of Directors, led by Board Chairman Thomas Herbig. The administrative staff, both full- and part-time professionals as well as contractors, reporting to the CEO are:
- Director of Development
- Grants Manager
- Director of Audience Engagement
- Manager of Marketing Operations
- Manager of Ticketing and Customer Experience
- Director of Finance
- Director of Operations and Planning
- Manager of Education, Community Engagement, and Inclusion
- Personnel Manager (a member of the orchestra covered under the orchestra's CBA)
- Librarian (covered under the orchestra's CBA)
Fairfield County
Fairfield County, Connecticut, is the most populous county in the state and its fastest-growing one from 2010 to 2020. As of the 2020 census, the county was home to a million residents, representing a quarter of Connecticut's overall population. Part of the New York metropolitan area, the county contains four of the state's seven largest cities: Bridgeport, Stamford, Norwalk, and Danbury, totaling nearly half the county's total population.
The county ranks sixth in the U.S. in per-capita personal income as of 2005, contributing substantially to Connecticut being one of the most affluent states in the U.S. The county is also very diverse in its racial and ethnic makeup as well as socio-economic condition.
Roles and Responsibilities
The CEO will help set the strategic direction of the orchestra and oversee all of its business activities, including fundraising, marketing and audience development, community leadership and educational engagement, financial management, and administration.
Strategic Direction
- Implement a comprehensive and long-term institutional vision and strategy in partnership with the Music Director, Board, staff and musicians.
- Consult with the Music Director on the artistic direction and program of the orchestra.
- Align artistic, educational, and community engagement initiatives with financial sustainability in collaboration with key stakeholders.
- Maintain strong relationships with the Board, Music Director, staff, musicians, and volunteers through open and transparent communication.
- Assist Board committees in developing and implementing their goals and objectives, coordinating closely with appropriate staff liaisons.
Fundraising
The CEO is the orchestra's principal fundraising officer.
- Oversee fundraising activities and serve as principal solicitor of major gifts
- Drive fundraising and revenue-generating strategies by collaborating with the Board and staff to maximize contributed and earned revenue.
- Oversee a comprehensive stewardship program for donors.
- Think broadly about commercial opportunities and revenue models that will increase earned income.
Marketing and Audience Development
- Advance marketing and public relations programs that enhance the orchestra’s visibility and reputation.
- Support marketing and audience development initiatives.
Community Leadership and Educational Engagement
- Champion the development of artistic and educational programs through creating strategic partnerships that embrace the diverse needs of the region and advance the orchestra’s education and community initiatives.
- Serve as the primary spokesperson representing the organization in the media and at public speaking engagements.
- Advocate for the value of orchestral music and musicians in our community.
- Cultivate relationships with city leaders, other arts organizations, and public agencies to enhance the orchestra’s reputation and impact.
- Assist the Board in recruiting prospective Board members who can enhance the orchestra’s efforts while educating and empowering Board members to serve as effective ambassadors.
- Embrace other community leadership and educational engagement responsibilities, as needed.
Financial Management
- Oversee budgeting, financial planning, and cash flow management, ensuring fiscal responsibility and transparency.
- Provide regular and clear updates to the Board and funders.
- Lead operational planning to ensure the effective use of financial resources and institutional efficiency.
- Manage contractual negotiations with the AFM Local 802, guest artists, vendors, and strategic partners, ensuring both financial prudence and artistic excellence.
- Embrace other financial oversight and revenue enhancement responsibilities as needed.
Administration
- Develop diverse staff capabilities and create an organizational culture to foster a motivated, self-sufficient, and high-performing team.
- Manage office and staff, including regular team priority alignment, setting of annual objectives, and performance reviews.
Preferred Competencies and Qualifications
The CEO will be an effective communicator and engaged listener who fosters trust and transparency across all parts of the organization. With a passion for the arts and community engagement, the successful candidate will be adept at establishing strong relationships with audiences, donors, and civic partners. This individual will inspire confidence and enthusiasm among staff, musicians, board members, donors, and the broader Fairfield County community. They will exhibit a spirit of curiosity about new trends in orchestras and other performing arts organizations and remain flexible when confronted with unexpected challenges.
Other key competencies include:
- Personal accountability and diplomacy: the ability to be answerable for personal actions while effectively and tactfully handling difficult or sensitive issues.
- Leadership and interpersonal skills: the capacity to organize and influence people to believe in a vision, create a sense of purpose and direction, while effectively communicating, building rapport, and relating well to a broad range of people.
- Time and priority management: the dexterity to prioritize and complete tasks to deliver desired outcomes within allotted time frames.
- Customer focus and goal orientation: the acumen to anticipate, meet, and exceed customer needs, wants, and expectations.
Qualifications
The ideal candidate will possess at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent and have a minimum five years of leadership experience in a performing arts-related setting. Prior leadership at an orchestra is preferred, but applications are welcome from candidates in other sectors. The CEO shall have a proven record of strategic thinking and fiscal success, including fundraising at the major gifts level, while building, fostering, and sustaining meaningful relationships with donors, patrons, and community partners. They will have the exceptional communication and management skills required for an orchestra’s unique environment.
The Orchestra Lumos office is located at 263 Tresser Boulevard, Stamford, CT 06901. The successful candidate will live within commuting distance of the office and work on-site not less than three days per week.
Compensation and Benefits
Orchestra Lumos offers a competitive and equitable compensation and benefits package, including an annual salary range of $125,000 to $150,000. Benefits include paid time off and holiday pay, health insurance, life insurance and a voluntary 401K retirement plan with a company matching contribution of 2%. A relocation package is also available if the candidate is not locally based.
Applications and Inquiries
To submit a cover letter and resume with a summary of demonstrable accomplishments, please email Russell Jones at rjones@orchestralumos.org. Cover letters should be responsive to the mission of Orchestra Lumos as well as the responsibilities and qualifications listed above.
For questions or general inquiries about this post, please contact Russell Jones, President and CEO, at rjones@orchestralumos.org.
Applications will be reviewed immediately upon receipt and continue until the successful candidate has been selected.
We are anticipating a start date of October 1, 2025.
Orchestra Lumos is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applications are welcome regardless of race, religion, political affiliation, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin or marital status, or any other basis protected by law. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States and able to complete an I-9 form to verify their identity and employment eligibility.
Preferred Competencies and Qualifications
The CEO will be an effective communicator and engaged listener who fosters trust and transparency across all parts of the organization. With a passion for the arts and community engagement, the successful candidate will be adept at establishing strong relationships with audiences, donors, and civic partners. This individual will inspire confidence and enthusiasm among staff, musicians, board members, donors, and the broader Fairfield County community. They will exhibit a spirit of curiosity about new trends in orchestras and other performing arts organizations and remain flexible when confronted with unexpected challenges.
Other key competencies include:
- Personal accountability and diplomacy: the ability to be answerable for personal actions while effectively and tactfully handling difficult or sensitive issues.
- Leadership and interpersonal skills: the capacity to organize and influence people to believe in a vision, create a sense of purpose and direction, while effectively communicating, building rapport, and relating well to a broad range of people.
- Time and priority management: the dexterity to prioritize and complete tasks to deliver desired outcomes within allotted time frames.
- Customer focus and goal orientation: the acumen to anticipate, meet, and exceed customer needs, wants, and expectations.
Qualifications
The ideal candidate will possess at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent and have a minimum five years of leadership experience in a performing arts-related setting. Prior leadership at an orchestra is preferred, but applications are welcome from candidates in other sectors. The CEO shall have a proven record of strategic thinking and fiscal success, including fundraising at the major gifts level, while building, fostering, and sustaining meaningful relationships with donors, patrons, and community partners. They will have the exceptional communication and management skills required for an orchestra’s unique environment.
The Orchestra Lumos office is located at 263 Tresser Boulevard, Stamford, CT 06901. The successful candidate will live within commuting distance of the office and work on-site not less than three days per week.