Reports to: Executive and Artistic Director
Status: Full-time, Exempt

The Gilmore—one of the world’s leading piano festivals and a vibrant, year-round cultural organization—is seeking an experienced and dynamic Managing Director to help lead the organization through its next chapter of growth and artistic excellence.

About the Role

The Managing Director will serve as a key leadership partner to the Executive and Artistic Director, supporting the strategic direction, operational strength, and long-term vision of The Gilmore. With oversight across all departments—Development, Education, Finance, Operations, Marketing, and Public Relations—this role ensures organizational alignment, cultivates community relationships, and helps advance The Gilmore’s mission and programs at the highest level.

This is a highly collaborative role for a mission-driven and forward-thinking professional with a strong background in arts administration, project management, and nonprofit leadership.

About The Gilmore

The mission of The Gilmore is to nurture and celebrate a passion for piano music. 

The Irving S. Gilmore International Piano Festival (The Gilmore) promotes and develops world-class musical experiences through its Gilmore Artist Awards; Larry J. Bell Jazz Awards; annual Piano Festival featuring the most accomplished international pianists; outstanding piano education and community engagement programs and the commissioning of new music for the piano.

To Apply

Submit a resume, cover letter, and references by email to:
Pierre van der Westhuizen, Executive & Artistic Director, pvanderwesthuizen@thegilmore.org

Qualifications:

REQUIREMENTS OF THE POSITION

Organizational Oversight & Leadership

• Support the Executive and Artistic Director in managing departmental operations across the organization
• Lead long-term planning and program evaluation
• Serve as a key internal and external representative, especially in the absence of the Executive and Artistic Director
• Oversee special projects and cross-functional initiatives

Development & Fundraising

• Partner with the Executive and Artistic Director, Director of Development, Board Development Committee, and other stakeholders to advance all fundraising efforts
• Help shape and maintain a strong public image that supports philanthropy and community engagement

Board Relations

• Manage Board development, including recruitment, orientation, and recognition of Trustees and Emeriti
• Support efforts to identify Board candidates who strengthen the organization’s fundraising capacity

Strategic Planning & Evaluation

• Work with leadership and Trustees to develop and implement strategic plans and long-term funding strategies
• Lead a four-year strategic planning process and monitor annual progress toward goals
• Oversee evaluation of programs and organizational effectiveness

Community Engagement

• Represent The Gilmore in local and regional settings
• Foster productive relationships with community leaders, arts organizations, and cultural partners

Administrative Management

• Assist in hiring and managing employees and contractors
• Maintain up-to-date employee policies and procedures
• Ensure appropriate staffing and office infrastructure
• Participate in organizational budgeting and financial planning

Ideal Candidate 

The successful candidate will be a collaborative and strategic leader with:

• Significant experience in arts administration or nonprofit management
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills
• A proven track record of leading teams, managing complex projects, and building relationships across sectors
• A passion for the arts and a deep commitment to community-based cultural programming

Qualifications & Experience

• A bachelor’s degree is required; advanced degree in arts administration, nonprofit management, business, or related field strongly preferred
• Minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in nonprofit or arts administration
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex projects, teams, and planning processes
• Strong understanding of fundraising principles and experience working with Boards and major donors
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Proven ability to build and maintain strong relationships with community partners, funders, and stakeholders
• A passion for the performing arts; familiarity with classical music and music education is a plus
• High level of integrity, discretion, and sound judgment

If you are concerned that you don’t meet all of the qualifications, but are passionate about the position, please apply anyway. The Gilmore is committed to building an inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible workplace – so if you’re excited about this opportunity, we hope you’ll consider submitting your application.

About The Gilmore

The mission of The Gilmore is to promote and develop world-class keyboard musical experiences that inspire present and future artists and audiences. We do this by: Identifying exceptional keyboard artists through a non-competitive process and then providing significant support to enhance their careers; Presenting world-class music festivals featuring the finest international keyboard artists; Providing an outstanding keyboard educational program; Supporting the creation of keyboard music.

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