Employment Opportunity
- Position: Executive Director
- Closes: Open until filled, priority to applicants who submit by April 15, 2024
- Employment Status: Full-time, exempt
- Reports to: Board of Directors
- Supervises: Marketing and Development Director, Event Coordinator, Education Director, Production Staff
Organization
Our Vision: The RJO inspires, connects, and unites the community of northern Nevada and the region through locally produced professional jazz orchestra concerts and education programs.
Our Mission: To build a greater appreciation of jazz in Northern Nevada by providing outstanding jazz orchestra concerts, promoting the artistry of Reno Jazz Orchestra musicians through a variety of performance opportunities, and by providing jazz education programs.
The Reno Jazz Orchestra is a 17-piece contemporary big band based in Northern Nevada. The band was formed in 1997 by musicians who performed with acts such as Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr. and Natalie Cole in the casino showroom orchestras. Currently, the band is comprised of highly skilled veteran musicians as well as graduates from UNR's jazz program, and has recently featured such guest artists as Kurt Elling, Tom Scott, Ernie Watts, and Dianne Schuur. The RJO has recorded five albums with a sixth to be released later this year. The RJO typically presents approximately six stand-alone concerts each year and is engaged to perform for other organizations for a similar number of concerts. In addition to performances by the Jazz Orchestra in Reno and at Lake Tahoe, the RJO manages extensive education programs including the Reno Youth Jazz Orchestra, the "Jazz in the Schools" event, jazz mentors and private lessons. Following a stellar 27 years, founding Executive and Music Director Chuck Reider has decided it is time to step down from his position. The Board has hired Greg Johnson as Music Director and is now seeking to fill the Executive Director role.
Position Summary
The ED is responsible for managing the human and financial resources of the RJO to further the mission of the RJO. To that end, the ED is responsible and accountable for all operational aspects of the organization (performing the tasks themselves or supervising others who do), and implementing the policies set by the Board of Directors. The ED will serve as the chief operating officer and report all activities described below at Board meetings.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Artistic and Business Administration
- Shall supervise all staff and be responsible for performance reviews, and employee relations.
- Accountable for negotiating contracts for all guest artists within budget parameters set by the Board.
- Be accountable for purchases of equipment and supplies according to budget and approved procedures.
- In conjunction with the Music Director and the RYJO Music Director, create and update an annual performance calendar and associated budget.
- Be accountable for correspondence, including patron suggestions and complaints.
- Planning
- Assist in the development and implementation of the RJO's strategic plan based on the goals and objectives of the board.
- Prepare a budget draft and submit to the Finance Committee for review and board approval.
- Board of Directors Engagement
- Attend all meetings of the Board; be responsible for the preparation and presentation of reports for each Board meeting and for other committee meetings as required.
- Serve as an Ex-Officio member of all Board committees.
- Program Development/External Relations
- Work closely with the Development Director to identify and implement new funding opportunities and successfully continue existing funding sources.
- Communicate the goals and objectives of the RJO effectively to donors, volunteers, other arts organizations, public and private agencies.
- Encourage the Board participation in fundraising activities such as; soliciting private and corporate donations as well as meeting with donors to share their passion of the RJO.
- Responsible for grant research and submissions to appropriate grantors in a timely manner. Ensure that grants are spent in accordance with grant guidelines and that all reporting requirements are met.
- Concert Production
- Negotiate performance hall and equipment rental.
- ED will commence contractual negotiations with RJO musicians in consultation with the Music Director and set pay scales for musicians.
- Seek and obtain new opportunities for performances by the orchestra and its ensembles.
- Educational Outreach
- Promote the existing programs and work with the Education Coordinator and Music Director to identify new programs and sources for funding as stated in the strategic plan.
- Oversee RYJO programming as developed by the RYJO Music Director.
- Marketing and Promotion
- Oversee relationships with media contacts; feature stories in print and broadcast media about the orchestra.
- In conjunction with the RJO Marketing Director, develop and implement a marketing plan for individual performances, using appropriate advertising and publicity to achieve maximum ticket sales; oversee ticket sales operations.
- Finance Operations
- In conjunction with the RJO Treasurer:
- Ensure that accurate books of accounts are maintained; maintain bank accounts as directed by the Board.
- Accountable for monthly financial statements for Board review and approval. Review and approve accounts payable and receivable.
- In conjunction with the RJO Treasurer:
Traits and Characteristics
The Reno Jazz Orchestra Executive Director will be a passionate advocate for jazz and jazz Education. They will have the ability to build relationships with a wide range of stakeholders throughout the community. They will be organized, and effective communicators. Overall, they will be able to support the work of the Reno Jazz Orchestra with strong and effective leadership.
Qualifications, Education and Experience
The successful candidate will have an undergraduate degree in business administration or a degree in music and experience in non-profit administration. They should have experience in fundraising as well as event production, education programming and financial management. They should be comfortable working with board members, with administrative and artistic staff, and with organization supporters and audience members. They should be familiar with technology including the Microsoft suite, QuickBooks and CRM management.
Compensation and Benefits
The annual salary for this full-time, exempt position will be between $40,000 and $60,000 depending on the experience of the successful candidate.
Application Requirements
The RJO is committed to a diverse and inclusive working environment. The RJO is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, sexual orientation, disability, national origin, protected veteran status, age, gender, gender identity, or other legally protected status. Please email cover letter describing qualifications, resume, and three references to RJO Executive Director Search Committee at tim.young@renojazzorchestra.org. No phone calls please.