| Organization: | The Shreveport Symphony Orchestra, more than
50 years in existence, has 24 full-time core musicians and performs
more than 150 concerts per year during its 39-week season including
performances with the Shreveport Opera, Shreveport Metropolitan
Ballet and the Red River Revel. The orchestra's season includes
six classical concerts, one Pops presentation featuring Broadway
show music, a chamber music series, a holiday pops concert,
run-out concerts and other concerts, including a large number
of educational performances of all sizes. The annual budget
is on the order of $1.2 million. After a period of financial
distress several years ago, the orchestra has just completed
its second year with an essentially balanced budget and projects
similar results for the year just beginning. The 2003-2004 season
will feature guest conductors as the orchestra conducts a search
for a new Music Director. Finalists will guest conduct in 2004-2005
with the winner beginning his/her tenure during the 2005-2006
season. The administrative staff consists of four dedicated
and highly motivated full-time and four part-time employees.
Unlike many other similar organizations, we enjoy strong relations
with our musicians who actively participate in the planning
and implementation of our activities. Several serve on the Board
of Directors. An example of musician-planned activities consists
of a renowned "Random Acts of Music" program and an
annual benefit concert planned and implemented by the musicians.
This year's concert featured the Cox Family (of "O Brother
Where Art Thou" fame), performing for the first time ever
with a symphony orchestra. LOCATION: Shreveport, Louisiana. Shreveport is a racially diverse mid-sized city in Northwest Louisiana situated on the Red River within convenient driving distance to Dallas and Houston, with a metropolitan population of approximately 350,000. Cost of living is quite affordable, particularly the cost of housing. A small music school is located at Centenary College, one of the finest small liberal arts colleges in the South. There is also a mid-sized branch of Louisiana State University and a major Medical School, also part of the Louisiana State University System. Other public universities are located nearby including a branch of Southern University, Louisiana Technical University and Northwestern State University. |
| Duties: | Reports to the Board of Directors through the
Board President. The Executive Director will serve as the Chief
Operating Officer of the SSO and will be responsible for the
development of its strategic vision, both long and short term.
He/she will be 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. He/she will be the
SSO's chief spokesperson both internal and external.
The Executive Director will work with the Music Director in development and implementation of artistic policy and programming. He/she is also responsible for overseeing all fundraising, external and community relations, as well as operational, financial and administrative management. The Executive Director will maintain a high professional profile within the community and work closely with other local arts organizations in advocacy as well as collaborations whenever possible. He/she will also be able to access financial resources, as needed to buildup the financial base of the SSO. The Executive Director alone organizes, leads and evaluates the administrative staff. The Executive Director executes Board policies and keeps the Board informed of the state of the business for those areas for which he/she is responsible; establishes and implements administrative policies; delegates responsibilities and authority to his/her staff; integrates their decisions and actions and measures their performance. Sensing the many publics served by the Shreveport Symphony
Orchestra is a critical and enduring responsibility necessitating
constant decision making. The Executive Director must keep
the Shreveport Symphony Orchestra in a strong financial position
and alert the President and Board whenever problems are foreseen.
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| Traits and Characteristists: |
Leading candidates will have strong leadership
skills as well as a passion for music and music education. The
Executive Director must work with many constituencies within
the organization and the community and thus should be able to
establish and maintain a high level of trust and respect. The
ideal candidate should have exceptional organizational and administrative
skills, as well as excellent goal planning and follow through.
An ability to be flexible and sometimes make quick but important
decisions is key. The Executive Director must have high ethical
standards as well as humor, compassion and dedication. This
position requires a vast amount of energy. |
| Requirements: | Candidate must possess a minimum five years experience
in Symphony field and a Bachelor's Degree, with a proven track
record for success. Strong interpersonal and leadership skills
are a must. |
| Compensation: | Salary and benefits commensurate with qualifications
and experience. |
| Apply to: | Send cover letter, resume and a list of references
to: Executive Search Committee Shreveport Symphony Orchestra P.O. Box 205 Shreveport, LA 71162-0205 Phone inquiries will not be accepted. |
DATE POSTED: July 9, 2003 |
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