General Manager
Full-Time
POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT: General Manager
Reports To: President & CEO
Supervises: Production Manager, Program Manager, Librarian, Personnel Manager, Artistic Planning Interns
Position Type: Full-time, Exempt
POSITION SUMMARY
The General Manager is a key leadership role responsible for overseeing the administrative, financial, and operational functions of ACO. The General Manager will work closely with the President, Board of Directors, Artistic Director, and staff to ensure the orchestra's operations, financial stability, and growth are in line with its mission and goals. The General Manager oversees the management and operations of artistic and composer advancement programs, ensuring successful execution of public programs.
This role is based in NYC; ACO’s staff works primarily remotely with in-person meetings as needed. Candidates should be based in the tri-state area or able to travel to NYC 6-8 times per year to support public events.
ABOUT ACO
American Composers Orchestra (ACO) is dedicated to the creation, celebration, performance, and promotion of orchestral music by American composers. With a commitment to artistry, creativity, community, and equity, ACO produces concerts, pre-college and college education programs, and emerging composer professional development to foster a community of creators, audience, performers, collaborators, and funders. More information at www.americancomposers.org.
ACO’s composer advancement and artistic programs include:
- EarShot Readings in NYC and in partnership with orchestras across the Americas
- CoLABoratory, which provides composers with opportunities to workshop and premiere adventurous new work
- Commissions and Consortia, including the Virginia B. Toulmin Orchestral Commissions Program, a program of the League of American Orchestras in partnership with ACO
- EarShot Publishing, executed in partnership with Boosey & Hawkes
- Concerts and recordings in NYC; recent venues include Carnegie Hall, Perelman Arts Center, Brooklyn Academy of Music, Apollo Theater, Manhattan School of Music, and others
CANDIDATE PROFILE
The ideal candidate should possess strong leadership skills, excellent organizational abilities, and a passion for the arts and nonprofit management. They should have experience in managing nonprofit organizations, fundraising, financial management, and working effectively with diverse stakeholders.
We strongly encourage applications from historically marginalized communities and backgrounds currently underrepresented in the orchestra field. We are seeking a creative, resilient, highly organized, and strategic thinker, capable of realizing boundary-breaking work from concept to completion. ACO’s staff is a small and dedicated team who share responsibilities and support each other’s roles. We offer opportunities for learning and growth, and encourage all team members to bring their full selves to our collective work with authenticity.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Artistic Planning
- Work closely with the President and Artistic Director to plan and execute long-term artistic programming strategy.
- With the Artistic Director, administer prospecting for artistic collaborations, commissioning new works, and expanding repertoire.
- Supervise Production Manager and Program Manager in successful execution of all artistic events, including venue arrangements, concert production, ticket sales, and artist contracts.
- Work with Artistic Director, Production Manager, and Personnel Manager to manage orchestra personnel, including musicians, conductors, and guest artists.
- Support the President in the negotiation and execution of collective bargaining agreements, including implementing and notifying stakeholders of any changes to these agreements.
- Serve as primary liaison to musicians’ union (AFM Local 802); attend all orchestra committee meetings, provide timely response to all communications, and promote a positive work culture.
- Supervise the Personnel Manager and Librarian to ensure successful staffing, scheduling, communication, music distribution, payroll, and reporting.
- Composer Advancement
- Supervise Program Manager in successful and timely execution of all logistics associated with Composer Advancement initiatives, including Readings, Residencies, Commissions, and Publishing
- Oversee ACO’s relationship with Boosey & Hawkes, executing on and supervising the drafting of all agreements
- Production
- Oversee the production of all public-facing programs, liaising with the Artistic Director and Director of Artist Equity, and supervising the Production Manager and Program Manager.
- Advance artistic projects with venues, negotiating fee structure and media agreements, and ensuring technical, staffing, and safety requirements are met.
- Negotiate and supervise Program Manager to draft guest artist, music licensing, and vendor contracts within budget.
- Ensure all equipment, instruments, licenses, and permits are secured.
- Attend rehearsals, concerts, and recordings, support the production team, and assist in setup and strike.
- Community Engagement
- With the President and program staff, cultivate relationships with community partners, donors, sponsors, and patrons.
- With the President, represent the orchestra at community events, fundraisers, and public engagements.
- Administration and Governance
- Prepare and provide finance reports to the Board, collaborate with the Program Manager and Director of Artist Equity to strategize artistic and composer advancement reports.
- Participate in the Program and Finance Committee meetings.
- Supervise, manage, and mentor staff, cultivating a work culture in alignment with ACO’s stated values.
- Financial Management and Administration
- Develop and monitor the annual budget and program budgets in collaboration with the President, program (artistic, composer advancement, education) staff, Director of Development & Communications, and the Board of Directors.
- Manage financial operations, with support from bookkeeping & accounting firms, including payroll, payments to vendors, and financial reporting in collaboration with President & CEO.
- Coordinate logistics of the financial audit process with the President, bookkeeper, and accounting firm.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, arts administration, business, or related field.
- 8-10 years of experience in nonprofit management or arts administration (orchestral experience, and experience with administering union agreements is preferred) and production of artistic programs.
- Strong financial management skills, including budgeting, financial reporting, and use of Quickbooks. Experience with Salesforce and Asana or other project management software preferred.
- Strong project management skills, including use of project management software.
- Able to handle multiple deadlines and priorities while maintaining a high degree of accuracy.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders.
- Proven leadership abilities, with experience supervising staff and working with governing boards.
- Knowledge of the classical music industry and familiarity with orchestral repertoire and commissioning preferred.
- Ability to work evenings and weekends as required by concert schedules and events.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
- Expected salary range between $80,000-$85,000
- Benefits include:
- Health and vision coverage
- Generous paid time off, including annual, personal, medical, and family leave
- 403(b) plan (Roth and traditional) with employer matching
- Flexible work environment
- Visa sponsorship available (O-1, O-1B, others on a case-by-case basis)
TO APPLY
Please use the form below to submit a cover letter and resume. We are seeking to fill this position immediately.
ACO is an equal opportunity employer. ACO does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations.