EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SEARCH ANNOUNCEMENT
Victoria Symphony Society
Victoria, TX
https://www.victoriasymphony.com

Seeking a dynamic professional responsible for the consistent achievement of the organization’s mission and financial objectives while overseeing its day-to-day operations.

Organization: In its 53rd season, the Victoria Symphony Orchestra (VSO) is a well-established orchestra consisting of 60+ members serving the greater Victoria and south-central Texas region. The VSO season (September through April) currently consists of a subscription series of four classical masterworks concerts and one pops concert. Additional concerts and ensemble performances are also given as part of area community outreach and education programs. Series concerts are performed in the 1,481-seat state-of-the-art Victoria Fine Arts Center. The annual budget is approximately $800,000. The Music Director and Conductor is Darryl One of Modesto, CA.

Location: Victoria, Texas, is conveniently located near the Texas Gulf Coast and approximately a two-hour drive from Houston, Austin, and San Antonio. Victoria is centrally located in a region of roughly 200,000 people. Victoria offers numerous opportunities for commerce, education, and entertainment, including the Victoria Regional Airport; Victoria College; Texas A&M University-Victoria; the Victoria Mall; a regional transit system; public parks with fishing and water sports; the Texas Zoo; a conference center; centers/theatres for the performing arts; and various art, history, and science museums. Victoria plays host to other performing arts organizations and year-round concerts, ballets, plays, historical tours, and festivals for all ages. Victoria has a progressive medical community, featuring several hospitals and inpatient and outpatient clinics.

Duties and Qualifications: See Executive Director Job Description.

Compensation: Commensurate with experience.

Application: Please send a cover letter, resume, and completed Executive Director Application Form to jobs@victoriasymphony.com. In the subject line, type “VSO ED Application” and your name.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR JOB DESCRIPTION

CLASSIFICATION
Full-time Exempt

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW
The Victoria Symphony Society (VSS) is a professional arts organization located in Victoria, Texas. The VSS staff support the Music Director and 60+ musicians in executing a season of performances that includes five subscription concerts, four family/education concerts, an annual fundraising gala, and several special events. The Victoria Symphony Orchestra (VSO) performs in the 1,481-seat Victoria ISD Fine Arts Center. The VSS staff are responsible for all marketing, producing, fundraising, financial management, and administrative matters of the organization.

BROAD FUNCTIONS
The Executive Director serves as the day-to-day manager of the VSS and reports to the President of the Board of Directors (Board). The Executive Director serves as the administrative counterpart to the Music Director to maintain a fiscally sound and artistically superior orchestra. The Executive Director is responsible for managing the staff and financial resources to achieve the VSS’s mission and for leading the overall operations of the organization through effective management and financial development. The joint leadership of the Executive Director and the Music Director provide vision, guidance, and information needed to enable the Board to adopt progressive, sound, and practical plans for the continued evolution of the VSS. The Executive Director must be able to interact competently and respectfully with a culturally and ethnically diverse population of musicians, Board members, volunteers, and staff, and be able to work respectfully with all age groups. Most importantly, the Executive Director must have the ability to give direction and guidance and possess the self-assuredness and confidence to enforce rules and regulations.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Revenue Enhancement
The Executive Director
works with the Board to develop strategies and define how key messages will be delivered to various individuals and institutions to maximize visibility, brand, and revenues of the VSO;
works with the Finance Committee in preparing and adhering to a yearly development plan to generate revenue objectives as established by the budget;
works with Board committee chairs to develop an annual fundraising plan, which includes the annual fund drive, sponsorships, grant applications, and special events;
works to develop and execute a marketing and communication plan to promote all programs and events, using appropriate advertising and publicity to achieve maximum season and single ticket sales;
ensures that all contributions and other support are acknowledged as may be required by law and as is otherwise appropriate, maintains accurate and complete records of financial contributions and other substantial support, and maintains a detailed accounting system of donors in coordination with other VSS staff;
prepares and submits grant applications and reports to foundations, corporations, and government agencies; and
makes presentations as requested by the President, Executive Committee, or other Board members.

Strategic Planning and Action Plan Implementation
The Executive Director
participates in the short-term operational and long-range strategic planning and implementation processes of VSS, including the effective mentoring and supervision of the organization’s compensated staff, mobilization of its technological resources, and responsibility for decision-making related to appropriate use of fiscal resources;
assists the Board in the development and implementation of a strategic plan for the orchestra that supports the artistic, financial, and public relations objectives of the VSS;
assists the Executive Committee in the development and implementation of current and long-range administrative and personnel planning to ensure effective structure and competent staffing;
in coordination with the Orchestra Personnel Manager, maintains and facilitates relationships with musicians and their Orchestra Committee;
works with the Board to recruit and select employees for approved staff positions;
supervises staff, reviews staff performance with the Board President, and performs annual staff assessments and goal setting; and
directs volunteers as necessary to help ensure the success of their activities.

Governance and Financial Management
The Executive Director
provides support to best utilize the talents and resources of the Board, stimulate involvement, and work closely with the Board to ensure strong fiscal health and effective governance of the VSS;
attends all committee meetings as requested and provides executive support which may include, but is not limited to, developing agendas, preparing reports, and ensuring that all meeting minutes are recorded and maintained;
provides the Board Treasurer with all bookkeeping details on a monthly basis for further analysis and reporting;
ensures that all financial obligations are paid on time in consultation with the Board Treasurer.
oversees the accurate and timely recording all financial information and transactions in the financial software system;
oversees the implementation of the payroll process for all musicians to ensure accurate and timely payment s;
maintains the Board’s confidence, safeguards operations by keeping information confidential, and adheres to all safety and housekeeping policies and procedures in the VSS Employee Handbook; and
contributes to the team effort by accomplishing related duties and special projects as needed and directed.

Institutional Growth and Branding
The Executive Director leads the staff in creating an environment that supports the VSS’s mission, including
cultural experiences for Victoria and surrounding communities, including symphonic performances and special events;
performance opportunities for musicians, performing arts groups, and educational groups
that promote creative musical and artistic talent; and
educational programs that foster knowledge and appreciation of symphonic music, with a special focus on youth.

The Executive Director serves as a connector between the organization and key outside groups and individuals by
seeking new opportunities, in conjunction with the Music Director, for performances throughout the South Texas region;
working with the Orchestra Personnel Manager and Patron Services Manager to manage contracts and coordinate all elements and logistics of concerts;
providing support to the Music Director as needed;
ensuring effective communication with the Board’s constituencies, volunteer groups, other arts organizations, public agencies, government agencies, and the general public; and
coordinating and overseeing all activities related to the VSS’s educational programs in collaboration with the Director of Education.

REQUIRED CHARACTERISTICS
The Executive Director applicant should
have the ability to understand and embrace the VSS’s unique mission, being sensitive to and supportive of the needs of its diverse constituencies, including subscribers, donors, Board members, volunteers, sponsors, community leaders, and administrative staff;
be a self-directed person who takes the initiative to start and complete projects;
be a results-oriented leader who has a keen ability to organize and motivate people to accomplish institutional goals while creating a sense of order and strategic direction;
represent the VSS in a positive manner, which will require superior interpersonal skills, verbal and written presentation abilities, and leadership qualities that include futuristic thinking, team building, and overall management talent;
have key attributes, such as an understanding of institutional image building, marketing, external relations, and fund development, and have the presence and capacity to move initiatives forward in each of these areas; and
be a model of integrity, fairness, high ethical standards, ingenuity, compassion, dedication, and enthusiasm.

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS
The Executive Director applicant should have
management experience in a non-profit organization, preferably in the performing arts;
basic proficiency in computer software;
a musical background (preferred);
a successful record in fundraising;
experience in marketing;
strong written and verbal communication skills;
strong interpersonal skills; and
well-developed organizational and motivational skills.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR APPLICATION FORM

Please copy and paste the questions and your responses into a separate file.

Full Name:

Address:

Phone Number:

Email:

Do you have a driver’s license?

Are you willing to relocate? (For applicants not already living in this area.)

What is your preferred minimum annual compensation (not including benefits)?

List at least three references with addresses and phone numbers:

Location: Victoria, Texas
Website: https://victoriasymphony.com/
Deadline: 05/31/27

Do you love to act or have some free time? Be our next Standardized Patient and play the role of patients in a clinical setting to help us train our nurses.

• No medical background required
• Flexible hours
• Paid opportunities
• Training provided

Interested? Contact:
SDNUTexas@fairfield.edu
(203) 254-4184

Deadline: 11/6/26
Location: Austin, TX
Website: https://www.fairfield.edu/academics/schools-and-colleges/egan-school-of-nursing-and-health-studies/

The Director of Development is an experienced fundraising professional and a key member of the Chinati Foundation's leadership team. Reporting to the Executive Director and working closely with the Chief Financial and Operating Officers, this role helps shape and sustain the philanthropic support that makes Chinati's work possible. Through thoughtful leadership and collaboration, the Director of Development builds meaningful relationships with individual donors, foundations, trustees, and other supporters, serving as a strategic partner in strengthening the organization's culture of philanthropy and advancing its mission.

This position oversees the full range of development activities, including individual, foundation, corporate, and government giving; major gifts and planned giving; fundraising campaigns and special events; donor stewardship and communications; prospect research; and development operations, reporting, and database management. In partnership with the Executive Director, Board of Trustees, and senior staff, the Director of Development develops and implements strategies to grow philanthropic support, deepen engagement with the organization, and communicate the significance and impact of Chinati's programs, collections, and ongoing stewardship of its site and mission.

General Duties and Responsibilities
Fundraising Strategy and Institutional Priorities
Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy that supports annual and long-term goals, working closely with the Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer.
Lead the Development Department in meeting agreed goals for annual operating support, capital gifts, and endowment contributions, balancing solicitation priorities and staff time across these needs.
Maintain a written annual fundraising plan, calendar, and prospect pipeline with clear revenue goals, assignments, deadlines, and regular progress reviews.
Work with senior staff and the Board of Trustees to set fundraising priorities that support Chinati’s strategic and preservation plans and align with its vision, ethos, and history.
Effectively communicate and collaborate with other departments.
Perform other duties as necessary to ensure effective functioning of the organization.
Development Operations and Leadership
Produce regular reports, evaluations, and forecasts on Chinati’s fundraising for the Executive Director, senior staff, and Board of Trustees, assessing revenue, donor retention, and progress toward agreed goals.
Directly supervise, mentor, and evaluate Development staff and manage the work of consultants and other outside professionals within the approved staffing plan and budget.
Ensure accurate donor records in the CRM, timely gift acknowledgments, donor recognition, documented donor contacts, pledge schedules, and organized departmental files. Maintain donor confidentiality and appropriate access to records. Establish written procedures and cross-training to support continuity.
Reconcile fundraising records with Finance and review revenue forecasts regularly, distinguishing gifts received, outstanding pledges, and prospective support. Coordinate gift agreements, donor restrictions, and complex or planned gifts with the Executive

Director and Chief Financial Officer.
Set staff priorities, hold regular departmental meetings, provide constructive feedback, and remain accountable for the department’s work, including activities delegated to staff or consultants.
Model collaborative leadership by stepping into operational or administrative duties when circumstances require.
Prepare development sections of board materials, annual reports, and funder communications.
Build and manage the development department budget; track expenses throughout the fiscal year.

Donor Cultivation and Board Engagement
Take a central role, alongside the Executive Director, in identifying and cultivating prospects, soliciting and closing gifts, and stewarding donors.
Serve as the Development staff liaison to the Board of Trustees and support the Executive Director and trustees in identifying and cultivating prospective board members.
Represent Chinati at donor and foundation meetings, events, and visits and tours, communicating its mission and needs with knowledge, care, and professionalism.
Maintain an active donor portfolio and coordinate the Executive Director’s and trustees’ fundraising participation through briefings, solicitation plans, documented next steps, and timely follow-up.

Annual Giving, Membership, and Events
Lead fundraising and donor cultivation events, including the Chinati Weekend benefit, coordinating planning and delivery with colleagues and outside professionals. Establish revenue and expense goals and evaluate results.
Manage event budgets, sponsorships, and in-kind support.

Produce compelling solicitation materials for annual appeals and fundraising campaigns, working with colleagues to convey Chinati’s mission, programs, and preservation needs accurately.
Lead membership acquisition, renewal, and stewardship; annual and year-end appeals; and benefit fundraising, coordinating donor communications and recognition with colleagues.

Grants
Serve as the primary internal point of contact for grants, aligning proposals with institutional priorities, coordinating programmatic and budget information with appropriate staff, and reviewing proposals and reports before submission.
Maintain the institutional grants calendar and ensure timely, accurate reporting to foundation and government funders.
Identify new foundation, corporate, and government funding prospects aligned with Chinati's mission.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in art history, arts administration, nonprofit management, business administration, communications, or another related field, or equivalent professional experience; advanced degree or professional certification (CRFE) strongly preferred.
7+ years of progressively responsible nonprofit fundraising experience, including at least three years leading fundraising programs and supervising staff at a director level.
Demonstrated track record of identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gifts ($10,000+), ideally in an arts, cultural, or museum setting.
Knowledge of (or ability to acquire) the Texas philanthropic landscape.
Experience building development departments and establishing organizational systems, workflows, policies, and procedures.
Demonstrated experience with financial management and data analysis, including setting and tracking progress against fundraising goals, using data to inform strategy, administering grant-funded programs, and reporting to leadership and the Board.
Commitment to hands-on leadership and adaptability in a small, mission-driven organization.
A strategic approach to fundraising with excellent attention to detail.
Outstanding organizational skills.
Superior written and verbal communication skills.
Familiarity with Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, and Adobe Creative Cloud.
Comfortable working independently with donor CRM systems, fundraising data, and donor tracking.
Conversational fluency in Spanish and/or other languages is preferred.

Terms
This is a regular, full-time, exempt, onsite position in Marfa, Texas with some travel required. Regular work hours are 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday. Other weekend, holiday, and evening hours are required as needed.
The compensation for this role is $95,000 to $105,000 per year. Chinati provides a generous benefits package including health, dental, vision, and life insurance plans, paid time off and an employer sponsored 403(b) retirement plan. Chinati is a qualified employer for the public service loan forgiveness program.

Deadline: 11/01/26
Location: Marfa, TX
Website: https://chinati.org/director-of-development/