Overview
Executive Director Jobs in Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area at Mississippi Valley Orchestra
Title: Executive Director
Company: Mississippi Valley Orchestra
Location: Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area
Position Summary
The Executive Director serves as the MVO’s chief administrative leader and is engaged in all facets of orchestra operations, including planning and scheduling, member support, finance, fundraising, marketing, community outreach, and nonprofit governance. The Executive Director partners closely with the Artistic Director, Board of Directors, and a dedicated volunteer team to produce five or more concerts annually, manage the organization effectively, and advance MVO’s mission. The Executive Director reports to the Board.
About MVO
The Mississippi Valley Orchestra is recognized as one of the premier volunteer orchestras in the Upper Midwest and was founded more than 50 years ago. To learn more go to mississippivalleyorchestra.com
Key Responsibilities
Organizational Leadership & Partnership
- Work in close collaboration with the Artistic Director to ensure smooth artistic and operational planning.
- Serve as the primary administrative leader, fostering a culture of communication, transparency, and shared purpose across musicians, volunteers, and Board members.
Financial Management – in partnership with the Treasurer, Bookkeeper and Board
- Contribute data and insights for development of the annual operating budget.
- Manage stipends, payments, and purchasing in alignment with approved budgets, and internal controls.
- Monitor the PO Box and deposit checks.
- Write thank-you notes for major gifts.
- Oversee bookkeeping and financial recordkeeping with the Treasurer and bookkeeper.
- Coordinate with the CPA firm &/or Treasurer to ensure timely and accurate preparation of IRS Form 990 and compliance with all relevant laws and nonprofit standards.
- Send annual donation acknowledgement letters.
Communications, Fundraising, Marketing and Audience Development
- In partnership with the Artistic Director, identify, solicit, and steward gifts and develop and maintain donor relationships.
- Develop and implement a Board-approved fundraising plan, including donor campaigns, special events, sponsorships, and grant opportunities.
- Lead audience development efforts and concert promotion to expand MVO’s reach and visibility.
- Support institutional storytelling and brand-building across digital and print channels.
- Oversee or maintain website, e-newsletters, and social media.
Operations & Concert Production – in conjunction with the part-time Orchestra Manager
- Manage all aspects of concert logistics for both the full orchestra season and smaller MVO Chamber Players performances. This includes venue coordination/logistics, equipment needs/rental, transportation of MVO-owned and rented instruments, technical needs, scheduling, front-of-house and lobby experience planning, and advertising/communications via print and electronic media.
- Coordinate and schedule venues, equipment, and other logistics for rehearsals.
- Lead the effort to find a new rehearsal venue.
- Issue contracts and ensure compliance with technical riders and contractual obligations.
- Negotiate contracts with soloists and collaborating artists.
- Handle guest artist arrangements including travel, accommodations, hospitality, and local transportation.
- Manage paperwork for contract staff and artists (W-9s, 1099s, contractor files, etc.).
- Maintain internal and public-facing records, systems, and communications to support organizational continuity and collaboration.
- Build and sustain partnerships with venues, schools, composers, and community organizations.
- Maintain records and contact information of musicians, subs, soloists, composers, and collaborators.
- Maintain job descriptions for staff and task/activity documentation for the organization.
Staff, Volunteer & Musician Engagement
- Foster a welcoming, inclusive, and engaged community among orchestra members.
- Recruit, coordinate, and support volunteers to meet operational needs.
- Manage a small stipended staff, providing oversight, clear communication, encouragement, and support.
Board Relations & Governance
- Maintain a strong, collaborative relationship with the Board of Directors.
- Participate in Board and committee meetings; provide timely updates and implement Board decisions.
- Assist in identifying and recruiting qualified Board candidates.
Qualifications
Required
- Undergraduate degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Highly self-directed with strong organizational, multi-tasking, project management, and prioritization skills.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Demonstrated success working with volunteers, staff, and Board members.
- Ability to inspire and support volunteers and stakeholders in service of MVO’s mission.
- Excellent technology and computer skills and experience with common nonprofit administrative tools and software (e.g., Squarespace, Salesforce, MailChimp, QuickBooks, Google Drive/Docs/Sheets/Forms, ticketing systems)
Preferred
- Knowledge of orchestra operations, community ensembles, or performing arts organizations.
- Experience in nonprofit governance, administration, or arts management.
- Proven success in grant writing, fundraising, marketing, or audience development.
Compensation & Schedule
- Part-time, approximately 20 hours per week.
- Flexible schedule with required onsite availability for concerts, select rehearsals, and Board meetings.
- Stipend: $25,000-$30,000 annually, commensurate with experience.
- As a part-time independent contractor role, this position does not include employer-provided benefits.
To Apply, please submit a cover letter and résumé to [email protected] by August 21, 2026. References will be requested later in the process
