Position Opening: Executive Director

Who We Are

Heralded for its “full-bodied and radiant sound” (The New York Times), Lorelei Ensemble is recognized across the globe for its bold and inventive programs that champion the extraordinary flexibility and virtuosity of women’s and treble voices. Led by founder and artistic director Beth Willer, Lorelei has established an inspiring mission, curating culturally-relevant and artistically profound programs that stretch and challenge the expectations of our world.

Through commissioning, performance, recording, and education Lorelei is changing what it means to be an ensemble of women’s voices sharing a stage. Lorelei is not just a performing ensemble and is not tied to a regular location-based performance season. We are a creative ensemble, committed to collaborations and commissioning new work that offers a wider perspective. We believe creativity is a process and our ground-breaking projects require time and space for ideation and exploration, experimentation and risk-taking, building and rebuilding. Lorelei has commissioned more than 65 new works and will continue to do so, responding to the time and place in which we live.   

Executive Director Position

The Executive Director (ED) will be responsible for the overall management and operations leadership of the organization. They will help enhance the visibility of the ensemble on a worldwide stage, ensure continued financial strength, and initiate and execute initiatives that promote and advance Lorelei. The Executive Director will oversee development and fundraising, marketing and communications, and finances and administration; and will manage all contractors, consultants, and volunteers directly supporting the administrative work of this small independent organization (annual budget of <$500,000). The Executive Director reports to the Board and works in close partnership with the Artistic Director (AD), with support from the Operations Manager (OM). Key responsibilities:

Vision and Programs 

Help drive the organization’s vision and support Lorelei's programs  

  • work with AD to execute and communicate overall vision of the organization

  • oversee creation of a three-year commissioning/performance/recording calendar in collaboration with AD and OM 

  • support educational outreach activities of the ensemble

Development and Fundraising

Lead Lorelei’s fundraising effort and serve as the primary relationship manager for donors and institutional funders

  • develop and execute a comprehensive strategy of financial and resource support, including a detailed fundraising plan, aided by the Development Committee of the board

  • identify new sources of contributed income from individuals, corporations, and foundations; prepare grant proposals for potential funding

  • engage and retain existing supporters, and strengthen relationships/upgrade potential

  • serve as the key development face of Lorelei, with mentoring/advice from the Development Committee plan and execute annual donor campaign and appeals

  • establish any necessary committees to implement fundraising projects (e.g. large events)   

Revenue and Financial Management

Work collaboratively with appropriate staff/consultants to prepare multi-year budgets and manage financial and administrative operations including all incoming revenue and outgoing expenses

  • ensure that Lorelei has sufficient financial and human resource capacity to support programmatic growth

  • provide responsible, disciplined financial leadership—balancing organizational sustainability with artistic innovation

  • manage the day-to-day business operations of LE including monitoring the bookkeeper in closing out monthly and quarterly statements, processing payroll, overseeing accounts payable and receivables

  • work with Board Finance Committee to prepare and monitor annual/multi-year budgets, financial projections, cash flow, and expenses

  • comply with all tax regulations and ensure 501c3 compliance 

Marketing and Communications

Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to promote the ensemble on local, national, and international levels

  • develop marketing/PR plan for promoting ensemble, artistic projects, and performances

  • develop ongoing social media plan; execute or oversee execution 

  • maintain ensemble’s website, creating new content; keeping site fresh and up to date with timely information/marketing of LE’s artists, upcoming events, projects, and collaborators; and supporting fundraising efforts  

  • manage all aspects of the Lorelei brand; oversee development of engaging visual assets

Board of Directors Engagement and Development

Engage the Board and its committees in proper oversight of the organization and its activities

  • attend all quarterly board meetings (with additional meetings when necessary) and board committee meetings as needed

  • work directly with board of directors to identify and recruit potential board members, leveraging existing relationships within the community and arts world

  • prepare ED reports and assist the board president in developing meeting agendas

Qualifications

The search committee seeks the following qualities and experience in Lorelei’s next leader:

  • 5+ years of leadership experience in a nonprofit environment

  • Highest integrity and ethical standards

  • Passion for the performing arts

  • Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills

  • Demonstrated success in fundraising and marketing

  • Experience with budgeting and not-for-profit accounting

  • Strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusiveness

  • Experience/familiarity with Google Workspace, QuickBooks Online, Little Green Light, Constant Contact, Gusto, SquareSpace, and all major social media platforms

Lorelei Ensemble is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion in all facets of the organization and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of race, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, ethnicity, or national origin.

The ideal candidate will have a passion for supporting artistic excellence and creating exceptional experiences for patrons, artists, and staff.

This is a full-time, exempt, salaried, position. Lorelei Ensemble is incorporated in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, has historical ties to the Boston area, and is developing strong connections in the northeast. While this is a remote position, given the day-to-day operations of the organization and some likely travel, this position may be most efficiently accomplished by an Executive Director living within the northeast corridor roughly between Boston and Baltimore.  

Compensation and Start Date

The salary range for this position is $62,000-$70,000, negotiable depending on qualifications, experience, and potential benefits structure.

Lorelei will work with the final candidate to determine a mutually agreeable start date, ideally by mid-2024.

To Apply:

Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume to Kate Prescott, Lorelei Board Member, at loreleipositions@gmail.com.

 

Lorelei Ensemble