Chief of Staff

Founded in 1881, the Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO) is one of the foremost orchestras in the world. The BSO is committed to bringing world class music and performances to the local and international communities. The key to our success has been our employees from the musicians onstage to those behind the scenes.

With a history spanning over a century, the BSO serves as a cultural cornerstone in the city of Boston and beyond. The institution continues to inspire and engage audiences through its exceptional performances, innovative programming, initiatives for transformative EDI, and educational outreach.

About the Role

The BSO seeks a dynamic and experienced executive to serve as the Chief of Staff. Reporting directly to the President and CEO of the BSO, the person in the role of Chief of Staff will play a critical role in driving the strategic priorities of the organization and ensuring the successful execution of the CEO's Strategic priorities. This position requires a seasoned leader who can collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders and support the CEO in advancing the mission, vision, and goals of the BSO.

Required Education and Experience

Key responsibilities Associated with the Role

• Strategic Planning - Work closely with the CEO to develop, implement, and monitor the BSO's strategic plan, ensuring alignment with the BSO's mission and objectives.
• Strategic Execution - Collaborate with senior leadership to drive the execution of strategic plans, initiatives, and goals, ensuring effective implementation and progress tracking.
• Executive Support - Provide comprehensive executive support to the CEO, including managing schedules, correspondence, and communication with internal and external stakeholders.
• Represent and Act on Behalf of CEO - Represent the CEO in meetings, negotiations, and discussions, and act on their behalf ensuring that the CEO's vision and directives are effectively carried out.
• Key Performance Indicators - Partner with the CEO and executive team to develop key performance indicators that track and measure organization performance progress toward organizational goals.
• Business Process Improvement - Present the CEO and executive team with operations analysis that pinpointing and addressing core issues within business processes.
• Board Relations - Facilitate communication and coordination between the CEO, Board of Trustees, Advisors, and Board committees. Assist the CEO in the preparation of Board materials and reports.
• Project Management - Lead and oversee special projects and initiatives on behalf of the CEO, ensuring timely execution and successful outcomes.
• Stakeholder Engagement - Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including musicians, staff, donors, patrons, and community partners.
• Strategic Communications - Assist in crafting and disseminating key messages, speeches, and presentations on behalf of the CEO.
• Budget and Financial Oversight - Collaborate with the CFO to manage the budget for the executive office, track expenses, and ensure financial accountability.
• Meeting Facilitation - Lead meetings and workshops with meticulous planning and coordination.
• Staff Leadership - Supervise and provide guidance to administrative staff within the executive office, promoting a culture of teamwork, accountability, and professional development.
• Department-level Performance - Work with non-executive leaders to identify areas for improvement and develop action plans to enhance overall department performance.
• Confidentiality - Manage sensitive and confidential information with the utmost discretion.

Technical Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of executive-level experience, preferably in a nonprofit, arts, or cultural organization.
• Minimum of 10 years of proven strategic planning and execution.
• Expertise in change management and organizational design.
• Proven expertise managing complex projects, balancing multiple priorities, and meeting deadlines.
• High level of professionalism, integrity, and ethical grounding.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality both at the personal and organizational levels.

Functional Qualifications

• Strong written and verbal communications and analytical skills.
• Proven political skills to manage the interests of multiple stakeholders.
• Organizational agility to challenge the norms of a historic institution without disrespecting its traditions.
• Ability to deal with ambiguity with aplomb.
• Strong strategic thinking, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Highly collaborative with proven record of establishing strong and effective relationships within a complex organization.
• Passion for and knowledge of the arts and classical music is a plus.
• Bachelor's degree in business administration, arts administration, or a related field. Advanced degree (MBA, MPA, or equivalent) preferred.

Join us in preserving and promoting the power of music and advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion as the chief of Staff at the Boston Symphony Orchestra. The BSO is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The Boston Symphony Orchestra gave its inaugural concert on October 22, 1881, and has continued to uphold the vision of its founder, the businessman, philanthropist, Civil War veteran, and amateur musician Henry Lee Higginson, for well over a century.

The Boston Symphony Orchestra has performed throughout the United States, as well as in Europe, Japan, Hong Kong, South America, and China; in addition, it reaches audiences numbering in the millions through its performances on radio, television, and recordings. It plays an active role in commissioning new works from today's most important composers; its summer season at Tanglewood is regarded as one of the world's most important music festivals; it helps develop the audience of the future through BSO Youth Concerts and through a variety of outreach programs involving the entire Boston community; and, during the Tanglewood season, it sponsors the Tanglewood Music Center, one of the world's most important training grounds for young composers, conductors, instrumentalists, and vocalists.

Today the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Inc., presents more than 250 concerts annually. It is an ensemble that has richly fulfilled Henry Lee Higginson's vision of a great and permanent orchestra in Boston.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. The Boston Symphony Orchestra is committed to building a culturally diverse staff and encourages applications from female and minority candidates.