OVERVIEW

The Southern Delaware Orchestra (SODELO) is a non-profit organization performing as a volunteer-driven community orchestra in Southern Delaware. We seek an Orchestra Business Manager (“OBM”) to provide operational and strategic leadership and support for our continued growth.

Reporting to the Board President and collaborating with the Board, the OBM will ensure efficient operations, fiscal responsibility, and help cultivate growth and community support. This role requires excellent organizational and executional leadership skills to support SODELO's mission to promote classical music appreciation through live concerts, outreach, and education in Southern Delaware. The OBM manages daily operations, implements Board policies, and works with committees to achieve strategic and operational goals.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience/Skills

Required

● BA or BS with 5+ years of management experience (preferably including work in arts or other nonprofit organizations), including implementing growth strategies.

● Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

● Strong digital skills Experience with event and program conception and execution.

● Experience in organizational management, including coaching staff, managing teams, and setting and driving strategic and educational objectives.

● Strong financial management and reporting skills (including budget preparation, tracking, analysis, decision-making, and reporting).

● Proficiency in two or more additional key areas such as marketing, logistics, data management and Customer Relationship Management (CRM), community outreach or partnerships.

Preferred

● Experience managing and/or playing in a band or orchestra

● Skilled in social media, website and/or database management and Microsoft Office/Google Suite.

● Proven success in fundraising from foundations, corporations, government, and individual donors.

● Experience in recruiting, motivating, managing and retaining volunteer staff.

● Proven success working with and cultivating relationships with a Board of Directors.

Personal

● Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to engage, lead and motivate diverse stakeholders.

● Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and creatively in a fast-paced environment.

● Ability to forge and sustain mutually beneficial partnerships.

● Attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

● Appreciation and passion for the arts.

JOB DESCRIPTION

At any given time, specific duties and priorities will be determined by the organization's needs and staffing as determined by the President of the Board. Duties will be prioritized from the following areas/activities:

Committee Oversight

SODELO’s Strategic Plan is executed through the Board and various committees. The OBM will monitor planning and execution across the organization and committee structure. The current committee structure is linked here. 

Responsibilities include:

● Activating and updating committee structure and leadership with the President.

● Supporting Committee Chairs in creating and executing annual/project plans and templates.

● Monitoring committee progress.

● Maintaining the organizational calendar.

● Facilitating Board reviews of plans and updates.

● Leading annual performance reviews of Committee Chairs.

Leadership and Collaboration

While not directly responsible for all outcomes, the OBM will partner with the President, Board, and Committee leaders to ensure cooperative and effective operations, monitoring progress and success. Depending on particular OBM skill sets and affinities, these duties will be a combination of leadership in some areas of focus and supporting committee chairs and their workstreams in others.

Areas of focus include:

● Concert Production: Assisting with master plan development, implementation, seeking performance opportunities, securing resources, and managing concert operations, including leading front of house activities at concerts.

● Marketing and Promotion: Supporting marketing plan development, ticket sales, media relations, promotional materials, website, and social media presence.

● Board of Directors: Attending meetings, aiding in recruitment and orientation, and tracking Board terms and votes.

● Volunteers: Recruiting and managing volunteers, aiding Committee Chairs with staffing.

● Fundraising and Development/External Relations: Assist the Board and Financial Development committee in fundraising activities, including corporate sponsorships, special events, endowment campaigns, planned giving programs, and the identification and cultivation of donors.

● Finance: Supporting the Treasurer in financial record maintenance, budget development and status, payment management, and grant compliance. Handles deposits, payments, and revenue.

● Miscellaneous Administrative: Managing the organizational calendar, insurance, and archive of activity, templates, files, etc.

MEASURES OF SUCCESS

● Establish strong relationships with staff and volunteers.

● Build industry knowledge and partnerships.

● Clearly articulate SODELO's mission and vision.

● Lead and collaborate in implementing the 2025 Strategic Plan.

● Ensure smooth daily operations and effective committee relationships.

● Achieve funding and audience growth.

TIME COMMITMENT:

Approximately 80 hours/month (20 hours/week), with fluctuation based on concert season. Requires some weekend and evening work.

COMPENSATION:

Compensation for these duties will be in the range of $4,000 (pre-tax amount) per month, based on experience, payable at the end of each month. The OBM is a part-time employee of SODELO, and we anticipate a commitment of an average of 20 hours per week, flexing according to then-current needs (e.g., more hours leading up to performances, or at the outset of marketing concert cycles).Payments (other than reimbursements for expenses) shall be made net of deducted Federal, state, and local taxes. SODELO has no medical insurance plan, retirement plan, pension plan, or other employee benefits.

If interested contact Steve Greifer, Board President at southerndelawareorchestra@gmail.com.