Executive Director

About the Organization:
The New Orchestra of Washington (NOW) is a visionary chamber orchestra that presents a full season of concerts in the greater Washington, DC metropolitan area. NOW’s vision is to create access to the timeless power of classical music to all audiences, with repertoire mixing the known and the genre-defying unknown, all unleashing the magical power of music. From the Kennedy Center to the most intimate settings, NOW is known for its creativity and nimble ability to be a small string ensemble, as well as a full classical orchestra.

Led by Artistic Director Alejandro Hernandez Valdez, NOW’s musicians come from the DC Metro area as well as from other cities throughout the US. Artistic Excellence is our standard and the hallmark of the organization. Since its founding in 2014, NOW has been committed to equity and inclusion, through intentional policy and programming, across all facets of the organization. NOW is empowered with a commitment to reach its community with a series of free concerts, such as “NOW in the City “ and “NOW in the Library,” and the “Beyond Our Dreams” program that brings music education to a group of Title 1 schools in Montgomery County, MD, with violin lessons and the distribution of tickets to selected concerts.

Position Overview:
The Executive Director (ED) is the chief administrative and operational leader of NOW, working in close partnership with the Artistic Director and reporting to the Board of Directors. This is a part-time position responsible for advancing NOW’s mission through strategic leadership, fundraising, financial oversight, and community engagement. The ED ensures the sustainability, growth and impact of the organization while supporting its innovative artistic vision.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Governance
• Collaborate with the Artistic Director and Board to develop and execute a strategic vision aligned with NOW’s mission and values.
• Serve as liaison across staff, musicians, Board members, and external stakeholders.
• Foster an inclusive, collaborative, mission-driven culture.
• Assist the Board in carrying out its governance responsibilities, including recruitment of new
Board members and board development.

Fundraising & Resource Development
• Lead fundraising efforts, including individual giving, major gifts, foundation support, corporate sponsorships, special events and gala, and grant writing.
• Steward donor relationships and expand NOW’s philanthropic base.
• Engage the Board in active fundraising and relationship building.

Finance & Operations
• Oversee budgeting and financial management to ensure NOW’s long-term sustainability.
• Oversee contracts, compliance, and day-to-day operations.
• Supervise part-time staff, contractors, and volunteers.

Marketing & Audience Engagement
• Guide marketing, branding, and communications to expand NOW’s audience and community reach.
• Oversee ticketing, subscription campaigns, and engagement initiatives for traditional and non- traditional venues.
• Strengthen partnerships across DC’s arts and educational ecosystem.
Education & Community Outreach
• Supervise education and community engagement programming, including Beyond Our Dreams and similar initiatives.
• Support the Global Majority Music Project and other diversity-centered programs.
• Ensure equity, inclusion, and access are reflected in all organizational practices and outreach.

Qualifications
• Leadership experience in nonprofit arts or cultural organizations—chamber orchestras a plus.
• Proven record of successful fundraising across diverse sources.
• Strong financial acumen and operational oversight.
• Exceptional communication, relationship-building, and collaborative leadership skills.
• Passion for music and commitment to equity and access in the arts.
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in arts administration, business, or related field
preferred.

Compensation & Terms:
• $45,000-$65,000/year commensurate with candidate’s qualifications and experience.
• On average, 15-25 hours per week based on the needs of NOW’s performance calendar

To Apply:
Please submit a résumé and cover letter (PDF format) to careers@neworchestraofwashington.org.
Questions can be sent to that same email address. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.