Executive Director
/ORGANIZATION:
Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra
DEADLINE:
Feb. 27, 2026
ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION:
From its 1948 debut performance to over 3,000 audience members, the WSO has become a powerhouse orchestra, regularly surprising guest conductors and artists with the exceptional musicianship and flexibility of its members. The WSO holds close to 80 events per year in its five-music series, community outreach and vibrant education programs. Under the leadership of Music Director Daniel Raiskin, the orchestra has earned a place among the ranks of major Canadian symphony orchestras, welcoming eminent artists and conductors from all over the world.
The WSO’s activity regularly extends beyond its home stage at the Centennial Concert Hall. Each year, the WSO’s much lauded and highly innovative Winnipeg New Music Festival regularly draws crowds in the thousands. The WSO has produced concerts on Olympic size diving boards, in cottage country harbours, and outdoors at The Forks in -30°C.
In 2011, the WSO founded Sistema Winnipeg, based on the famous Venezuelan El Sistema program for at-risk children, in partnership with two Winnipeg school divisions. Over 40,000 students attend orchestra concerts presented by the WSO each season and its innovative pops and film programs serve a rapidly growing audience.
With the majority of its concerts taking place at the 2,300-seat Manitoba Centennial Concert Hall (MCCH), the WSO performs over its 34-week season Classics, Live at the WSO, Kids concerts, Movies with orchestra, summer programming and many specials. The orchestra has toured twice to Carnegie Hall and regularly tours throughout southern Manitoba, in Kenora and Wasagaming. In addition to its Winnipeg New Music Festival, now in its 38th year, the WSO serves as the orchestra that supports the Royal Winnipeg Ballet and Manitoba Opera each year.
WEBSITE:
https://wso.ca/auditions-careers/
JOB DESCRIPTION:
Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra (WSO) is seeking a creative, dynamic, and collaborative individual to serve as its next Executive Director. Reporting to the Board of Directors and working in partnership with the Music Director, the Executive Director will be responsible for managing all operational components of the WSO. The Executive Director will be a leader in the Winnipeg arts community, with a strong commitment to engaging with orchestras and musicians across Canada and internationally. The ideal candidate will have a drive to build public- and private-sector support to deliver on strategic priorities and embrace collaboration with the WSO team to maximize earned and contributed revenue while achieving organizational success.
As the management leader of WSO, the Executive Director will play a crucial role in planning for the organization’s overall advancement. Supporting and partnering with musicians, staff, the board, and volunteers, the Executive Director will implement the strategic plan while building a thriving, creative, and diverse culture that serves musicians, audiences, stakeholders, and the Winnipeg community. The Executive Director will conceptualize and implement a plan to continue growing the WSO’s objectives while leading and motivating a highly effective management team to devise and execute successful strategies.
This is an exciting and unique opportunity for a professional arts executive who can bring together their vision, experience, and passion for music in Winnipeg and Canada. The Executive Director must have an interest in orchestral music, be invested in the success and growth of the WSO, and find personal fulfillment in being part of its future.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Articulate and portray a clear vision with the Music Director that demonstrates the WSO’s values of excellence, innovation, engagement, and integrity
Ensure all events run smoothly, effectively, and in a financially responsible manner
Develop strategies and policies for Board consideration, including governance best practices
Serve as an ambassador and public-facing spokesperson for the organization
Oversee public relations, sales execution, information systems, and security
Oversee negotiations of collective agreements with unions (CFM and IATSE)
Lead financial planning, budgeting, reporting, and risk management
Ensure compliance with federal and provincial charitable regulations
Establish fundraising targets and oversee development programs
Build and maintain relationships with government agencies and corporate partners
Share spokesperson duties and oversee marketing and communications strategies
Ensure education and outreach programs align with WSO’s values and strategic goals
Represent the WSO within the arts, education, and civic communities
Hire, train, evaluate, and inspire senior staff
Foster a positive, inclusive, and productive workplace culture
QUALIFICATIONS:
Proven senior leadership experience in arts management, preferably in a symphony orchestra or similar organization
Strong passion for the performing arts and understanding of the role of a Canadian orchestra
Demonstrated sound fiscal management
Experience in marketing and/or fundraising, including sponsorships and partnerships
Experience executing long-range strategic and annual operating plans
Strong ability to present information to boards and stakeholders
Experience fostering government relations
Proven ability to recruit, hire, evaluate, and inspire staff
Ability to manage competing priorities and time-sensitive matters
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Experience working in a unionized performing arts environment
Undergraduate degree in Arts Administration or Business, or equivalent experience; advanced music training an asset
HOW TO APPLY:
Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra’s Executive Director Search is led by Nicola Dawes and Martin Bragg of Martin Bragg & Associates. Please email your letter of interest and resume confidentially, with a summary of demonstrable accomplishments, on or before February 27, 2026, in Word or PDF format to Martin Bragg & Associates at wso@mbassociates.ca.
We recommend reviewing the full position profile on the WSO website prior to applying. Applications will be reviewed immediately and on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. No phone calls, please. The Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra is an equal-opportunity employer and strongly supports diversity in the workplace.
REMUNERATION:
Competitive compensation package between $125,000–$175,000, including base salary and extensive pension and health benefits, commensurate with experience.
