Executive Director
/ORGANIZATION:
Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra
DEADLINE:
January 19, 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/
JOB DESCRIPTION:
The 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:
Further the goals of the orchestra’s 2024–2029 strategic plan, including a transformational campaign in partnership with the Performing Arts Consortium of Winnipeg Inc. (PAC).
Develop and execute annual business strategies, overseeing board, financial, production, performance, and business operations.
Act as senior representative for fundraising and public relations with the Music Director and Board Chair.
Support and guide the WSO’s evolution as a modern symphony orchestra in a changing community.
Provide leadership in articulating and demonstrating the WSO’s values of excellence, innovation, engagement, and integrity.
Ensure all events run smoothly, effectively, and in a financially responsible manner.
Oversee negotiations of collective agreements and maintain cooperative labour relations.
Lead financial planning, budgeting, reporting, and risk management.
Establish and oversee fundraising targets and programs.
Share responsibility for marketing, communications, and public engagement.
Ensure the development and evaluation of education and community outreach programs.
Hire, train, and evaluate senior staff and foster a healthy, 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 fiscal management expertise.
Experience in fundraising and marketing, including sponsorships and partnerships.
Experience executing long-range strategic and annual operating plans.
Strong board and stakeholder communication skills.
Experience fostering government relations.
Proven people leadership and team-building experience.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Experience working in a unionized performing arts environment.
Undergraduate degree in Arts Administration or Business, or equivalent experience.
Visionary, collaborative, and community-oriented leadership style.
Commitment to inclusion, Indigenous engagement, and diverse artistic representation.
Strong organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
HOW TO APPLY:
The 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 January 19, 2026, in Word or PDF format to wso@mbassociates.ca. Applications will be reviewed as they are received. No phone calls, please. The Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra is an equal-opportunity employer and strongly supports and values diversity in the workplace.
REMUNERATION:
Offering a competitive compensation package between $125,000–$175,000, including base salary and extensive pension and health benefits, commensurate with experience.
