Open Position: Executive Director

ABOUT AUBURN SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

“It is always odd how a casual conversation can become a spark…” -Josie Emmons Turner

The spark that started Auburn Symphony Orchestra (ASO) has been lighting up south King County for nearly 30 years. In 1996, Founding Conductor and Music Director Stewart Kershaw assembled a talented group of regional musicians to form a symphony orchestra. Now under the direction of Wesley Schulz, the fully-professional Auburn Symphony Orchestra has become one of the most acclaimed orchestras in the Northwest with its core of musicians from the Pacific Northwest Ballet Orchestra. Each year, the Orchestra performs symphony programs and chamber ensemble concerts for orchestral music lovers from Western Washington and beyond. Read more about Auburn Symphony’s beginnings here. Read our 2024-25 Season Annual Report.

The Orchestra's home is the Auburn Performing Arts Center in downtown Auburn. The Symphony also performs in the Federal Way Performing Arts and Events Center. The season encompasses six Mainstage Series concerts, two Chamber Series concerts, plus additional chamber music concerts throughout the summer. Chamber concerts take place around the Auburn community including the Postmark Center for the Arts, Soos Creek Botanical Gardens, and the Auburn International Farmers Market. Education partners include the Auburn School District, the City of Auburn Postmark Center for the Arts, the Auburn Library, and the White River Valley Museum.

ABOUT AUBURN, WA

Located between Seattle and Tacoma in the shadow of Mt. Rainier, Auburn is a vibrant arts community and ASO plays a vital role with year-round programs. Theatre, music, and comedy events are hosted by the City of Auburn’s BRAVO! Series. Visual art and poetry programs, among much more, take place at the Postmark Center for the Arts in downtown Auburn. The Auburn Farmers Market is open weekly from June-September and offers a variety of vendors and entertainment.

Additional entertainment includes Washington’s only thoroughbred racing track Emerald Downs, the premier Pacific Northwest outdoor venue the White River Amphitheater, and “the biggest and best casino in the Pacific Northwest” Muckleshoot Casino. The Auburn Transit Center in the heart of Auburn allows for a quick Sounder train ride to either city to catch a Seattle Seahawks or Tacoma Rainiers game.

Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy Auburn’s extensive system of parks, open space and urban trails composed of 33 developed parks, over 26 miles of trails (including Auburn's 4.5 mile portion of the Interurban Trail for bikers, walkers, runners and skaters) and almost 387 acres of open space for passive and active recreation. Auburn is definitely “More than You Imagined.”

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Auburn Symphony Orchestra is seeking an Executive Director to lead administrative operations for one of the region’s best ensembles as they head into an exciting new era. Reporting to the Board of Directors, this role plays an integral part in reaching thousands of south King County community members with live orchestral music year-round. The Executive Director will work collaboratively with the Music Director, Board of Directors, and Staff to fulfill the goals of the organization. One full-time staff member and one part-time staff member report to the Executive Director, plus a contract bookkeeper. The Executive Director also works closely with contract Personnel Manager, Music Librarian, and Stage Manager. The preferred start date is January 2026. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership & Administration

  • Oversee all business operations, including marketing, finance, development, and strategic planning.

  • Drive the development of long-term goals and objectives for the organization in collaboration with the Board of Directors and greater community

  • Develop annual budgets, financial plans, and long-range goals in alignment with the Symphony's mission.

  • Ensure compliance with contracts, policies, and local, state, and federal regulations.

  • Hire, supervise, and evaluate administrative staff.

  • Delegate authority to professional staff and contractors as appropriate and necessary while retaining overall responsibility.

Fundraising & Development

  • Collaborate with consulting firm to complete campaign feasibility study and lead campaign efforts

  • Guide annual fund development in collaboration with Individual Giving Director

  • Manage all grant applications and reporting and seek new funding opportunities

  • Cultivate relationships with supporters of all kinds including government officials, corporate sponsors, grantors, and individuals.

Concert Production

  • Collaborate with the Music Director to create and execute an annual operations plan for concerts, rehearsals, and related events.

  • Direct logistics including venue contracts, equipment, licensing, staffing, guest artist arrangements, ticket sales, and event execution.

Finance

  • Prepare budgets, monitor financial health, authorize expenditures, and ensure accurate financial records.

  • Ensure timely updates to the Finance Committee and Board of Directors

  • Ensure grant compliance and timely tax filings in collaboration with the bookkeeper.

Board Relations

  • Advise and support the Board of Directors, providing regular updates and strategic recommendations.

  • Attend committee and board meetings to inform and guide operations

Education & Community Engagement

  • Coordinate educational programming, ensuring adequate staffing and resources, including ASO’s annual Link Up program and Rhythm and Rhymes Story Hours.

  • Serve as community-facing representative for ASO. Attend community events and functions to build relationships on behalf of ASO.

DESIRED ATTRIBUTES

The Executive Director will have a positive, professional attitude and demonstrated fundraising and leadership experience. The individual will be able to work effectively and efficiently in a fast-paced environment. Knowledge of orchestral music is preferred. 

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience working in a nonprofit organization

  • 3-5 years of administrative leadership experience, preferably in the arts

  • Previous experience with capital and/or endowment campaigns

  • Professional written and verbal communication skills

  • Expert knowledge of Google Drive, Microsoft Office, or similar programs

  • Experience with databases similar to CueBox, Auctria, Patron Manager, etc.

COMPENSATION

This is a full-time, salaried position at $68,000. This position is eligible for partial remote work 1-2 days per week. The position requires some weekend and evening work, including concert and board meeting attendance. Additional benefits include membership to the League of American Orchestras and paid professional development opportunities including domestic travel to conferences. Candidates must be authorized to work in the US; Visa sponsorship is not possible at this time.

This position requires regular in-person work in Auburn and the surrounding south King County/north Pierce County area. A relocation stipend is negotiable.

TO APPLY

Please submit a resume and cover letter to info@auburnsymphony.org with “Executive Director” in the subject line. Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled with priority given to applications received by October 24, 2025.