Princeton Pro Musica is seeking an Executive Director

Details are below. To apply for the position, follow the instructions at the end.

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW
Founded in 1979 and located in Princeton, New Jersey, Princeton Pro Musica (PPM) is a premier symphonic chorus and orchestra serving central New Jersey. With an auditioned chorus of approximately 100 voices and a professional orchestra, PPM presents major choral masterworks, contemporary repertoire, and culturally significant works at a consistently high artistic level. PPM presents four concert programs each season in the Princeton area, working closely with professional soloists and guest artists. PPM is widely recognized for its artistic excellence, ambitious programming, and strong community presence. Our next Executive Director will need to continue the operational excellence already in place and also lead and implement a more sweeping long-term vision for organizational growth.

 

Our mission: Princeton Pro Musica exists to perform choral masterworks and other works of the choral literature with energy, passion, and uncompromising artistic excellence.  We believe in the power of choral music to uplift and transform our present and future audiences, performers, and communities.

Our vision: It is the vision of Princeton Pro Musica to be nationally recognized as one of the leading choral groups in the country.  Princeton Pro Musica Chorus and Orchestra strive to inspire all participants (both musicians and audience members) by performing live choral music with energy, passion and artistic excellence.  We see this being amplified by collaborations with other premier arts organizations, incorporation of educational components augmenting each concert (such as lectures, symposia, and innovative selection of works to be performed), and the proactive development of young artists and audiences.  We envision a future where choral singing is valued and supported as a vital part of our communities and is accessible to all – bridging cultures, ethnicities, and generations.

POSITION SUMMARY
Princeton Pro Musica is looking to enter a new phase of sustained growth that requires a visionary and strategic leader who can take the organization to the next level. The Executive Director (ED), as the chief operational and administrative leader of Princeton Pro Musica (PPM), will lead this charge.  The Executive Director, working in close partnership with the Artistic Director and Board of Trustees, is responsible for implementing PPM’s mission, artistic vision, and strategic goals. The ED oversees day-to-day operations, manages concerts and other programs, and ensures the financial health of PPM.   The ED represents PPM to patrons, donors, community partners, funders, and the broader arts ecosystem, developing strong relationships within the community. In all aspects of the job, the Executive Director is focused on furthering the growth of Princeton Pro Musica.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Organizational Leadership, Governance, and Strategy

  • Serve as the primary strategic and operational leader of Princeton Pro Musica, advancing the organization’s mission, values, strategy, and long-term sustainability.
  • Partner with the Board of Trustees to develop long-range strategic plans, support governance, implement policy development, and foster institutional growth.
  • Ensure alignment between artistic goals and operational capacity, in close collaboration with the Artistic Director.
  • Assist with board recruitment and training

Financial Management and Administration

  • Oversee all financial operations, including budgeting, cash flow management, financial reporting, and internal controls.
  • Work with the Board and Treasurer to develop and monitor annual and multi-year budgets.
  • Ensure compliance with all legal, regulatory, and reporting requirements applicable to a nonprofit arts organization.
  • Manage contracts, insurance, and vendor relationships.

Development and Fundraising

  • Design and implement development programs and lead and support fundraising efforts, including individual giving, major gifts, grants, sponsorships, and special campaigns.
  • Identify, cultivate and steward individual donors, foundations, government agencies, and corporate partners.
  • Write grants, oversee submission deadlines, and prepare reports for funding agencies.
  • Support board engagement in fundraising and donor cultivation activities.

Marketing, Communications, and Audience Development

  • Oversee marketing, communications, and branding efforts to increase ticket sales, sustain and grow audiences, and broaden financial support.
  • Oversee management of the website, social media, and promotional materials.
  • Collaborate with staff and consultants to promote concerts, subscriptions, and special initiatives.
  • Represent Princeton Pro Musica professionally at public events, community meetings, and within regional and statewide arts, business, and philanthropic organizations.

Operations and Staff Management

  • Hire and supervise paid and volunteer administrative staff, interns, contractors, and consultants.
  • Oversee day-to-day operations including venue and musician contracting, concert logistics, accessibility compliance, and audience services.
  • Manage chorus communications and other chorus activities

External Relations and Advocacy

  • Serve as a visible ambassador for Princeton Pro Musica within the local and regional arts, business, and philanthropic communities.
  • Represent PPM at relevant professional meetings, trainings, and other gatherings
  • Strengthen partnerships with peer organizations, educational institutions, and community groups.

COMPENSATION

Title: Executive Director

Organization: Princeton Pro Musica

Job Type: Full-Time

Salary: $60k to $75k; salary commensurate with experience

 

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Required

  • Bachelor’s degree minimum; advanced degree (MFA or MBA) preferred.
  • Three to five years’ leadership experience in a nonprofit performing arts organization, preferably in choral music.
  • Demonstrated experience managing budgets, financial operations, and nonprofit governance.
  • Strong knowledge of effective fundraising strategies, including donor cultivation, grant seeking, and event production.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Working knowledge of customer relationship management software, preferably Patron Manager
  • Ability to work effectively with a Board of Trustees, artistic leadership, staff, and volunteers.
  • Flexibility to work weekends and evening as needed.

Preferred

  • Background in administration of music, arts, or cultural organizations.
  • Familiarity with choral, orchestral, or classical music organizations.
  • Experience in audience development and arts marketing.
  • Knowledge of the New Jersey and regional arts funding landscape.

Personal Attributes

  • Passion for the performing arts and belief in its community impact.
  • Collaborative leadership style and strong interpersonal skills.
  • Poised, professional presence as a public representative of the organization.
  • Commitment to artistic excellence, inclusion, and community engagement.

TO APPLY
Submit cover letter explaining your interest in the position along with your résumé to president@princetonpromusica.org.