Aspen Leadership Group is proud to partner with Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestras in the search for an Executive Director.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will lead Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestras (WYSO) into its next phase of growth and innovation. The Executive Director will play a pivotal role in overseeing the daily operations of WYSO and the WYSO Center for Music, serving as the public face of the organization both within the community and on a broader regional and national scale. This leadership role requires a strategic thinker who can inspire and manage a talented staff, ensuring the continued excellence of artistic programs while fostering a nurturing and collaborative work environment. The Executive Director also will be responsible for maintaining the financial health of WYSO, driving growth in membership and revenue, and overseeing a comprehensive development program to support its mission. Additionally, the Executive Director will build strong relationships with the WYSO Board and its committees, supporting their governance and strategic initiatives, and helping to shape the future vision of the organization in partnership with the Board and Music Director. This is an opportunity for a leader with a passion for youth music education to make a lasting impact on the lives of young musicians and the broader community served by WYSO.

Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestras was established in 1966 by Professor Marvin Rabin of the University of Wisconsin-Madison Music Department. More than 5,000 young musicians from communities throughout south central Wisconsin have participated in WYSO during its 50+ years of existence. Under the artistic direction of Kyle Knox, WYSO includes three full orchestras, two string orchestras, a chamber music program, a harp program, a percussion ensemble, a brass choir program, and the WYSO Music Makers program. WYSO enriches lives by providing transformational musical experiences and opportunities. Through their involvement with WYSO, young people are inspired to sustain a lifelong connection with music and to strive for personal excellence in music as well as in life. Each year WYSO offers a full array of the finest instrumental training and performance opportunities to young musicians between the ages of five and 18. Three full orchestras, two string orchestras, and a variety of ensemble programs from Harp to Percussion to Brass Choir form the core of the WYSO Orchestral Program.

For the first time in its history, WYSO has its own home at 1118 East Washington Avenue. The new $33 million building adds to a growing youth arts corridor on the near east side of Madison, and joins the Madison Youth Arts Center, Madison Youth Choirs, and the Children's Theater of Madison. Construction on the project began nearly two years ago, and WYSO was able to begin occupying the building in December 2023. Collectively, philanthropists donated $22.7 million to the project, with $5.8 million contributed by 200 other community members. WYSO's new home can accommodate all the organization’s programs under a single roof including state-of-the-art rehearsal space for orchestras and ensembles of all sizes; studio teaching spaces for area musicians; administrative offices; a music library; space for all WYSO’s current orchestras and Music Makers students; and room to grow programs, as well as welcome arts and community organizations to use the building.

A bachelor's degree in business administration, a degree in arts management, or an equivalent combination of education and experience is preferred for this position, as is at least five years of experience in a leadership role at an organization of similar size, scope, and mission, particularly in the arts. Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestras will consider candidates with a broad range of backgrounds. If you are excited about this position and feel that you can contribute to WYSO, but your experience does not exactly align with every qualification listed above, we encourage you to apply. All applications must be accompanied by a cover letter and résumé. Cover letters should be responsive to the mission of Wisconsin Symphony Youth Orchestras as well as the responsibilities and qualifications presented in the prospectus.

The salary range for this position is $130,000 to $140,000 annually.

Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestras is committed to the inclusion of all qualified candidates.