Chief Operating Officer

Position Title: Chief Operating Officer

Reports To: President and CEO

Location: Chicago, IL

Status: Full-Time, Exempt

Supervises: Director of Community and Social Impact, Marketing Director (Consultant), Director of Artistic Operations, HR and IT consultants

About the Organization:

Since 1987, Chicago Sinfonietta has been a bold and innovative force in classical music, championing equity, diversity, and inclusion through exceptional performances and programs. As a professional orchestra, we are committed to transforming lives through symphonic music while reflecting the dynamic diversity of our city and nation.

Position Summary

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) serves as a strategic partner to the CEO and a key member of Chicago Sinfonietta's senior leadership team, providing operational leadership and executive oversight across all organizational functions. The COO is responsible for translating strategic vision into operational excellence, ensuring that internal systems, financial management, human resources, concert production, and cross-departmental coordination align with the organization's mission, values, and strategic priorities.

This role encompasses broad operational authority, including oversight of administrative processes, vendor management, compliance, and workplace culture; strategic financial planning and budget management in collaboration with the Finance team; executive leadership of concert operations to ensure world-class artistic delivery; and human resources management to foster an inclusive, high-performance organizational culture. The COO serves as a critical advisor to the CEO on matters of institutional health, staff performance, and strategic initiatives, while also representing Chicago Sinfonietta to external stakeholders including donors, community leaders, and partners.

The ideal candidate combines strong operational and financial acumen with exceptional leadership skills, a commitment to equity and inclusion, and the ability to drive organizational effectiveness while supporting the artistic mission of one of Chicago's most innovative and socially conscious orchestras. Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Interim COO is a member of the senior leadership team, working alongside leaders in Finance, Artistic Operations, Development, and Marketing.

Key Responsibilities

Organizational Operations

• Oversee internal systems, office management, and administrative processes
• Lead planning and execution of concert operations in partnership with Artistic Operations, including venue logistics, artist services, front-of-house coordination, and technical production
• Manage vendor relationships, contracts, insurance, and compliance-related functions
• Supervise Human Relations activities, including HR policy oversight, employee support, and workplace culture in coordination with external HR partners Strategic

Planning and Execution:

• Partner with the CEO in the development, articulation, and implementation of Chicago Sinfonietta's operational plans that support the strategic plan.
• Work with department heads on financial modeling, asset allocation planning, budgeting, tracking, and reporting related to Chicago Sinfonietta's strategic priorities and annual goals.
• Advise CEO on matters of critical importance to the organization, including its financial health, the wellbeing and performance of its staff, and the development and status of key initiatives.
• Promote a culture of operational excellence, collaboration, and effectiveness and partner with CEO and other organizational leaders on management initiatives and priorities.
• Collaborate with the CEO in expanding the Chicago Sinfonietta's reach, visibility, and impact across Chicago.
• Represent the organization and its mission in engagements with various stakeholders, including donors and community members and leaders.

Team & Cross-Functional Coordination

• Partner with senior leaders to align daily operations with institutional goals and timelines
• Support special initiatives and provide project management for time-sensitive organizational priorities
• Supervise operations staff and foster internal communication and workflow efficiency positive work environment, and high-performance culture
• Ensure staff are aligned with the organization's mission, vision, and goals
• Foster an inclusive and collaborative work environment where innovation and creativity are encouraged.
• Have primary responsibility for the human resources needs of the organization, including the annual salary review and salary structure, compliance with Code of Conduct, and establishment of inclusive hiring practices

Budgeting and Finance

• Collaborate with the Finance team to develop and monitor operational budgets
• Oversee the annual budget process, monthly reporting, and financial projections
• Working with the Director of Finance, prepare, assist or review, as appropriate, the 990 filings and review audited financials
• Working with the Director of Finance and IT consultants, provide leadership for organization's technology and cybersecurity strategy and implementation, including for financial data systems and processes

Concert Operations and Production Oversight

• Provide executive oversight and strategic alignment for concert operations , ensuring artistic, production, and audience-experience functions are fully integrated with organizational goals, budget parameters, and institutional standards.
• Set expectations, systems, and accountability for concert delivery , including risk management, contingency planning, cross-department coordination, and post-concert evaluation, while delegating day-to-day execution to the Director of Artistic Operations.
• In partnership with CEO, work with the Music Director, Artistic Leadership, and Production Teams to ensure concerts are delivered at the highest professional level, on time and on budget,

with consistent experience that reflects the mission, values, and brand of the Chicago Sinfonietta.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years of nonprofit or performing arts management experience , with supervisory and operational leadership experience
• Demonstrated success in concert/event production and working with artists and stage crews
• Strong project management, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Experience managing HR policies and supporting healthy organizational culture
• Budgeting, compliance, and vendor management experience in a nonprofit context
• Passion for classical music and commitment to equity, inclusion, and community engagement
• Proficiency with tools including Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, CRM platforms, and ticketing/event software

Compensation & Benefits

Salary range for this role is $110,000 - $125,000 and considered to be commensurate with experience and competitive within the nonprofit arts sector. Benefits include health insurance, paid vacation and holidays, and professional development support.