The National Youth Orchestra of Canada (NYO) is a not-for-profit charitable organization whose mission is to recruit the best young classical musicians from across Canada and prepare them for careers as professional orchestral musicians. Since its founding in 1960, NYO has evolved into an internationally recognized incubator and is among the leading youth orchestras in the world. One-third of Canada’s professional orchestral musicians are NYO graduates. The Orchestra has performed in every major Canadian city and twelve countries, including concerts in Europe and Asia. Due to the retirement of the long-serving incumbent, NYO is seeking its next CEO to achieve its ambitious strategic goals and growth plans.
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the CEO is responsible for managing NYO’s artistic, educational, human and financial resources in order to carry out the organization’s mission. The CEO works with a team of dedicated staff and about 50 faculty members and staff every summer, overseeing a large operating budget and endowment fund. The CEO guides philanthropic endeavours, forges new partnerships, and elevates the organization’s profile and national presence.
The ideal candidate is a highly skilled leader and administrator with a deep passion for music and its impact, especially in the lives of youth. A strategic mindset and experience in fundraising and external relations will position the incoming CEO to represent NYO nationally and around the world. Several years of experience leading in a senior capacity and managing a team is essential, as is knowledge of the workings of non-profits and arts and cultural organizations. In addition, experience with musical curriculum development, working with youth, and travel/touring management will help round out the ideal profile. Bilingualism is a significant asset.
NYO invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including those from groups traditionally underrepresented in employment and who may contribute to the organization’s diversification. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. Please advise Odgers Berndtson if you require accommodation at any point in the search process.
Applications are encouraged immediately at https://www.odgersberndtson.com/en/careers/18009. Consideration of candidates will begin in June, with the new CEO to ideally take office in October 2022. For more information, please contact Julia Robarts and Kyle Mechar of Odgers Berndtson at nyo@odgersberndtson.com
Odgers Berndtson is deeply committed to diversity, equity and inclusion in all the work that we do. As part of our efforts to better understand our ability to reach as broad a pool of candidates as possible for our searches, our DEI team would like to encourage you to take a moment and access our Self-Declaration Form.
