Position Summary
The Pacific Chamber Orchestra (PCO) Board of Directors has created this new position recognizing, together with the Music Director who has carried many of these responsibilities, that a dedicated half-time Administrative Director will enhance organizational growth. A strong generalist who enjoys variety, flexibility, a fast pace, and taking ownership while working in close partnership with the Music Director and Board will thrive in this position.
The successful candidate will step into an organization with established systems, history, and ongoing guidance already in place, allowing for a progressive and well-supported assumption of responsibilities.
While some in-person attendance is required (e.g., concerts, events, and occasional meetings), PCO operates with a well-established remote working model designed to support flexibility, efficiency, and strong results with more intensive activity around concerts and events and increased flexibility during the summer months.
About the Pacific Chamber Orchestra
Now in its 36th season and led by founding Music Director Maestro Lawrence Kohl, Pacific Chamber Orchestra (PCO) is a regional professional chamber orchestra noted for its artistic excellence and compelling programming. Based in Livermore, with additional performances in Lafayette and Walnut Creek, PCO has also performed throughout the region in San Francisco, Marin, and Napa.
PCO presents 5–6 concert programs from September through May, including classical masterworks, holiday and pops programming, and Winning Scores, featuring premieres of emerging American composers. PCO’s educational program, Discover Music Now, is in consistent demand across the region. PCO holds its Tri-Valley Craft Cocktail Competition major fundraising event in May, along with two annual individual donor campaigns in December and May/June. PCO maintains a reserve fund and operates with a steadily growing annual budget of over $350,000
Marketing and Communications
- Oversee and execute marketing and communications efforts, including promotional strategy, media relations, and audience development
- Manage digital presence, including website, email campaigns, and social media platforms
- Coordinate marketing resources, contractors, and volunteers as appropriate
- Oversee marketing budgets and performance of outreach initiatives
Development
A central focus of this role is relational leadership—particularly in cultivating donors and supporting the Board in donor engagement.
- Lead and execute development efforts, including fundraising strategy, grant writing, reporting, and ongoing grant strategy
- Manage donor cultivation and stewardship, including individual giving and campaign coordination
- Oversee donor systems and databases and support Board engagement in fundraising
- Coordinate fundraising events and external partnerships
General Administration and Operations
- Develop and implement approved strategies, business plans, budgets, and projections that support the Board’s and Music Director’s artistic vision
- Oversee and coordinate core operational functions
- Coordinate with and provide input to the Treasurer and accountant on financial operations, including expense tracking, payments, and reporting
- Develop and oversee volunteer activities
- Attend concerts, events, and meetings, providing administrative leadership and support
Core Competencies
- Strong Communication and Collaborative Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication; strong interpersonal and patron-facing abilities; able to interact confidently with donors, audiences, public officials, external partners, and internally with the Board, Music Director, staff, and volunteers
- Time Management and Attention to Detail: Skilled at prioritizing and managing multiple tasks and deadlines while maintaining accuracy and thoroughness
- Resourcefulness and Flexibility: Proactive in identifying and addressing challenges, with the ability to adjust to evolving responsibilities and organizational needs
- Effective Use of AI Tools: Comfort using AI and emerging digital tools for efficiency and effectiveness, particularly in grant writing, donor communications, marketing content, and administrative organization
- Digital and Technical Proficiency: Demonstrated comfort with commonly used digital tools and ability to quickly build fluency with unfamiliar tools. PCO uses MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google Drive, QuickBooks, Adobe, Mailchimp, Bloomerang, VBO box office, Elementor (WordPress), QR tools, and social media platforms including YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and X
Success in This Role Will Be Reflected In
- Increased audience attendance and stronger engagement across concerts and programs
- Growth in donor support and expansion of individual giving through active cultivation and stewardship
- Active and supported Board participation in fundraising and community engagement
- Consistent, well-coordinated execution of concerts, events, and organizational activities
- Clear communication, organization, and follow-through across all areas
Position Details
- Half-Time: Averaging approximately 20–25 hours per week
- Compensation: $25,000 – $30,000 annually
- Reports to the Music Director, with regular collaboration with the Board
Position Advantages
Flexible Scheduling Around Concert Cycles: The role is structured around the natural rhythm of the performance season. Evening and weekend hours during concert periods are balanced with flexible scheduling and weekday time off, supporting a sustainable and adaptable work pattern.
Direct Artistic Access: This role is closely integrated with the artistic process, with access to rehearsals, performances, and behind-the-scenes preparation—offering a level of artistic engagement not typical of administrative roles.
Close Collaboration with Artistic Leadership and Board: The Administrative Director works in direct partnership with the Music Director and engages regularly with the Board of Directors, providing meaningful involvement in organizational direction and decision-making.
Professional and Community Engagement Opportunities: The role provides opportunities to build relationships with regional arts organizations, civic leaders, and donors, contributing to both organizational growth and professional network development.
Seasonal Flexibility: While the concert season (September–May) is active and dynamic, the summer and off-season periods allow for a lighter schedule, offering flexibility for time off, travel, or focused long-term planning.
PCO’s Inclusive Hiring Approach
We value diverse life and career paths. This role may be particularly attractive to individuals reentering the workforce after time away, those balancing family or academic commitments, or professionals seeking to contribute their skills part-time to a purpose-driven arts organization.
Most work is conducted remotely, with attendance at concerts, events, and meetings as needed. Board meetings are primarily held online. Summer months are lighter, allowing for vacation time and travel.
The successful candidate will work in close partnership with the Music Director and become an integral member of the organization’s leadership and collaborative culture.
We welcome candidates from all backgrounds who are passionate about music, learning, and community engagement.
To Apply for this Position
Email Administrator@PacificChamberOrchestra.org with:
cover note or letter
resume
one or two work samples