Association of British Orchestras

Chief Executive

Association of British Orchestras c. £65,000 Closing date 22 July 2022
The Association of British Orchestras represents the collective interests of professional orchestras, youth ensembles and the wider classical music industry throughout the UK.

Our three key functions are to Connect, Champion and Develop. We connect members to other members and the wider industry through networking opportunities, keeping our members well-informed and up-to-date with best practice to help build resilience and financial sustainability. We champion British orchestras and the wider membership, raising their profile and influence with key stakeholders and the British public, through political engagement, the media, social networks and stakeholder bulletins. And we help develop the skills and knowledge of our members’ staff, including providing and signposting to high quality professional development opportunities for all tiers of management and musicians.

Following Mark Pemberton’s decision to step down as Chief Executive of the ABO after 15 years, the Board are seeking an inspiring individual to lead the organisation, building on Mark’s impressive work and legacy, and supporting the orchestral sector as it navigates a changed landscape with renewed ambition.

In recent years, the ABO has expanded its services and political influence, introduced a suite of management Awards to recognise best practice in the orchestral sector, and enhanced its training offer, including the ‘Find Your Way’ programme for senior and emerging orchestral leaders. Significant triumphs in this time have included, resisting the Class 1 National Insurance threat and persuading the Treasury to implement Orchestra Tax Relief.

This is an important convening and advocacy role on behalf of the UK’s orchestral sector. Not only does the Chief Executive act as the principal contact for all ABO members and a central point for knowledge exchange, they also represent the entire sector at Government level; lead on sector-wide change initiatives and development programmes; and find ways to gather and share best practice across all specialisms within the field.

Our preferred candidate will ideally have leadership experience in advocating for an organisation or cause. You will have excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage with a wide range of individuals, from an orchestral staff member, to a senior leader in government, to a representative of the Musicians’ Union. You will be committed to improving diversity and developing leadership talent amongst the orchestral and wider music sectors, and will be a passionate ambassador with a vision for how best to support all ABO members to fulfil their individual missions and to inspire a range of audiences and stakeholders to celebrate the power of orchestral music.

The deadline for applications is Friday, 22nd July at 5pm.

Contact details

hnewill@aeminternational.co.uk

Annual Conference

The next ABO conference will take place in Gateshead,
hosted by The Glasshouse ICM, from 5-7 February 2025.