Director of Operations

We are hiring for a Director of Operations, to serve as foundational leadership partner to the Founder/Executive Director. This role is responsible for building the organizations operational, financial, administrative, and marketing infrastructure from the ground up in support of the Society’s mission to foster interaction among musicians, scholars, educators, and the public through concerts, lectures, recordings, demonstrations, and colloquia.

The ideal candidate is a builder and cultural administrator who combines operational rigor with strong organizational communication skills and an appreciation for music, scholarship, and community-based arts programming.

Qualifications

Required

• 5+ years of experience in nonprofit operations, arts administration, or related fields
• Strong alignment with the organization’s mission and values
• Experience building systems or organizations at an early stage
• Strong financial and operational skills
• Experience managing marketing, communications, or publicity for programs or events
• Familiarity with nonprofit governance and compliance
• Excellent organizational and project management skills
• Comfort working in a hands-on, start-up environment

Preferred

• Experience in music, performing arts, or cultural nonprofits
• Familiarity with classical, early music, or scholarly music communities
• Experience working with artists, scholars, and academic partners
• Experience supporting grant-funded arts organizations
• Experience working closely with a Board of Directors

Key Attributes

• Builder mindset with high ownership
• Respect for artistic and scholarly practice
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Detail-oriented and reliable
• Collaborative and community-minded
• Mission-driven with operational discipline

Core Responsibilities

Organizational Operations & Infrastructure

• Build and manage the Society’s day-to-day operations
• Establish policies, workflows, and systems appropriate for a growing arts nonprofit
• Develop production calendars and organizational timelines
• Create scalable processes to support concerts, lectures, recordings, and scholarly events
• Track organizational KPIs related to programming, attendance, partnerships, and finances
• Identify operational risks and implement mitigation strategies

Financial Management & Administration

• Develop and manage the annual operating budget
• Monitor cash flow, expenses, and financial sustainability
• Establish internal financial controls and approval processes
• Oversee bookkeeping, accounting, and financial reporting
• Support grant budgeting, reporting, and compliance
• Ensure timely and accurate payment of musicians, ensembles, scholars, and vendors
• Coordinate with external accountants, auditors, and financial service provider

Compliance, Governance & Risk

• Ensure compliance with nonprofit regulatory requirements, including IRS and Massachusetts filings
• Maintain corporate, legal, and archival records
• Support Board governance
• Oversee insurance coverage and risk management related to performances and events

Program & Production Operations

• Support planning and execution of Concert performances, Lectures and colloquia, Demonstrations and recordings
• Coordinate logistics with venues, libraries, historical societies, schools, and universities
• Develop and manage production workflows, artist agreements, and event documentation
• Track program outcomes, audience engagement, and scholarly participation
• Ensure programming aligns with organizational mission

Publicity, Marketing & Audience Development

• Manage publicity and marketing operations in support of programs and events
• Develop and execute marketing timelines for concerts and initiatives
• Coordinate creation and distribution of promotional materials (digital and print)
• Oversee email communications, mailing lists, and audience databases
• Manage website updates and event listings
• Coordinate social media activity (directly or through contractors/volunteers)
• Track basic marketing metrics such as attendance, engagement, and list growth

EEO Compliance:

Ryde is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Ryde will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law.