President and Chief Executive Officer

The Seattle Symphony (“the Symphony”) and Benaroya Hall seek a highly collaborative, strategic, and transformative leader to serve as its next President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Partnering with the Board, incoming Music Director, and the executive team, the CEO will lead the organization to its highest aspirations in its next chapter, elevating the Symphony’s stature as a premier orchestra in the United States and Benaroya Hall as a cultural beacon for the Pacific Northwest.

From its home in Benaroya Hall in the heart of downtown Seattle, the Symphony is known for its excellence in symphonic and contemporary music, inventive programming, community-minded initiatives, and superb recordings. Recognized as one of the “most vital American orchestras” (NPR), the Seattle Symphony, along with the Seattle Symphony Foundation and Benaroya Hall, has a combined annual revenue of $38 million, a $49 million endowment, and approximately 200 employees. With updates to Benaroya Hall in the works, audience numbers increasing annually, and the recent announcement of Xian Zhang as the next Music Director starting in fall 2025, the Symphony is positioned to continue its key role in the cultural life of Seattle and beyond, operating with the same entrepreneurialism and innovation as the city itself.

The CEO will advance a bold and inclusive vision for the institution; energize donors, members, volunteers, and community stakeholders; and set ambitious plans for the future. The next CEO will effectively and persuasively communicate the organization’s mission and the breadth of its work, expand offerings in Benaroya Hall, advocate for resources, and increase attendance and community partnerships. As downtown Seattle regains its vibrancy, the Symphony and Benaroya Hall stand at the heart of this renewal. This critical work will ensure the Symphony is accessible and relevant to audiences and patrons, both locally and globally. 

Inquiries, nominations, referrals, and applications with a resume and letter of interest should be sent below.

Ben Tobin and Courtney Wilk-Mandel are leading this search with Nella Young and Cara Meyers.

It is the Symphony's policy to provide equal employment opportunity (EOE) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, the Seattle Symphony will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. 

The Seattle Symphony is part of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) program and has pledged to support Guard and Reserve employees.