Executive Director, Toronto Music Experience

Job title:

Executive Director, Toronto Music Experience

Company

Job description

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR POSITION OPPORTUNITYOpen July 15, 2025 to August 31, 2025Toronto Music Experience (TME) is seeking a visionary Executive Director to lead Canada’s first institution dedicated to Toronto’s music history and future.The Toronto Music Experience (TME) is a bold new cultural initiative that celebrates and elevates Toronto’s extraordinary musical legacy—from grassroots scenes to global stages. As Canada’s first institution dedicated entirely to Toronto’s music history and future, TME highlights the city’s dynamic contributions across genres, communities, and generations.Incorporated in 2024 as a registered charity, TME’s board of directors has established the viability of this concept by completing a comprehensive feasibility study and taking foundational steps, including a highly successful introductory fundraiser. Building on this success, upcoming programming will include immersive exhibitions, community activations, performances, and education initiatives. TME’s goal is to continue engaging the public with the stories behind the music and artists that have shaped Toronto and beyond, through both fundraising and promotional events.While planning is underway for a permanent physical destination (anticipated by 2030), TME is actively expanding its public presence through fundraising events, strategic partnerships, pop-up programming, and storytelling initiatives.The OpportunityTME is seeking a visionary and entrepreneurial Executive Director (ED) to lead the organization through its founding phase and lay the groundwork for long-term growth. Reporting to our active and highly engaged working Board of Directors, the ED will serve as the organization’s first staff leader and, with a hands-on approach, will oversee all aspects of strategy, fundraising, operations, programming, stakeholder engagement, infrastructure development, governance and future planning. The successful candidate will be able to evolve with TME and grow into the leadership of a world-class arts organization as we successfully fund and build a world-class cultural destination.This is a unique, landmark opportunity to build a major cultural institution from the ground up–creating a world-class space of music, memory, inspiration and belonging in one of the world’s most diverse cities.PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIESStrategic Vision & Organizational Leadership

• Co-develop and implement early-stage strategic and operational plans in collaboration with the Board
• Define priorities, key milestones, and organizational performance metrics
• Recommend future staffing models and resource requirements and as milestones are achieved, manage the fulfillment of these models and requirements
• Serve as the principal liaison with the Board of Directors, reporting on progress and key opportunities

Fundraising & Financial Management

• Work with the Board on fundraising efforts—including prospect research, personal and corporate donor development, public grants, sponsorships, and foundation support
• Establish and initially manage TME’s financial infrastructure, including budgeting, financial controls, and reporting in accordance with CRA guidelines
• Manage financial risk and ensure transparency and sustainability

Program & Brand Development

• Propose, launch and manage pilot public programs (e.g., pop-ups, performances, panels) that bring TME’s mission to life
• Oversee the development of TME’s brand identity, digital storytelling, and community engagement strategies

Site Planning & Feasibility

• Engage with the Board and with partners to identify and assess opportunities for TME’s future permanent home
• Support and assist the Board in assessing options for TME’s permanent location
• Incorporate public and stakeholder input into feasibility studies and long-term plans
• Lead interim space planning for pop-up programming and events

Community & Stakeholder Relations

• Serve as the organization’s lead public representative to industry leaders, donors, and the public
• Work with the board to foster partnerships with arts organizations, community groups, educational institutions, and cultural partners
• Actively listen to and represent the broad and diverse communities that shape Toronto’s music scene
• Ensure that equity, diversity, and inclusion principles guide all aspects of TME’s work

Governance & Board Relations

• Work with the Board to review and refine governance practices, committee structures, policies and bylaws.
• Perform the role of Secretary of the Board in their first year.
• Support Board development, including recruitment and onboarding of new members
• Prepare clear reports on organizational performance and financial health

Early-Stage Priorities (First 12-24 Months)

• Develop and launch a fundraising strategy with a focus on early donors and public funding
• Establish core financial, operational, and governance systems
• Initiate TME’s public presence through pop-up programming and strategic partnerships
• Advance feasibility and planning for TME’s permanent home, including community and stakeholder input

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONSCore Requirements

• Senior nonprofit leader with strong operational expertise in early-stage cultural or creative organizations.
• Proven fundraising success, including donor engagement, sponsorship acquisition and government relations
• Demonstrated strategic visioning, planning and execution experience
• Knowledge of Toronto’s music scene and cultural sector
• Experience working with Boards of Directors and reporting on organizational performance
• Familiarity with public-sector funding and nonprofit compliance

Key Skills & Capabilities

• Visionary and purpose-driven individual with a passion for music, culture, and community
• Entrepreneurial mindset – comfortable working independently, building from scratch, and navigating ambiguity
• Strong financial literacy and experience with nonprofit budget development
• Exceptional communication, stakeholder engagement, and partnership-building skills
• Commitment to inclusiveness and anti-oppression principles

Preferred Experience

• Familiarity with nonprofit compliance, CRA guidelines, and charitable governance
• Experience launching new cultural programs or institutions
• Understanding of the available grants and governmental support for arts organizations and experience navigating the application processes
• Lived experience or deep engagement with Toronto’s diverse music communities

WORK ENVIRONMENTThis is a full-time, 1-year contract position beginning in January 2026, reporting to the Board of Directors. The role is primarily remote, with in-person participation expected for key Board meetings, public events, and partner engagements in Toronto. As the organization evolves and grows, there will be opportunities to extend the term and build a team with full-time, contract, or fractional support.COMPENSATIONCompensation will be commensurate with experience and aligned with industry standards. A salary range will be shared with candidates who progress to the interview stage.TO APPLYIf you are excited by the opportunity to lead a new cultural institution that honours Toronto’s past and shapes its future through music, please submit your resume and a detailed cover letter outlining your vision and relevant experience to: Wentworth Strategy Group on behalf of the TME Nominating Committee: . Application Deadline: August 31, 2025We thank all applicants for their interest. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. TME strongly encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds, especially those from equity-deserving communities and those with experience in Toronto’s music ecosystem.

Expected salary

Location

Toronto, ON

Job date

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 22:58:35 GMT

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