Arts Consulting Group Seeking New Leader for the San Francisco Jazz Organization
March 3, 2025 – Boston-based search firm Arts Consulting Group (ACG) has been retained by the San Francisco Jazz Organization (SFJAZZ) to lead in its search for a new CEO. Vice presidents Geoff Chang and Josyanne Roche are leading the assignment. The CEO will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the organization’s business functions, including education, finance, contributed and earned revenue, business operations, as well as supporting artistic vision and programming. Reporting to the board of trustees, the CEO will lead a diverse and talented team, ensuring that the organization’s mission is fulfilled in a financially sustainable and artistically excellent manner. In partnership with the executive artistic director, they will represent SFJAZZ as a spokesperson and ambassador within the community.
An entrepreneurial, strategic, and results-driven leader, the CEO of SFJAZZ will possess a deep commitment to the organization’s mission and a passion for the arts and cultural community, and Jazz in particular. With exceptional financial acumen and operational expertise, they will balance visionary leadership with pragmatic decision-making to ensure the organization’s sustainability and growth. A skilled communicator and relationship-builder, the CEO will foster collaboration among staff, board members, donors, and community partners.
With strong values and impeccable integrity, they will bring a strong understanding of equity, diversity, and inclusion, recognizing the role of jazz in reflecting and shaping cultural identity, according to ACG. This inspiring leader will have an innovative approach through imagining new possibilities for SFJAZZ and galvanizing stakeholders to achieve bold goals and expand its impact locally, nationally, and internationally.
Applications from those with demonstrated success in organizational leadership, financial management, and fundraising are strongly encouraged. An affinity for and/or strong passion for the arts and cultural sector, with an understanding of the role of jazz in shaping cultural identity, would be highly valued, and applicants from the for-profit and corporate sectors will be strongly considered. The ideal CEO will have experience leading teams, fostering collaboration, and driving strategic initiatives. They should possess excellent communication skills and a proven ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders, including donors, board members, staff, and community partners. No specific number of years of experience or educational requirements are required.
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Founded in 1983 by former executive artistic director Randall Kline, the San Francisco Jazz Organization (SFJAZZ) is a recognized international leader in jazz creation, presentation, and education. Exploring the full spectrum of jazz performance from the music’s origins to present-day expressions, SFJAZZ’s mission is to develop jazz audiences in the Bay Area and beyond by celebrating jazz as a living, constantly evolving art form.
Serving the Arts and Culture Industries
Arts Consulting Group provides interim management, executive search, revenue enhancement consulting, facilities and program planning, and organizational development services for the arts and culture industry. The firm has identified senior-level leaders for the Long Beach Opera, Fort Worth Opera, Chicago Opera, Stockton Symphony Association and Portland Baroque Orchestra, among others. The firm has offices in Boston; Calgary; Chicago; Dallas; Denver; Halifax; Los Angeles; Nashville, TN; New York; Portland, OR; San Francisco; Tampa, FL; Toronto; and Washington, D.C.
Bruce Thibodeau founded ACG in 1997 and has been part of numerous projects in all practice areas to grow institutional sustainability, advance the arts and culture sector, and enhance communities served by the industry. Dr. Thibodeau has guided hundreds of non-profit, university and government clients in achieving effective leadership transitions, planning cultural facilities, increasing revenues, developing dynamic institutional brands and messages, crafting strategic plans and business models, and revitalizing board governance practices.
Mr. Chang brings a rich background of experience within the arts and culture industries, specifically within the dance sector. He serves as ACG’s executive search practice leader and has guided various executive search and strategic planning initiatives for numerous clients throughout North America. Mr. Chang most recently served as general manager at the Mark Morris Dance Group in Brooklyn.
Ms. Roche has a wealth of experience in organizational development and talent cultivation, and recruitment. She has devoted her career to helping clients find senior leaders to meet their needs and in establishing strong, equitable, and diverse teams. Her areas of expertise include client engagement, project management, candidate development, and research spanning across higher education, non-profit, arts and culture, healthcare, and government sectors.
Related: Arts Consulting Group Assists Shakespeare Theatre Company with Executive Director Search
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
