Executive Assistant and Operations Manager

Young Concert Artists (YCA) seeks an exceptionally organized, intelligent, and resourceful professional to serve as Executive Assistant and Operations Manager— a high-trust, high-responsibility role at the center of a classical music organization dedicated to discovering and launching the next generation of exceptional classical artists.

YCA is a growing organization with significant initiatives underway across Artist Management, Auditions, Concerts, and institutional development. This role directly supports the President and operates at the intersection of executive leadership support, Board governance, and organizational operations. The person in this position will be expected to bring clarity, discipline, and rigorous follow-through to the work of the Office of the President.

Reporting to the President, the Executive Assistant and Operations Manager will strengthen the effectiveness of executive leadership, oversee the structure and execution of Board administration, and help ensure that internal systems support a 16-person team performing at a high level on behalf of artists and audiences. YCA values excellence, professionalism, and thoughtful execution; this role is central to maintaining those standards across the organization.

This role requires sound judgment, intellectual agility, and a strong sense of ownership. It is best suited to a professional who thinks quickly, writes clearly, anticipates needs, and takes equal pride in strategic contribution and meticulous execution. The right candidate will be comfortable in high-level discussions and fully accountable for the operational details that sustain an ambitious and mission-driven organization.

About Young Concert Artists

For 65 years Young Concert Artists has stood at the forefront of discovering and launching the careers of the future leaders of classical music. Founded by Susan Wadsworth in 1961, YCA has invested in its artists by providing them with the tools, opportunities, and infrastructure to take their careers to the highest level. YCA believes that successful modern musicians are more than gifted and highly-trained – they are cultural ambassadors who are well-equipped to bring new reach and relevance to the art form and inspire the widest possible audience.

The annual YCA Susan Wadsworth International Auditions draw the most exceptional young musicians from around the world for the chance to join the YCA roster and receive the YCA Jacobs Fellowship. This transformative three-year program propels musicians to new levels of artistic growth, offering a holistic combination of resources including comprehensive artist management, performance opportunities at top venues around the globe, and YCA-presented debut recitals in New York City and Washington, DC. YCA connects its artists to a far-reaching network, opening doors and fostering key relationships that fundamentally change the trajectory of their careers.

With a legacy of artistic excellence recognized around the world, YCA alumni include Emanuel Ax, Julia Bullock, Jeremy Denk, Ray Chen, Anne-Marie McDermott, Pinchas Zukerman, Randall Goosby, and many others.

YCA operates an extensive annual programmatic portfolio, securing hundreds of performance engagements each year, including concerts, touring, and more than 250 education and community engagement activities. The organization presents public concerts in New York and Washington, DC, produces two annual galas, and maintains a vibrant national and international presence. A dedicated 16-person staff works collaboratively to support artists and sustain an organization committed to excellence, professionalism, and long-term impact.

Core Areas of Responsibility

I. Executive Leadership Support

Provide disciplined, high-level administrative and organizational support to the President, helping ensure clarity, follow-through, and effective use of time.

Responsibilities include:

• Coordinating the President’s meetings and scheduling logistics, and working in close partnership with him to manage competing demands, and maximize the effective use of time
• Attending select leadership and organizational meetings to track key decisions, summarize action items, and support clear follow-through
• Maintaining organized systems for tracking President’s commitments, deadlines, and ongoing institutional initiatives
• Assisting with executive project management, including assembling timelines, organizing materials, and coordinating next steps for complex initiatives
• Drafting and refining correspondence, internal communications, and structured documents at the direction of the President
• Organizing and maintaining executive files, Board materials, contracts, and other confidential documents
• Coordinating travel logistics and related executive administrative needs

II. Board Operations and Administration

Oversee and manage the operational mechanics of YCA’s Board of Directors, Washington Board, and Board committee processes.

Responsibilities include:

• Managing the annual Board and committee calendar
• Scheduling meetings and coordinating logistics (venues, Zoom, materials distribution)
• Preparing draft agendas in collaboration with the President and Chief Development Officer
• Taking detailed meeting notes and producing minutes for review
• Tracking Board action items and governance follow-through
• Monitoring governance cycles, including elections, committee rotations, charter approvals, and required documentation
• Proactively identifying when governance steps require action and proposing solutions
• Communicating persistently and professionally with Board members regarding attendance, materials, and scheduling
• Liaising with external venues and partners to ensure smooth execution of Board gatherings

III. Organizational & Office Operations

Ensure operational stability and administrative infrastructure for a 16-person arts organization.

Responsibilities include:

• Coordinating weekly financial operations with YCA’s Accountant and Bookkeeper
• Depositing checks and supporting payment coordination
• Liaising with building management and external vendors
• Ordering and maintaining office supplies
• Coordinating benefits administration and onboarding logistics
• Serving as primary liaison to external IT support
• Managing software licenses and technology setup for new staff
• Supporting internal meeting scheduling and cross-departmental coordination
• Maintaining document systems and archival organization
• Including other duties as assigned

Qualifications & Profile

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• 5+ years of experience in executive support, nonprofit operations, governance administration, or similarly demanding roles
• Strong organizational judgment and consistent follow-through across multiple priorities
• Clear, professional writing and note-taking ability
• The ability to absorb complex discussions and translate them into concrete next steps
• Sound judgment, discretion, and professionalism in handling confidential information
• Comfort interacting with Board members and senior stakeholders
• Persistence, attention to detail, and pride in execution — from high-level planning to day-to-day operational tasks
• Fluency with Google Workspace, MS Excel, and standard office technology
• Nonprofit experience preferred; familiarity with classical music a plus

This role is best suited to someone who:

• Takes ownership of responsibilities and follows through reliably, prioritizing organizational success over personal recognition
• Demonstrates steadiness and professionalism under pressure
• Listens carefully, communicates clearly, and manages competing demands without losing attention to detail
• Is comfortable balancing strategic conversations with practical execution
• Values high standards and professional excellence
• Is motivated by meaningful responsibility and long-term growth

Young Concert Artists is an equal opportunity employer and encourages candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

Compensation & Structure

Salary range: $80,000–$90,000, commensurate with experience.

This position follows a hybrid schedule, with three days per week in YCA’s Manhattan office (Tues–Thurs) and two remote days (Mon & Fri). Occasional evening and weekend work required around concerts and Board events.

YCA offers health, dental, and vision insurance; generous paid time off; and an employer-funded retirement plan.

To apply, please submit a resume and a thoughtful cover letter explaining your interest in this role.

This position follows a hybrid schedule, with three days per week in YCA’s Manhattan office (Tues–Thurs) and two remote days (Mon & Fri). Occasional evening and weekend work required around concerts and Board events.

YCA offers health, dental, and vision insurance; generous paid time off; and an employer-funded retirement plan.