Chief Administrative Officer

Chief Administrative Officer

Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM)

 

Job Details

Job Location

Peter Jay Sharp Building - Brooklyn, NY

Position Type

Full-Time

Salary Range

$275000.00 - $286000.00 Salary

Job Category

Executive

 

Description

 

Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) is a multi-disciplinary arts center located in Brooklyn, New York. For more than 150 years, BAM has been the home for adventurous artists, audiences, and ideas—engaging both global and local communities. With world-renowned programming in theater, dance, music, opera, film, and much more, BAM showcases the work of emerging artists and innovative modern masters.

 

The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) will lead and integrate the organization's administrative and infrastructure functions, ensuring they are aligned with and support BAM’s artistic and cultural mission. Reporting to the President and serving as a key member of the senior leadership team, the CAO will oversee Human Resources, Facilities, Security, and Capital Projects. This is a critical leadership role for a mission-driven, forward-looking leader who can strengthen organizational capacity, steward vital resources, and help shape a people-centered, future-ready workplace.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

 

Strategic Leadership & Organizational Stewardship

 

• Serve as a trusted advisor to the President, the Board, and the Senior Leadership Team; provide strategic insight on organizational culture; anticipate challenges, navigate sensitive issues and foster an inclusive workplace.

• Align people, processes, and resources to support strategic objectives and long-term sustainability. Oversee the integration of strategic initiatives with financial responsibility, talent development, and operational execution.

• Advise on change management and organizational design, ensuring BAM’s strategic initiatives are implemented with attention to human impact, communication, and long-term sustainability. Craft approaches that engage staff, minimize disruption, and advance equity and alignment.

• In collaboration with the Chief Technology Off icer (CTO), develop and execute the organization’s technology strategy, aligning IT infrastructure, systems, and digital tools with current operations and long-term strategic goals to drive efficiency, innovation, and growth.

• Champion cross-functional digital transformation initiatives, collaborating with the CTO and other senior leaders to modernize workflows, enhance data-driven decision-making, and improve user experience across BAM’s digital platform.

 

Human Resources

 

• Develop and lead a people strategy aligned with BAM’s mission, vision, and strategic goals; partner with senior leadership to ensure the workforce structure, culture, and capabilities support a sustainable organization.

• Oversee recruitment of top talent at all levels; lead initiatives supporting leadership development, performance management, and succession planning.

• Champion learning and development programs that promote internal mobility, continuous growth, and retention.

• Design and manage compensation, benefits, and recognition programs that are competitive, equitable, and aligned with organizational goals; lead workforce planning and organizational design eff orts, ensuring roles, teams, and staff ing levels are optimized for eff ectiveness and sustainability.

• Create policies, procedures, and training that ensure compliance with employment laws; oversee employee relations, conflict resolution, and workplace investigations, providing leadership on sensitive and high-impact matters; mitigate organizational risk by ensuring consistent, fair, and legally sound HR practices.

• Oversee all union relationships, including contract negotiations, grievance resolution, and labor-management partnerships, ensuring productive dialogue, compliance with collective bargaining agreements, and alignment with organizational goals.

 

Facilities & Security Management

 

• Oversee the strategic planning, operations, and maintenance of BAM’s four physical facilities, ensuring they are safe, functional, sustainable, and aligned with organizational needs. This includes long-range capital planning, space utilization, and infrastructure upgrades.

• Lead security strategies and emergency preparedness, developing and implementing protocols that protect people, property, and assets. This includes risk assessment, crisis response planning, and coordination with external agencies as needed.

• Collaborate with senior leadership to align facilities and security planning with organizational growth, culture, and priorities, supporting a safe, welcoming, and mission-centered environment for staff, visitors, and stakeholders.

 

Capital Projects

 

• Oversee the planning, execution, and delivery of major capital projects, including renovations, new construction, and infrastructure upgrades, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and in alignment with strategic objectives.

• Oversee project teams, architects, engineers, and contractors, managing contracts, schedules, risk, and stakeholder communication to ensure transparency, accountability, and quality control throughout all project phases.

• Develop and steward the capital budget and funding strategies, working closely with finance, development, and the Sr. Leadership Team to align capital investments with organizational priorities, fundraising goals, and long-term sustainability.

 

Qualifications

 

• 10+ years of progressively responsible senior leadership experience in administration, operations, or a related field, ideally within cultural or nonprofit organizations

• Deep knowledge of HR and best operational practices; knowledge of NYC labor laws and unionized environments required

• Expert Excel and analytical skills; able to look at data and see the story behind it

• Excellent communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills; experienced in managing executive level stakeholders, including board members

• Demonstrated commitment to inclusion and belonging in the arts

• Flexible, open, and capable of thriving in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, and managing multiple projects simultaneously

• Passion for BAM’s mission and contemporary performing arts

• Familiarity with the New York arts and cultural landscape preferred

• Ability to follow BAM’s hybrid work policy, which currently requires at least two days per week in the office, but is subject to change

 

Compensation

 

• The salary for this position is $275,000-286,000. BAM provides a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance, retirement plan opportunities including both 401(k) and pension plans, as well as BAM-related benefits, including access to BAM's fantastic programming.

 

Working Conditions

 

• Category 2- Administrative work with walking

 

Application Instructions:

 

The Chief Administrative Officer search is being conducted on behalf of BAM by TOC Arts Partners, a national consultancy aligning strategies, structures, and leadership toward a thriving cultural sector. The search is being led by Search Consultant Brenna Thomas, in consultation with and support from the TOC Arts Partners search team.

 

Must complete an online application through BAM's website  - no phone calls, emails or walk-ins, please. Your cover letter should include any training or experience relevant to the job profile that you would like to highlight, why you consider yourself a good fit for this opportunity, and anything else you’d like us to know about your qualifications that may not be present in your resume.

 

Applications will be accepted until this role is filled. We encourage you to apply by October 13, 2025, for priority consideration. Interviews may begin at any time, and we encourage you to apply as early as possible for best consideration. Please note that applying before the priority deadline does not guarantee an interview, and all applicants will receive a response regarding the consideration and status of their candidacy.

Internal Applicants must apply through BAM's website

 

Employees must meet all the following criteria to be considered for an interview:

 

• Completed at least 1 year of continuous, active service in current position. (Positions excluded include, but are not limited to, temporary assignments, and probationary employees)

• Meet the experience and skills requirements as outlined in the job post

• Be employed in the current position for at least one year

• Performed in a satisfactory manner without any corrective actions in the last 12 months

 

Brooklyn Academy of Music is an Equal Opportunity Employer. BAM recognizes that historic institutional practices lead to a non-inclusive environment and is working to address diversity and inclusion in all forms. Individuals in BAM are experiencing their own pace during this process, which is not uncommon when addressing power and privilege. The Executive team supports and continues to take part in this process.