Jesse Schiffman

Executive Director

Jesse Schiffman is a distinguished graduate of The Juilliard School and a passionate advocate for music education, artistic programming, and community engagement. With over 15 years of experience in music Mr. Schiffman has dedicated his career to enriching the lives of others through the power of music.

During his tenure at the esteemed San Diego Symphony, Mr. Schiffman played a pivotal role in expanding and enhancing the organization’s education and community programs. His leadership and strategic partnership development skills led to remarkable growth and impact. He was instrumental in forging strong collaborations with community organizations, educational institutions, and local businesses, fostering a vibrant musical ecosystem.

Notably, Mr. Schiffman served as the lead writer for the San Diego Symphony’s Catalyst Fund grant from The League of American Orchestras. Through this prestigious grant, he worked to successfully secure funding to further promote Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging (EDIB) both internally and externally. His exceptional grant writing skills, combined with a deep understanding of the importance of EDIB initiatives, enabled the symphony to advance its mission of creating a more inclusive and diverse musical community.

Mr. Schiffman’s ability to articulate the value of music education and community outreach resonated with philanthropic organizations and private donors, allowing the symphony to expand its reach and impact. Mr. Schiffman’s expertise in partnership development and community engagement was crucial in building strong relationships with key stakeholders and fostering a shared vision for accessible and meaningful music programs.

With a deep commitment to cultivating the next generation of musicians and fostering inclusivity, Mr. Schiffman has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to music education. He has designed and implemented innovative programs that have empowered countless aspiring musicians to realize their potential and find their own voice in the world of music.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, he is known for his infectious enthusiasm, creativity, and ability to connect with diverse audiences. 

As an educator Mr. Schiffman has taught throughout New York City, and served on the faculty of the Harlem School of The Arts as well as the El-Sistema inspired Harmony Program.  In 2009 and 2010 Mr. Schiffman had the opportunity to travel to Salvador, Brazil and work with students in the El-Sistema youth orchestra Neojiba.

As a respected figure in the music industry, Mr. Schiffman continues to champion the transformative power of music, advocating for its universal accessibility and profound influence on individual lives and communities. His unwavering commitment to excellence and his remarkable ability to bridge the gap between artistic expression and community engagement makes him a truly exceptional force in the world of music.

Staff Leadership

Sarah Thompson

Director of Donor and Audience Engagement

Board of Directors