James Jillson Bio

James Ryan Jillson is a musician turned arts administrator with a passion for helping cultural institutions take data-driven approaches to developing strategy, navigating change, building audiences, and strengthening revenue.

James was recently appointed the Vice President of Marketing & Guest Services at the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, the largest performing arts organization in the southwest. There, he oversees efforts to expand audiences, grow earned revenue streams, provide exceptional patron experiences, and steward the DSO’s brand.

Additionally, James teaches as part of the Arts Management & Arts Entrepreneurship graduate program at SMU’s Meadows School of the Arts. In recent years, James has also led numerous workshops and presented research on arts marketing and fundraising at industry conferences and for arts service organizations nationally and internationally.

James has previously served in marketing, communications, and development leadership roles at TACA (The Arts Community Alliance) and the Nasher Sculpture Center. He has earned an M.B.A. in Marketing, an M.A. in Arts Management, and a B.A. in Music from SMU.